Eugene Peterson - The Contemplative Christian - Christianity Today Magazine

'We can't participate in God's work if we insist on doing it our own way.' [Peterson] cited two examples of 'doing the right thing the wrong way': congregation and Scripture. We consider both to be our matters, not God's. Instead of forming communities that embody self-denial, sacrifice, and patience for God to become present in them, we form 'consumer churches,' using commercial methods to attract people and cater to their wants. And rather than reading Scripture as a way of 'listening to God revealing God,' we treat it as information for us to process to become more successful and enlightened people. In both cases, the ways and means—bowing to the gods of salesmanship and efficiency—are out of sync with the ends—forming a community of believers submitting to God's work within them.

Thanks Jordon

- Peace