Spirituality: Active or Passive?

 

Entering the River

When we first meet the Mole, it is one of the most exciting days of his life. The energy of spring and the beauty of the river call him away from the mundane work of whitewashing his little hole. His life is forever changed as he is introduced to a new world of activities and friendships.

So Kenneth Grahame introduces us to our humble hero. He enters into the light just like a person newly saved enters into their new life in Christ after trusting in Him for salvation. Everything is bright, new, and exciting.
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Almost immediately, the Mole meets his guide and great friend—the River Rat—who invites the Mole to a day on the river. Ratty explains the rhythms of river life and introduces him to his first acquaintances among the community.

They enjoy a picnic lunch together, and Mole helps by cleaning up afterward. The day seems to be indescribably perfect. Upon re-entering the boat, the Mole has an idea that he would like to row. He seizes the oars and instantly capsizes the boat.

“All Wet”

Mole’s eagerness causes his first sense of shame in this new life, and it is a perfect spiritual illustration. Few early converts are blessed to find a guide like Ratty, and even those who do all suffer from the impetuous attitude of Mole, who just wants to “do it.”

These end up with a faith that is “all wet.” They never grow or progress. They never learn the quiet rhythms of a life lived in reliance upon God’s grace.
(Galatians 3:3)

Many tragically go the way of Toad. Mistaking motion for progress, they abandon river life for horse-drawn carriages and motorcars. They wind up in hospitals and prisons, ultimately losing much with little success or recompense.
(1 Timothy 6:9–10)

Learning the Rhythms of Grace

But the most successful believers live like Mole. After his little accident of self-will, he submits to the wisdom of the Rat and learns the rhythms of the river before trying to rush into usefulness.

Anyone who works a rowboat or a canoe can understand what it means to work with the current and enjoy the day. They understand this because they have gone swimming as a result of self-will.

The great pictures of growth in Scripture sound passive—abide (remain) in Christ, trust, walk by the Spirit—yet each of these are active alternatives to messing things up on one’s own.
(John 15:4–5; Proverbs 3:5–6; Galatians 5:16)

To abide in Christ is an active choice to trust Him over the others we may be tempted to trust. Walking by the Spirit means actively availing ourselves of His ministries and resources.

Casting Our Cares Upon Him

When it comes to casting our cares upon Him, we find that this too is not a passive refusal to worry, but an act of extracting those concerns to He alone. Anyone who responds to this well-loved directive with any honesty finds out how truly active faith is.
(1 Peter 5:7)

This active choice to rely upon the work of Christ, the Word of God, and the provision of the Holy Spirit will teach us how to labor in His power and serve with the strength He provides.

No longer a flurry of oars and effort ending in a soggy mess of shame, but rather a mature application of reliance and wisdom that brings glory to God alone and accomplishes the will of the Father in the life of the believer—the love of Christ achieved by the outworking of truth applied by faith.