Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17When I started this blog a couple of years ago, it needed a title. I chose Willing Habitation. This phrase is adapted from a sentence in a book on preaching by Wallace E. Fisher. Dr. Fisher was my ordination sponsor. More importantly, Dr. Fisher was a pastor, author, mentor, leader, and faithful servant of the church during the second half of the 20th century.
Although a bit "in your face" this assertion by Fisher below has clung to me for years -- a steady reminder of what's at stake in my vocation.
Christ confronts persons through preachers who, making themselves willing habitations for him, proclaim God's demands and promises no matter what the cost may be to their persons. Wallace E. FisherThere seems to be a connection between this notion of being a willing habitation and the call to "let the word of Christ dwell in you.." from the Colossians text. One is an expectation the other is an invitation. Yet they get at the same thing. Becoming a dwelling place and a willing habitation is not something to which we are naturally inclined. At least I'm not. It is a discipline to make the room and clear out the clutter.
It terms of growing together spiritually, this task of house cleaning seems to be the first, yet often overlooked, step. If not the word of Christ, what is it that dwells in you? What is it for which we would rather provide sanctuary -- serve as a willing habitation?
So, depending on the amount of snow we get over the next couple of days, we will have an opportunity to discuss this at our gathering on Sunday morning at 8:45. As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome. God bless you.
+ + +
As you are watching the snow fall, here is Simone Dinnerstein playing Suite Bergamasque - 3. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy.
Thank you for sharing Dr. Fisher's quote and the explanation of Willing Habitation. Thought provoking. I really like the Lego broom pusher too!
ReplyDeleteYou have "gladdened the gallant heart of Jesus" by your thoughts and by your actions. May God richly bless you and your ministry, Pastor Frye.
ReplyDeletePastor Frye - you certainly / lovingly do "confront us" with God's instructions and promises. I hadn't thought of it in those terms. thank you. PS - where did you get the picture of my basement?
ReplyDeleteDear Pastor, I appreciate your blend of rootedness in the faith and your branching out into all of the wondrous nooks and crannies of human life: Lego guy! Clair de Lune! Dr. Fisher! Only you would pull all of these together.
ReplyDelete