This week the young women who live out here in the wilderness began a weekly "bible study". It's actually more like a "book study" with some bible quotes thrown in. The book, "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" is all about being disciplined and submissive in your relationship with God and in everyday life. When addressing the difference between disciplin and legalism, the author points out that legalism is self-centered and discipline is God-centered. What you do should be motivated by your desire and love for God rather than a set of rules. The only thing I really enjoyed in this chapter is this quote from John Wesley;
"O God, fill my sould with so entire a love of Thee that I may love nothing but for Thy sake and in subordination to Thy love. Give me grace to study Thy knowledge daily that the more I know Thee, the more I may love Thee. Create in me a zealous obedience to all Thy commands, a cheerful patience under all Thy chastisements, and a thankful resignation to all Thy disposals. Let it be the one business of my life to glorify Thee by every word of my tongue, by every work of my hand, by professing Thy truth, and by engaging all men, so far as in me lies, to glorify and love Thee."
I love that bit about "Let it be the one business of my life to glorify Thee...". If I were to evaluate my life right now, it's more like a glimmer than a beacon in the glory department. I guess that's where the "zealous obedience" comes into play. Out here on the prairie it's easy to do your own thing. With your nearest neighbor over a mile away, there's little to no accountability with how you spend your time, who you talk to, etc. That's kind of the point of this bible study, another round of accountability. Being submissive is not exactly at the top of my list...this should be entertaining at the very least!
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