John Calvin pronounced the following indictment against those who trust in their own abilities:
Strange and monstrous indeed is the license of our pride! The Lord demands nothing stricter than for us to observe His Sabbath most scrupulously [Ex. 20:8ff,; Deut. 5:12ff.], that is, by resting from our labors. Yet there is nothing that we are more unwilling to do than bid farewell to our own labors and to give God’s works their rightful place. — Institutes, 2.III.9
We think we are too busy and have too much to do to be still and worship, like we could accomplish any task apart from His strength or outside His sovereignty. This Sabbath principle applies to our truant prayer lives as well, like efficiency and productivity are self-empowered or dependent on our time management skills. What heinous hubris humans have.
4 Comments
Thanks Sean, what a powerful reminder of my dependence upon Christ’s strength. I was just reading Psalm 59 today where David actually substitutes the word “Strength” for the name of God several times indicating his utter dependence upon God. What wonderful reminders of my pride and need for humility..
Humans have heinous hubris? How horrible!
Thank you Sean.
Wow Sean, that is word needed for today, esp. in our busy and hurried North Atlanta culture.