“Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”
--1 Peter 4:9
The passage that heads this blog post is significant for a number of reasons, among which is the fact that it shows a proper Christian attitude toward hosting and serving others. The reason that I want to highlight this passage today, however, is as an example of the practical aspects of training in righteousness.
Many of the New Testament commands are of an extremely practical nature. Merely examining the text of any Pauline epistle will make that much clear. These practical commands are crucially important to the life of the church and to the lives of each member of the church. If these practical commands are left unfulfilled, weepers would not be wept with (Rom. 12:15), widows would be without (1 Tim. 5:16), and wanderers would not be welcomed (1 Pet. 4:9).
On the one hand, practical ministry is appealing because it does not require theological sophistication. Showing hospitality does not require the writing or reading of a book, or earning a degree, or preaching a sermon. There are no academic prerequisites for the practicing of hospitality.
On the other hand, fulfilling the practical commands of the New Testament requires more theological sophistication, heavenly wisdom, and knowledge of God’s character than any academic degree program can give because the practical commands require us to understand God’s character and to be willing to imitate Him. These things come from the grace of the Spirit, and if we lack them no human institution can grant them.
Fulfilling these beautiful commands is a way to honor God and learn more about Him. Oftentimes it is through practical experiences (when viewed through the lens of Scripture) that we see the character of God displayed before us.
In light of that, I hope that we will all strive to fulfill the practical commands with deep, theologically-informed love for God. May He grant us greater knowledge of Himself!
--Dean of Admissions
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