This is going to sound nerdy but it's not. It's super important: Theological anthropology affects every single little pastoral decision I make when I'm pastoring alongside people.

There is a common theological anthropology that says, "You need to get out of the way so that God can work/speak."

But this same dualistic, self-effacing theological anthropology allows the person to sneak all of their values and wants and desires back into the conversation as "God's will."

I am continually pushing against this with a non-self-effacing, sacramental theological anthropology. God doesn't override your personhood in working in/with/through you. God wants to *sanctify* your values and wants.

And a key part of that process of sanctification is explicitly naming your values and wants to openly and honestly differentiate them from God's will.

The baptismal and cross-shaped way is much, much more difficult: To name your values, wants, and desires so that they can die and be resurrected.