I am often baffled by comments and writings that express
some sort of dichotomy between theology
and practice. For instance, some say, “We
need to be more practical.” Such sayings fly the banner of a supposed reality that
no more knowledge of doctrine is necessary.
Somehow there is an abundant supply of theology with the absence of
living out the principles gained. I
would beg to differ. If practicality is
missing, so is the knowledge by which the action is begging. “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving yourselves” (James 2:22).
There is also no honor in mindless activity. Having accomplished “many wonders” in the
name of the Lord (Matt 7:22-23) is no bargain when absent of the will of God.
God’s being is not something detached from His ways. In His revelation to man, it has never been
so. Out of His being flows the actions
by which He makes Himself known and the necessary provisions for men to know
Him and respond to Him. The passion to connect with the “real needs” of the
people He created is top priority in the theology of God.
The multitude of human needs are innumerable in our world
with its social, geographical, and cultural constructs. The Divine implement of
the Spirit guides through truths the order of activity within family, church,
and variegated community. The Word was
never designed to sit in a castle without touching the populous. If theology and practice are separated, it is
only by misguided “so-called theologians” who attempt to have empty hands with
truth or misguided “passionate practitioners” who attempt everything imaginable
without doctrinal foundations.
How we live has a direct correlation to how much we know
about God. If we lack practicality in a particular area of our lives, it is
because we really don’t know God and His will fully in the matter.
If we busy ourselves to do things without a
proper theology, then the emptiness of our cause will ever be the result before
us. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Let us speak and discern appropriately when it comes to
theology and practice. Measure them on a
united
front, then the valuation of spiritual status will find level ground in both
knowledge and practice.
