This article is based on the the first few pages of “The New Life in Christ Jesus” by the Rev. C.I. Scofield D.D., the editor of the First Scofield Reference Bible. He considered it very important to understand that each of us has an inner and an outer life and that it is crucial that we appreciate the vital role of our inner life.
Our Inner Life is Where We Live
Our inner life is where we live. It is in our inner life where we feel passion, joy, sadness, regret and pride. It is where we make our choices. It is where we fight the temptation to be selfish. It is where we decide to behave honorably or dishonorably. It is where we pray or decide not to pray. Ethical choices are made there. Scofield believes that it is into this busy inner life that "faith brings the nature of God, the risen Christ" and the “immense peace, power and joy of the Holy Spirit”.
Our Inner Life Determines Our Outer Life
Such is the importance of this inner life that Scofield sees it as the “source and spring” of our outer life. Scofield observes that we can try and separate our inner and outer lives but it is impossible to maintain this separation for long. In the end our inner life will show itself. It will break through. Hence the expression “he showed his true colors”. Ultimately it is our inner life that will determine our outer life. Scofield believes this is why God concerns Himself mainly with our inner life.
The Bible and Our Inner Life
Christians could quote Scripture from the Bible to show that our inner life is indeed God’s main concern. Two verses in support are from Psalms and Proverbs:
- Psalm 51:6 “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom”; and
- Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts”.
The Scripture is saying that in the “inward parts” or inner life, truth is important and that God “pondereth” or thinks carefully about our heart or inner life. It is significant that the word “ponder” goes back to the Latin “ponderare” to “weigh, reflect on”. Christians could therefore argue that according to the Bible, God constantly appraises and weighs the worth of our inner life.
Scofield’s message is simple and clear: we should take great care of how we live our inner life. It is in our inner life that our life as a whole is molded. Christians believe this message is supported by Scripture which teaches that God Himself has clearly warned us of the great importance of our inner life. It is a warning that Christians believe we would do well to heed.
Sources
- The King James version of the Bible
- “The New Life in Christ Jesus” by the Rev. C.I. Scofield D.D..
- The New Oxford American Dictionary
John Bartels - John is a Lawyer (retired). A qualified Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer John has a BA,LLB from the University of Cape Town, South ...
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