Christian Living

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Generally, much Christian writing and thought today is self-centred. We say: “How marvellous what God has done for me. He has blessed and will bless me, how wonderful that I am saved. I’ll give God a hundred dollars and He will give me a thousand.” All those benefits going to me, myself and I.

It’s very similar to the concept used in advertising – getting people to focus on themselves. The travel ads say pamper yourself, you really need that month in Hawaii or the Bahamas. On TV we see a man lovingly caressing the latest model automobile, a woman gazing into a mirror admiring with a headshake the effect of brand A, B or C shampoo. A young couple splashing happily hints that life is not complete without a swimming pool in the backyard. Ah yes, you may say, but they are of the world.

Of course, but satan is using this technique to blind Christians to the unselfish, care-about-others attitude of Christ. Unbalanced teaching focuses on self - what’s in Christianity for me; how will it improve my life; what blessings will I get? Preachers preach it because they know it’s a popular theme.

We are saved not to merely prosper and improve ourselves spiritually, but to be instruments in saving others. As an individual we have salvation - but millions don’t. What are we doing about them? You and I are on our way to heaven, but multitudes are unknowingly bound for hell. God cares about them. “The Lord is….. not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Out of self-interest we seek to avoid pain and suffering at all costs, and the doctors eagerly help us to do it. Yet on the cross Jesus had no morphine or any other drug to sedate Him from the agony. He was nailed to that cross, maybe twelve feet off the ground, no doctors and nurses on hand to administer aid. In spite of the suffering, Jesus wasn’t thinking of Himself. His concern was for the Roman soldiers nearby who crucified Him, and where they would spend eternity. Jesus said: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) He had the same concern for the two criminals crucified alongside Him.

We can learn from Jesus’ attitude. Shouldn’t it be ours too - no matter what negative circumstances come into our life? There may be pain, suffering, tough times. Will our focus then still be on ourselves, or on the unsaved world outside the church doors?

We have to forget ourselves. Are we going to continue with our church-sponsored self-centred entertainment - socials, barbecues, picnics, dinners, breakfasts etc? That isn’t what we read in the New Testament. Will we stay in a huddle inside the church? Are we going to keep on fiddling like Nero while the “Rome” outside will eventually burn in the fires of hell?

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