This article was printed in the Central Oregonian’s “faith page” on Friday Dec. 14th.
*Somewhere along the way we began to redefine Christianity. In fact this redefinition has actually created something totally different than Christianity. I’m not sure exactly what it is…but it’s not Christianity. It’s a repackaged pseudo-Christianity that is a product of the, me first society we live in. Maybe a better title would be “me-ianity” or “self-ianity”.
In Philippians 1:21, Paul correctly defines Christianity for us. He declares that “for to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
How would we finish that sentence? For to me to live is________.
As people who call themselves “Christians” our sentence should conclude with Christ but sad to say for many of us our lives are not defined by nor focused on Christ at all. Maybe our sentence would read “for to me to live is money.” or “for to me to live is pleasure.” or “for to me to live is recreation.”
We have substituted self and what makes us happy in the place of Jesus and what brings Him glory. Therefore we no longer talk of death to self or denying ourselves instead we focus upon self-love, self-help, and self-esteem. These anthems appeal to our flesh and are palatable to the masses but they are not the message of Christianity. For Jesus told us to take up our cross and follow Him. This is an exhortation that demands death to self not the glorification of self.
This unbiblical substitution of self in the place of Christ explains the state of the modern Church as well. Today Christians flock to churches focused solely upon themselves. They leave services with self still firmly intact complaining about the fact that no one said hello, the music was too loud or too boring, the sermon was not entertaining enough, and the seats were uncomfortable. The fact that Jesus came not to be served but to serve and give His life for the sake of others is lost in the morass of self-consumption.
As people who claim the name of Christ may we echo the words of the apostle Paul and begin to make Jesus and not self the focus of our lives. May we begin to find ways in which we can serve others rather than seeking to be served.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas season may we be reminded of the fact that God became a man; the ultimate act of humility. It is rather ridiculous then for His followers to be filled with selfishness and pride.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,and coming in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:5-6)*
December 14th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Ryan,
I Think that “unbiblical substitution of self in the place of Christ” really hits the nail on the head. The Church, as a whole, has become pretty good at Marketing itsself to the masses with the self-love, self-help, self-esteem message. It’s justified because it gets people in the door to hear the “Salvation Message” which has become nothing more than saying that Jesus died so you can be happy. I want to be happy…sign me up!
Self denail is deffinately a battle that takes place every day of our lives. Keeping Focused on Jesus is the Key to overcoming “self-ianity” This is a good reminder of that very fact. Great article!
Chad
December 14th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
thanks Chad…we will see you guys tonight.