because of the fact that we do not have a fence into which we can release our bassets and let them do their business, i have to walk our dogs twice a day. this is not a bad thing. in fact, i really enjoy it for two reasons: 1) it’s good excercise for the dogs and i, and 2) i get to listen to my ipod. i’m presently listening to augustine’s “on CHRISTian doctrine” and he is amazing. the thing i like the most about him is that he says things that make such simple and profound sense that other people don’t say because they seem so simple. the quote that has been bouncing around in my head for the past two days is one of his chapter heads:
The Fulfillment and End of Scripture is the Love of God and Our Neighbor.
simple huh?
of course, the problem is that it seems to be far to simple to forget that what is most important about scripture is loving GOD and our neighbor. when we remember it is all about loving GOD and our neighbor we have kept true to the end of scripture. i’ve seen people use scripture for some unloving things. i’m sure i have done it myself. when this happens it is because we forget what the real end of fulfillment of scripture is … to love GOD and my neighbor.
augustine goes so far as to say:
And thus a man who is resting upon faith, hope and love, and who keeps a firm hold upon these, does not need the Scriptures except for the purpose of instructing others. Accordingly, many live without copies of the Scriptures, even in solitude, on the strength of these three graces. So that in their case, I think, the saying is already fulfilled: “Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” 1 Corinthians 13:8
when’s the last time you heard an orthodox follower of CHRIST say if we really lived out the way of JESUS then we wouldn’t need scripture anymore?
if you get a chance you really need to read “on CHRISTian doctrine.”
my run for the day
- distance – 1.0 mile
time – 10:30
pace – 10:30/mile