I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and make you
like a warrior’s sword (Zechariah 9:13b).
In the third and fourth centuries Socrates and other Greek scholars began to
influence the church in ways that were different than the Hebraic roots of
the early church. The Greek influence appeals more to the intellect, whereas
the early church Hebraic model appealed to the heart. The Greek influence
resulted in more emphasis on oratory skills and cognitive knowledge of God.
Over the many centuries more of this influence has shown itself in a more
programmatic approach to the gospel rather than a process of living out our
faith. So why is it important for us to understand this?
I realized in my own life that I was a product of this Greek system. My walk
with Christ focused more on what I knew rather than the byproduct of that
knowledge which should result in a more intimate and powerful walk with God.
Knowledge without power to express the life within is of little value. The
more programmatic the focus, the less emphasis we place on building deep and
caring relationships that result in changed lives. Our early church fathers
knew there was a cost to living out the Word of God, not simply giving
mental ascent.
Are you walking with God today in an intimate fellowship? Or, are you only
involved in programs and activities designed to do good things? Reflect on
Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of
knowledge. We must listen and respond with the heart. Whatever service we
give to God should be a result of our relationship with our Heavenly Father,
not an end unto itself.