"A character which religion does not fructify – does not soften, enlarge, beautify, and enrich – is not benefited by religion – or, rather, has not possessed itself of religion. God loves that which is beautiful and attractive in character, just as much as we do, and it makes no difference where he sees it. He does not dislike the amiable traits of a sinner, because he is a sinner, nor does he admire those traits of a Christian which we feel to be contemptible, simply because they belong to a Christian. A Christian sucked dry of his humanity, is just as juiceless and as flavorless as a sucked orange, and I believe that God regards him in the same light that we do. He will save such I doubt not, for their faith; and, in the coming world, they will learn what they do not know here; but the question whether they are as well worth saving as some of their neighbors, may, I think, be legitimately entertained.” Timothy Titcomb.
I love this post, and the 'tongue in cheek' last line, makes me smile.
Photo from the Internet
9 comments:
The last line actually made me incrediably sad.
Hi Fred :)
Very interesting post!
I don't know why this post reminded me of the story of the Prodigal son who comes back to his father and the father laid out a grand feast in honor of his son.
Have a good day :)
Hi Fred!
This is a thought-provoking post.
"A Christian sucked dry of his humanity, is just as juiceless and as flavorless as a sucked orange..."
Boy can I relate to that! I don't know though... I don't think it's possible for a person who's been truly born again to be like this, or to be like it for very long. I think it's far more likely for someone who THINKS they're a Christian but don't actually have the Living Water of the Holy Spirit bubbling inside them.
So you know, my mom, Linnea and I watched Amazing Grace on Monday night. It was my second time seeing it, and it was their first time. I loved it even more the second time than I did the first time around. John Piper spoke a message about William Wilberforce (sp?) that I'm really looking forward to reading. It inspires me to see movies and read stories about people who gave their whole lives and hearts to the purpose of glorifying God by doing their part to make the world a better place.
My favorite part of the movie is the end, when they play the song beginning with the bagpipes and then add the drums and the brass... It makes me tear up every time.
I hope you'll watch the movie Joan of Arc and let me know what you think of it. :)
God bless you, my friend!
Love in Christ,
Mel
Hi Anon,
Good point.
God bless,
Fred
Hi Joseph,
I have read and re-read this but I can't figure out why it sparked that story? Oh well, that's a great story.
God bless,
Fred.
Hi Mel,
I think the norm for Christians is to go through seasons, and of course that includes a winter, but some that have been reared in legalism or constrictive circumstances, or have been hurt or traumatized, can spend their whole Christian life in winter.
Sad for everyone.
Okay, now with your review on Amazing Grace I'm going to have to re-watch that. My weekend rentals are getting filled!
God bless,
Fred
Hiya Fred!
Other great movies to see...
You already know about Joan of Arc, but other movies that are totally worth seeing (for kids and grown-ups), and are probably even worth buying, are "The Ultimate Gift", "Horton Hears a Who" and "Wall-e."
Merry Christmas, my Brother!
Mel
Hi Mel,
I did see "The Ultimate Gift", twice, love the ethics and the acting was good as well. Eric liked Wall-E as well and I've heard good things about it, will see it for sure. Haven't heard anything about "Horton Hears a Who". I'll check it out. Did you ever see the older movie "Batteries Not Included"? It may be a similar theme as Wall-E?
Anyway, it was a good family movie worth watching, as I remember it.
Many blessings,
Fred
I'm sure I will be clinging to the last line of the quote and singing amazing grace...as I enter those gates oh heaven that are made of crushed, pressed, irritants turned pearl. And I imagine outside those gate will be the dogs as John calls them. Barking, nipping, growling souls who most likely spent thief time living as the first people in the post and were often responsable for chasing away the last people in the post.
I am sure The last shall be first, is going to make a lot of people sad.
But it gives me joy, hope and a love for my Father(s) that reminds me of the sweetness of oranges not the bitter of lemons.
Hi Eric,
"....gates of heaven that are made of crushed, pressed, irritants turned pearl." interesting thought, and thoughts well put.
Love Dad
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