Mix Part A with Part B

I bought fancy, self-molding ear plugs for target shooting.

They come in a package with two small packets of separate ingredients. Both were sticky and slimy.

The directions instructed me to mix them thoroughly before shaping them into the actual ear plugs. They would form-fit in my ears and then dry into that shape.
The writers admonished me at least three times to mix BOTH ingredients.
"Do not use separately"
"Product will not work if not mixed according to instructions"
"Unsatisfactory results if not used together."

I got the idea.

On the one hand, it was humorous. On the other, experience must have shown them that buyers would either not pay attention, or not understand without very clear directions.

We're seeing this same confusion over spiritual matters in our culture.
People go to church without claiming, or perhaps wanting to claim, Jesus' redemptive role in forgiveness and salvation.
Secular folks refer to select bible morals while refusing to acknowledge an encompassing, God-originated plan.

Do not use separately. Unsatisfactory results if not mixed together.

At times it seems almost humorous. Convoluted spirituality claiming Jesus as a "good man, if he existed" and the bible as "inspirational, though generally flawed." But the humor has taken an ugly turn as governments and public institutions encourage intolerance uniquely targeted at Christians (i.e. leave your faith at home or lose your job in the USA. Leave the country or die in the middle east.)

We need to more clearly and candidly help people through the process of getting to know God's love with all the ingredients. The bible called this discipleship.

Coming into a relationship with God through Jesus does not make someone a one-size-fits-all robot. Like my high tech ear plugs, there are basic Christian foundations that can't be ignored or it doesn't work -- at the same time, they allow the unique form and fit of the user. That's why it is called a personal relationship with Jesus. God loves the unique and spirited heart of every believer.

Like the clever ear plug manufacturer, God went to a lot of trouble to put simple, clear instructions into our hands via the Holy Scripture. Supreme and sovereign wisdom must have led Him to understand that people would need a user manual...

We need both, a spiritual connection to God through Jesus, mixed with the readable and actionable encouragement of His plan.

Do not use separately. Unsatisfactory results if not mixed together.

What do you believe?