Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

RED ROOVES EVERYWHERE!

On a trip to Australia to be of assistance and encouragement to our missionary, spearheading missionary efforts of the churches of the American Baptist Association to that country, Laura and I found ourselves on a flight with a large number of Australian farmers who were returning from a “round the world” tour of ranches and farms. Their stops in the USA included Amarillo, Texas. They were enamored with the American West. Most of them were wearing bandanas and western boots. One even had a genuine sack of Bull Durham tobacco with the yellow strings hanging out of his shirt pocket. We engaged them in interesting conversation.

As the aircraft approached Australia, I fixed attention on the scenes below with great anticipation. It was then that one of those farmers leaned over my seat and said in a heavy Australian brogue, “Awl ye’ll see’s red rooves.” After asking him to repeat the sentence twice, I finally understood what he was saying. He was right, of course, and I was initially disappointed. I thought the country was sadly lacking in architectural diversity. However, once on the ground that thought changed dramatically. Red tiled rooves may have covered most buildings, but diversity of construction and color pleasantly prevailed.

What an appropriate illustration of “Christianity” this conveyed. Folks under the umbrella of Christianity are so blessed to be there by the shed blood of Christ Jesus on their behalf. But the way some build their life on that foundation is as diverse as those buildings. The range is from magnificent to shabby; practical to gaudy, but mostly far from being a projection of the biblical blueprint. It was our purpose, as well as those who would follow to build according to the biblical blueprint, and not after the whims of men.

That purpose remains! The apostle Paul wrote to the church of the Living God in Corinth, and by proper extrapolation to us all throughout the age, that the church is the building of God. He further stated, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” I Corinthians 3:9-10.

The apostle went on to write in the following verses just how important it is to build according to the biblical blueprint. Such would be as gold, silver, and precious stones on the day of the Lord. Otherwise, a lot of stained glass and vaulted ceilings where social stability takes precedence over “thus saith the Lord,” will be revealed as wood, hay, and stubble. All will be tried by fire. Which do you think will remain and be rewarded?

FOR THOUGHT: How much responsibility do you think you have for learning and following the Lord properly? Are you looking to religious leaders or the Bible itself? Do you seek harmony in what you hear told or preached with the unity of the Bible? What do you think will be the basis of your eternal reward? Do you believe you must live in eternity forever and the reward of righteous living here and now will be a huge consideration without end?