When it comes to the enduring
question of word versus deed in the Christian's calling, the issue is
always one of balance. How are Christians to think about the relative
roles of words (proclaiming the gospel) and deeds
(loving action) in what Christ has called his people to be and do? We
need to set our scales to a balance that matches Scripture.
"Balance" may sound simple, but finding and maintaining
our equilibrium on such a complex subject is never easy. It's like
walking a tightrope. Only one direction will keep us upright and moving
forward, and any number of missteps could lead us to fall off one side
or the other. Misguided claims abound. Here's a prominent example.
How often do we hear these days, with passion and
approval, the famous dictum attributed to Francis of Assisi: "Preach the
gospel at all times. Use words if necessary"? In this saying, the
word-versus-deed question rears its head, stressing in this instance how
important it is for Christians to "preach the gospel" with their
actions. Let the gospel be seen rather than spoken, it's implied. Words
may serve a useful backup role, but our actions must take center stage
if we are to make a difference in the world.
At first blush, this sounds right. Except that it isn't.
According to those who know the relevant history
well—the Franciscans—Francis never uttered these words. But more
important, on its face this dictum represents a significant error. It's
simply impossible to preach the gospel without words. The gospel is
inherently verbal, and preaching the gospel is inherently verbal
behavior.
But perhaps we should lighten up, we may say. Let us
view the phrase as a mere aphorism and avoid pressing its language too
literally. According to this reading, the saying is a rhetorical trope
designed to emphasize the importance of backing up our gospel words with
Christ-following lives. Continue at Duane Litfin
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