Conversatio Morem
This is from a blog by brother Keith Giles.
CONVERSATIO MOREM!
As I’ve been reading on the early church, I’ve come across a great saying used by the church fathers and I’d like to make it my own.
The phrase, “Conversatio Morem!” can be translated two different ways, depending on the context. The first way is, “Death To The Status Quo.” I must say, I love this. It embodies the counter-cultural aspect of Christian discipleship that I long to embrace myself, and to inspire in others. I have resolved that if I ever have a tattoo, it will be this statement.
The second way to translate this is, “Constant Conversion.” I also resonate with this sentiment very much. After studying the writings of Peter, James and Paul I see that their idea of salvation was very much a process. They all speak of “being saved” and seem to understand that following Jesus involves a gradual, daily transformation into someone who is like our Lord, and closer to someone who is fit for Heaven.
Our modern understanding of salvation seems to be much more about a single day or event in our lives where we went forward, said a prayer and maybe even filled out a little card. After that we can, and often do, live
out the rest of our lives any way we want. If we get into trouble, or need some advice or a miracle, maybe then we will pray and ask God’s help, but mainly our lives after this sort of “conversion” are our own.
Paul, Peter and James don’t see salvation in this way. Instead, they seem to regard salvation as an ongoing, lifelong process. All through the book of 1 Peter we see the famous disciple speaking of salvation as something
which is occurring to us, or that we are in the process of receiving, every day.
« For you ARE RECEIVING the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. » (1 Peter 1:9, emphasis mine). In this passage, and others, Peter doesn’t see salvation as something you take possession of until the day you’re actually at the Judgment Seat of Christ and it is then He saves you, in that day.
The Apostle Paul especially sees salvation as being tied to our worship and our worship as being tied to our being living sacrifices (see Romans 12). He also is pretty clear that “your life is not your own; You were bought with a price.” (1 Cor 6:19-20) Our hope of salvation is sure, but just like
The Gospel, it’s about a daily, ongoing submission to Jesus. I’m now trying now to get my head around a daily, “constant conversion”. The Kingdom is about following Jesus, and Jesus said we can’t even begin to
follow Him unless we daily take up our crosses and die to ourselves. (see Luke 9:23)
Somehow, looking at my own walk with Jesus as an ongoing conversion helps me to maintain this countercultural mindset in my own life. Now, I understand that « Death to the Status Quo » is really a personal cry for revolution in my own soul. It is my status quo that needs to be put to death.
Instead of seeing salvation as that day I came forward at the Lighthouse Freewill Baptist Church in Eagle Pass, Texas at the age of 9, I now see it as a daily surrender to Jesus. I walk the aisle every morning. I bend the knee every sunrise and give Him my heart, over, and over again.
Conversatio Morem!
Formerly "Adullam" from other sites!
Striving to apprehend that for which I have been apprehended in Christ Jesus.
Walk in the Light! (התהלכו באור)
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Originally Posted by DDGresham1
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