Hard Questions to Answer

My goodness, Tim Keller knows how to ask the hard questions!  As I mentioned earlier, our small group is studying the book Gospel in Life.  Stephen and I did the homework before small group last week.  You know when you start underlining the good stuff and then realize you're underlining the whole page/chapter?  That's the way it was with this section entitled, "Three Ways to Live." He started with a chart that contrasted eight differences between "religion" and the "gospel," and, I have to admit that several of them were very convicting.  Look at two examples:

EXAMPLE 1:

RELIGION--"My prayer life consists largely of petitions, and it only heats up when I am in a time of need." 

GOSPEL--"My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration.  My main purpose is fellowship with God."

EXAMPLE 2:

RELIGION--"When I am criticized, I am furious or devastated, because it is critical that I think of myself as a 'good person.'"

GOSPEL--When I am criticized, I struggle, but it is not essential for me to think of myself as a 'good person.' My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on God's love for me in Christ."

He concluded with this question--Look at the table and circle anything that is true of your own heart.  Is there anything you would like to change?

Being honest with myself and with God is not easy!  It shouldn't be so hard, though, because God already knows my thoughts, motives, desires and my heart.