The Unity of Theology and Lifestyle

People tend to think there is some chasm between what we believe and what we do.

"Theology is one thing," they say, "but I don't care for that. I do things."

We're pretty imbalanced as Christians. We tend either to give up on theology and stick with "living out our faith", or we forsake action entirely because we think it tends to look a lot like legalism.

There's no real reason to make a distinction between our orthodoxy and orthopraxy. They should be balanced with one another; they go hand in hand.

In Ephesians, Paul spent three chapters on theology. Then he moved to the practical application of that theology. Paul was both a theologian and a "front man in the trenches of spiritual war". He was equipped for action by his theology.

Not only in Ephesians but in the whole Bible you find practical application as the response to true knowledge. Knowledge about God is not an end in itself, but it can not be easily or honestly given up.

We must know in order to do. And if we truly know, we can't help but do.

There should be no such thing as an "arm-chair theologian". Theology is meant to aid in living out your faith. No Christian is supposed to sit back and warble anecdotes to the world; we are called to go forth. To go. Application and theology fit together well. It's true that we are led by our thoughts. As you think, so you will act.

Neither side should be neglected. Study theology, but live it out. Don't stop at simply knowing about God. Know how to obey Him. Know how to live as He requires.

On the flip side, don't stop at simply doing what is right. Know God. Study His Word. Learn as much as possible about Who He is, and who you are in comparison.

"Centuries of theologizing have made it clear that the Christian life is not lived rightly without the right beliefs as the foundation." ~ R. C. Sproul, The Mystery of the Holy Spirit, p.73