Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday July 9, 2008

As a Biblicist, I believe fervently in salvation by grace, meaning I have received a great gift from God through faith in Christ which I do not deserve. This gift was given to me freely and as I muse on this gift, I realize it is unmerited.

Now, having stated the above why do I and most other preachers of every shape and color engage in what seems to be a hopeless endeavor, that of attempting to enlist the rank and file to get with some part of the program in a hands on manner that in some way helps others?

If our motive be pure, this constant attempt at enlisting the time, talent and treasure of others in the work of Christ is done because He instructed this to be done, as He has chosen to use human effort in reaching the world with His message. The primary reason Christ has chosen this means is that He knows, not only all about our troubles, but He also knows our deep seated need to be needed. Hence we, who know His game plan for peace and joy in our daily life, understand that a life lived for self is an empty, usually miserable life indeed.

Eric Hoffer, the autodidact longshoreman/philosopher who chronicled the psychology of the Nazi and Communist leaders and their followers said:

"The burning conviction that we have a holy duty toward others is often a way of attaching our drowning selves to a passing raft. What looks like giving a hand is often a holding on for dear life. Take away our holy duties and you leave our lives puny and meaningless."

Mr. Hoffer made the above comment in the book, "The True Believers: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements." He was pointing to the tragedy of the seemingly mindless multitudes which followed Hitler and Stalin in their insane rapacious destruction of millions upon millions of ordinary people. He supposed, and I agree, that people will follow any concept that gives them a sense of superior meaning, even if common sense dictates this activity to be horribly impish.

I discovered years ago that were I to abandon my life as I live it for the Lord, I would in all likelihood be a shipwrecked wretch. I admit to holding on to serving Christ as a desperate activity, for I know that while I am saved by grace, I must involve my life in something that is bigger than me.

When I hold out my hand with a free book, tape or a piece of money to a struggling person, I am in Hoffer's word, actually holding on for dear life to a decent Larry Lilly, who knows in the inner sanctum of my heart what a terrible person I would manifest to a watching world should I cease to "deny myself by taking up the cross and following Jesus." I know I NEED to serve people through my service to Christ, for in actuality there is no other true service.

In an interview with Eric Sevareide, Eric Hoffer said, "It is easier to love humanity than to love your neighbor." How true. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught that our neighbor is the despised person nearest us in the most need.

Are you living a "puny and meaningless life" or are you enjoying the "abundant life" spoken of by Jesus Christ?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit.

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