William Barclay once defined four classifications for those he called “religious people”:
- Those seeking inward fellowship with God.
- Those wanting standards to live-by.
- Those desiring a sound philosophy for life’s decisions.
- Those longing access to God.
Our faith may be characterized by some of these motivations, a combination of them, or a variety of other reasons.
The Christian scriptures address these longings.
For those seeking Fellowship With God, Paul says: “… whether living in plenty or in want… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:12-13)
For those wanting Standards, Peter says: “As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. (1 Peter 1:13-16)
For those desiring a Sound Philosophy, John’s Gospel quotes Jesus saying: "I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
For those longing for Access to God, the author of Hebrews says: “Let us draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22)
The Spirit of God has a unique pathway to each of us and God uses scriptures to penetrate the heart.
(painting are by Nicolai Fechin)
