Active listening

So it has been along time since I have posted on here!
Lately I have been listening to several sermons/teachings (not sure which I would consider it) from one of my favourite teachers from college. I really enjoy what he is able to pull out of both life as well as the Bible. He always has such a way to see such deep practical application that just seems missed by both yet so central to truth and beliefs. Secondly I have read a bit of my uncle's blogging from that last few years which I would compare in similar form, I wish they could have a long conversation, they have very similar views I just wonder how long it would take for them to be good friends.

Anyways I digress, practically my message is this: obedience - especially to Christ, but not limited to him - is active not passive.

I have been dwelling on what this means in my life lately in respect to my beliefs. One thing Dr. Reeves pulls out of his teachings especially in Ephesians(I believe that is correct, although I have listened to a lot so bare with me) is this counter culture, counter intuitive thought that salvation, truly being 'redeemed' or following Christ is to put others first. I wish I had listened better to remember quotes better but it goes under the idea that we can do nothing to save ourselves. This is generally accepted in Christian circles but developed further it is truly hard to grasp.
I say that because it is, Paul develops it out so much so that I think it almost breaches the way Christians think today. Literally that means there is no righteousness we can do to appease God but even worse there is nothing once we accept this to continuing in God's good graces or even to be righteous!

We often take the first without the second. It is pretty easy to accept a free gift, I mean we do it all the time, but not needing to live right after that? That is hard to swallow. Now don't get me wrong I am not condoning doing what you want, besides that is better if you just take on relativism-its more economical for that in the long run, but that I am reminded as I believe that Paul is saying your obedience is active not passive.

Reading in zechariah today and I hit a verse that reminded me of this thought. In chapter seven good old zech is called to call out religious leaders as they are in the process of restoring the town(nehemiah) and the temple(haggai, I believe) to their former selves. About verse 6-8ish God reveals what he meant for the priests to orginally do-social work to the outcast and burdened, He cares nothing for their fasting. All he wanted them to do was listen and love. Ironically that was as hard for them then as it is for us today. But then again accordingly to Christ it was our second most important commandment:

Love your neighbor as yourself

And the first:

Love the lord with all your, heart, mind, strength, and soul.

In the end, true obedience looks like an active acceptance of the will of God in service to other.