What If It Wasn't About Me?

I was sitting in class this morning and Travis directed us to Matt 19:16-30. As we were reading through it (stop right here, get your Bible, and go read), it started me thinking about our next set of classes, “It’s Not About Me” by Max Lucado. In our meeting the other day, we came up with some great examples that God left for us in the Bible. The examples included Joseph, David & Goliath, Hosea, the Transfiguration, Esther, and Paul in prison (he brought the Message to the jailer instead of escaping), Rizpah, and Jephthah’s daughter.

This particular passage in Matthew is more an example of “It’s All About Me”. This rich, young man wanted to “do” or “work” or “buy” his way into eternal life, but he couldn’t quite make the leap to get rid of his money. It doesn’t have to be money that gets in the way of our relationship with Christ, but it’s a common hurdle. However, in reading this, I was more intrigued in Peter’s response in 19:27. Essentially, he said, “Okay, Jesus, You told this guy to obey all the commands, and if he really wants to do the right thing, he should go sell his possessions and give to the poor then come follow You. I did that! I walked away from my life as a fisherman to come follow You! I left everything and so did these other guys here with us! What do we get?”

I’m sure Peter liked the answer he received, but he was still concerned about what was in it for him. What do you think our answer is to that same question? “Jesus, I’ve expressed my faith in You and I’ve been baptized. I’ve done this, that, and the other thing for You, so what do I get?” I get eternal life with God and Him (Of course that last bit about doing doesn’t get us into heaven, but it’s relevant to the question). Heaven is a fantastic, wonderful gift (not a reward, but a gift). Here are my questions: What if we were in it for Christ? What if we were in it for God? What if we were in it for the Holy Spirit? What if we were in it for Them out of love for Them and not for the gift of heaven? I’m certainly not turning that gift down and am fall-down-on-my-knees thankful for it, but what if that wasn’t our goal? What if our goal was simply to please the Master so He would say “Well done good and faithful servant.”?

More Questions Than Answers...Your Welcome

(This was originally typed at about 1:30am, but couldn’t get it posted due to technical difficulties)

I'm typing this late at night, so can’t be held accountable for anything written, that is, unless you agree. :) Don’t worry if you don’t; Christ loves you & I love you. Who knows, maybe you’re right & I’m wrong. It could be that (gasp of astonishment), we’re both right.

I hope this doesn't sound bitter or cynical like an old curmudgeon, because I'm not bitter or cynical; just an old curmudgeon. As Ben said recently, we should first seek to understand, then be understood. I want to understand this post-modern way of thinking so, like Paul, I can be whatever I need to be to bring others to Christ (1 Cor 9:22), but do it so that the gospel of Christ is not watered down or changed (Gal 1:6-10).

There are people of all ages who think this post-modern way, but it seems to manifest itself more in young people, so I’ll focus there (not necessarily the young people at Oakcrest, but in general). My first thought, initially, would seem bitter & cynical. They are young. What do they know? To paraphrase M. Twain, “When I was 14, I thought my father was an idiot. When I turned 21, I was amazed at how much he had learned in 7 years.” (In Ben’s class, he put the age group at 16-29, but I think you get the point.) What of life have they experienced? How many times have they been knocked down & had to get back up? Have they worked for anything or has it all been handed to them? How will the touchy-feely, I-don’t-like-church-but-I-love-God religion hold up under Satan’s pressures?

If it is based in faith in Christ as their Savior & He’s the only way to God, then it will hold up. If not, it will fail. Gamaliel was right (Acts 6:38-39). If you can’t get past the youth factor, you are selling them too short. Being old doesn’t make you right (or wrong, either).

If we are to imprint Christ on them, we first need to know what questions they are asking. I've been 20 & not liked church, but that’s another discussion. We talk about wanting to know Christ. I think they want to feel Christ. We need both. We’ve been pretty good about teaching one (at church), but maybe not the other. That is to our detriment. By & large, they want to feel Him, but through some kind of service, not necessarily through the Word. That is to their detriment. It’s not that service isn’t worthy, but service alone is action with no reason. It’s the same mentality of “How many gold stars does it take to get into heaven?” Faith without deeds is dead (Js 2:14-17). That’s 100% true, but it still starts with faith, not deeds.

Regarding the relevancy of church, I think they want a relational experience with God. What about church is relational? Personally, I feel God when I’m with my brothers/sisters & through the service, especially communion & singing (Sorry Ben. I love your preaching/teaching & appreciate many of your insights. I wouldn’t change you if I could…well… your preaching anyway ;)). I agree that church service is not the only time or place to feel connected to God, but for whatever reason, they don’t get a connected, relational experience from a church service at all.

Could it be that because of their desire for a relational experience with God through deeds, that they feel a hypocrisy coming from some of those sitting in the pews? They don’t see the deeds? That’s not to say that no one is thinking about or doing good deeds. That would be a ludicrous statement. But is that what they perceive? In the mind, perception can be cemented into “truth”. Could it be because of this perception, church service is seen as hypocritical? I don’t know if it’s true & certainly don’t agree with that thought, but if true, what can be done to change that perception?

Well, it’s late & I apologize for the long post and over generalizations. I’m not sure I’ve made any valid points (or any points at all). I may read this later & regret every word or feel the same way. However, I find comfort in the fact that all of this is in God’s hands. I pray for His wisdom & guidance for us all as we share the message of His Son.

(I have re-read this before posting and still don’t know if I regret it or agree with it)