11/19/11
Greetings, When we think about the practicality of unifying people, it never fails that one thing must first be overcome: Self. Until we get “self” out of the way it is impossible for us to live for anything that is above ourselves. Our selfishness actually becomes our limiting factor. The problem is that many Christians are unaware that they are failing to overcome in this area. Whether they realize it or not they are obstacles. They are the enemies of unity.
There are several approaches to Christianity. Some are better than others, most are counterfeits. The “self-exaltation” approach is one that many find themselves comfortable with. This approach embraces Christianity to a degree, but then exalts the agenda of the individual far above the agenda of God. For this person Christianity is little more than a “hobby.” Maybe they like the pastor of their church. Maybe they like the blessing that the tithe brings on their business. However, it may just be that they are looking for the social status involved with being a regular church attendee. In short, they are lukewarm. For those that fall into this category, the following verses are particularly applicable.
“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away…” (John 15:1-2)
These people disrespect their Maker with the way that they approach Him. They spit in the face of God with their attitude and expect God to give them a pat on the back for their time. They look at the very God of the universe as if He owes them something. They exalt themselves above the knowledge of Christ, and apply their Christianity when it’s convenient.
There are other approaches to Christianity, however, that actually become self-destructive as opposed to self-exalting. This can include the “guilt-based” approach to Christianity. This approach becomes a form of bondage in an individual’s life. While they see themselves as being maximally religious they actually become self-serving in a destructive sense. This is the person caught in the cycle of “try to be Christian, fail at being Christian, beat myself up because I’m not a good Christian, and try to be a Christian again…”
The problem with this approach is that too much time is spent nursing a self-destructive cycle. In the end, these individuals are rendered ineffective in their ability to further to kingdom of God. They are actually no better at getting things done than those that are self-exalting. At the end of the day, both have failed to get “self” out of the way. The guilt-based Christian steals time away from God to invest it in self-blame and condemnation. The guilt-based Christian is usually in need of a new perspective of God and deliverance from un-forgiveness towards self. Discipleship is also an important part of resolving these issues.
Another type of self-destructive approach to Christianity is the “overly available” Christian. This unfortunately includes many present day leaders in the church. It often includes the “inner circle” of volunteers in many churches as well. These people spend so much time trying to do things for God that they spiritually dry up and become ineffective. Many times, they use it as an excuse for true spirituality and relationship with God. Even if they begin with the right intentions, they eventually fall out of relationship with God and substitute it for relationship with ministry. These people are also failing to get “self” out of the way. Ministry is work, just like anything else. Although ministry is intended to further the agenda of the kingdom we are to first build spiritually. Ministry should manifest as the natural outflow of relationships that leaders share with God. Unfortunately, some people want to build in the natural and convince others that they are doing a spiritual thing. Their ministry becomes an excuse for selfish pursuits and a way to earn the approval of others. When Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping her do chores because she was sitting at Jesus’ feet, Jesus rebuked Martha—not Mary.
“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42)
There are other counterfeit approaches to Christianity that could be discussed but I’m going to cut to the chase. The approach to Christianity that is called for by the Bible is a sacrificial pursuit of relationship with God. This is the kind of sacrifice that will cause a person to go without food and water because they are longing for their lover. This is the kind of sacrifice that will cause a person drop what they are doing to follow Jesus regardless of personal cost. This is the sacrifice of a wife that will do whatever it takes to embrace the fullness of her husband’s heart.
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7)
Sacrificial lovers are the most effective Christians. They are entirely wrapped up in the lover of their souls, Jesus Christ, and don’t have room to be wrapped up in “self.” In fact, they have died to “self.” When it comes to the discussion of unity, it truly becomes a question of sacrifice. Unity requires sacrificing the agenda of “self” for the betterment of the whole. Today, many can’t embrace unity because they are too wrapped up in “self.” Who are you wrapped up in?
“I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31)
Discussion
1. What areas of your life are still dedicated to selfish ambitions?
2. In what practical ways can selfishness sabotage attempts at unity?
3. What ways, other than those described in this letter, have you witnessed others exalt “self”?
4. What does being a sacrificial lover mean to you?
5. What does it mean to you to “die daily”?
