# The Great Omission
“As disciples of Jesus, we today are a part of God’s world project. But realization of that project, it must never be forgotten, is the effect, not the life itself. The mission naturally flows from the life. It is not an afterthought, or something we might overlook or omit as we live the life. The eternal life, from which many profound and glorious effects flow, is interactive relationship with God and with his special Son, Jesus, within the abiding ambience of the Holy Spirit. Eternal life is the Kingdom Walk, where, in seamless unity, we “Do justice, love kindness, and walk carefully with our God” (Micah 6:8). We learn to walkthis way through apprenticeship to Jesus. His school is always in session.
We need to emphasize that the Great Omission from the Great Commission is not obedience to Christ, but discipleship, apprenticeship, to him. Through discipleship, obedience will take care of itself, and we will also excape the snares of judmentalism and legalism, whether directed towards ourselves or towards others.
Now, some might be shocked to hear that what the “church”–the disciples gathered–really needs is not more people, more money, better buildings or programs, more education, or more prestige. Christ’s gathered people, the church, has always been at its best when it had little or none of these. All it needs to fulfill Christ’s purposes on earth is the quality of life he makes real in the life of his disciples. Given that quality, the church will prosper from everything that comes its way as it makes clear and available on earth the “life that is life indeed”.”
–Dallas Willard from his new book “The Great Omission”
June 26th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
absolutely brilliant. especially the last part.
i need to get this book.
June 26th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
I have just begun to read the book and it is excellent so far! I would also recommend two books by Eugene Peterson (to be a five volume set) on what he calls “spiritual theology” — Christ Plays in Ten Thousand PLaces and Eat This Book. I love this trend of excellent thinkers and theologians really diving into the area of spiritual formation and discipleship.
June 26th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
There are things I read on this blog that I absolutely disagree with. This is not one of them. Those words are undeniably true.
June 26th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
Thank you for blessing this blog with your agreeance, Randy. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now.
June 26th, 2006 at 7:35 pm
Wow. What an asshole you are.
June 26th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
C’mon Mark. Randy’s not THAT BAD.
June 26th, 2006 at 10:26 pm
Thanks for the tip, Clave. I’ve been eyeing “Eat This Book” and you’ve pushed me over the edge.
June 26th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Good stuff.
June 26th, 2006 at 11:36 pm
Hum, sounds like my blog.
June 27th, 2006 at 3:04 am
They call you an asshole too?
June 27th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Hey just trying to emphasize the positive. haha