“Nutty” Is the Word

A danger that we must acquaint ourselves with as we discuss the need to contemplate God more deeply is that of becoming more interested in godliness than in God Himself. Theologian Jim Packer puts the point effectively when he says that “moving in evangelical circles as I do, I am often troubled by what I find. While my fellow believers are constantly seeking to advance in godliness, they show little direct interest in God Himself. When they study Scripture, only the principles of personal godliness get their attention; their heavenly Father does not. It is as if they should concentrate on the ethics of marriage and fail to spend time with their spouse!” He goes on to say: “There is something narcissistic, and, to tell the truth, nutty in being more concerned with godliness than about God.”

I think “nutty” is the right word.

I knew a man who went to every seminar he could find on the subject of marriage, and whenever he came upon a new idea or a deep insight, he would reflect for hours on its wonder and profundity. The only trouble was he never got past the reflecting stage, and while he indulged himself in new and profound ideas, his wife was left languishing at home.

How sad that a man can take more interest in the principles that undergird his marriage than in the partner whom he has pledged to love, honor, and cherish. Let’s be watchful that we don’t care more for the principles of godliness than the God we are called to praise and please every day of our lives.

Further Study

2Tim 3:1-5; 2Ch 25:1-2; Isa 29:13

What is one of the signs of the last days?

What is said of Amaziah?