“If you are able to read Puritans and study theology and debate texts but you won’t get up early to help a 90-year-old man to church—perhaps you’re not a Christian.” –Mark Dever
I cannot remember where I read or heard that quote. (I think it might have been at a T4G Conference). But I think it was in the context of making sure that our life matched our doctrine. If we have good theology but don’t live it out then its just as damaging as false teaching.
The way Dever framed this statement is helpful to my generation. You see, we are told to be epic difference makers and we are prone to view the world through this lens. It makes us always look for the big things in life. And so if Dever had said something like, “Live a holy life which matches doctrine”, it wouldn’t have sank in.
As I read through the Scriptures I’m coming to see that following Jesus and pleasing God is more about what Eugene Peterson called a “long obedience in the same direction”. It’s more about a million little things than some big thing which might get you 15 minutes of fame.
I’m convinced this is what Jesus was talking about in Mark 9:41. Passing water—a very little thing—reflects our view of the kingdom of God. If you have a wrong view of the kingdom then you won’t be the first one in line to pass out water to drink. You’ll be like John and the other disciples clamoring and arguing to see who gets to be in the front of the line in the most exalted status.
I’m not trying to say here that if you want to be an epic difference maker then the way to do that is to do a bunch of little things. Though that might end up being true, I’m speaking of something entirely different. Following the way of the Master is usually just doing a bunch of little things for a lifetime. My generation is in danger of missing these little moments of obedience as we waste away our lives trying to find that big thing to make a difference for God.
Joyfully doing the little things is what discipleship is made of.
