The Great Books of the Western World, published in the 1950s, gave the longest space to the theme of “God.” When Mortimer Adler, the editor, was asked why…he answered without hesitation, “Because more consequences for life and action follow from the affirmation or denial of God than from any other basic question.”
Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale, Jesus Among Secular Gods: The Countercultural Claims of Christ
“Anything good in me comes from him.” This is how I’ve always encouraged others to talk about the work of God in their life. When visiting a Muslim friend, they would ask why my children were so well-behaved or my husband showed me such respect. My answer was always Jesus. When Jesus reigns in my marriage and home, he helps me to raise my children and love my husband. In myself, I am nothing, but in him I can bear fruit.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (NIV)
I think in the books of our day, we will see fewer sections given to the theme of God, because he is no longer the center of most lives. Even when he should be receiving credit for the good works his children do, the world refuses to acknowledge his participation or influence at all.
What do we do with that? We never stop giving him the credit he is due for the good in our lives. No matter how little the world wants to hear it, the first words flowing from our lips when we are complimented for anything we’ve done on this earth should be that it was due to Christ.
As Christ followers, we must be the “books” of our generation. Those who see our lives, hear our words, must see “God did this” all over us. In this way alone will future generations have any hope of hearing.
Is God the theme of your life? Your answer will determine your place in the great book of life.
Grace and Peace