Is Christ precious to...?

: A brief look at John Fawcett's book,

Christ Precious to Those Who Believe.

I once worked for an organization that became quite enamored with results based management. The premise behind this activity was illustrated by a picture of dropping a stone in a pond and observing that waves would reach all areas of the pond. So we were asked to consider what kind of stones we were dropping, what effect they were having, and the indicators of such. Whether is organization adopted

wholesale and uncritical manner is another discussion. In 1799 a Baptist pastor named John Fawcett (1740-1817), penned a brief book that
ideas from the business world in a examined effects as well. He looked for indicators in the lives of

the supreme preciousness of Christ was actually precious to them. Fawcett based his work on I Peter 2:7: "Yes, He is very
believers that demonstrated that precious to you who believe!" and he prefaced his work with these words: "It is my earnest wish that this little book may be of service to enkindle and promote devout affection to Christ, in those who may peruse it." Evidences:

Fawcett's list of what he calls "evidences" is still very useful today, as it is far too common a practice to declare someone 'a follower of Jesus' or 'a believer' or 'a Christian' without solid evidence. By means of the following section titles, Fawcett examines "The EVIDENCE believers give, that Christ is precious to them." Section 1. They trust their everlasting concerns in his hands

Section 2. They delight to think of him, to hear of him, and to speak of him Section 3. They are grateful for the benefits they receive from him Section 4. They prefer him to every other object, and give him the chief place in their affections Section 5. They sincerely desire his presence, and long to enjoy intimate communion with him Section 6. They are concerned that others may know and love him Section 7. They are grieved when he is dishonored Section 8. They are ready to deny themselves for him Section 9. They are distressed by their lack of conformity to his blessed image and holy will Section 10. They adhere to him in all conditions Section 11. They are concerned to make his glory the chief end of their actions Section 12. They long to be with him Ways: Not content just for theory, Fawcett then goes on to stress what he calls the actual "Ways" that Christ is precious. What is striking in this list, is that Fawcett leaves one with the impression that the background of the believer is very much less important than having Christ in the foreground of their lives, both individually and collectively. As well, Fawcett is not content with some kind of numinous, "ditch doctrine and the church because I am in love with Jesus" but he places value on affections, and doctrine and the church. Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section Section 1. His History is precious to them 2. His Person is precious to them 3. His Names are precious to them 4. His Offices and Characters are precious to them 5. His Blood and Righteousness are precious to them 6. His Love is precious to them 7. His Throne is precious to them 8. His Doctrine is precious to them 9. His Promises are precious to them 10. His Commands are precious to them 11. His Ways are precious to them 12. His People are precious to them 13. His Interests are precious to them 14. His Day and his House are precious to them 15. His Benefits are precious to them 16. His Chastisements are precious to them 17. His Example is precious to them

Fawcett's book is highly recommended as one that pushes disciplemakers to look beyond superficial commitments in their disciples and in themselves, and which looks for tangible indicators of change in the life and lives of Christians in community. In the final analysis, however, it pushes the reader to look beyond themselves to "contemplate the Redeemer's excellency." Reprints of the book are available from booksellers and on-line here. The full citation for the book is: John Fawcett. Christ Precious to Those Who Believe: The Preciousness of Jesus Christ, to those who believe--Practically Considered and Improved. (Halifax: Elwood Hall, 1799)