The Summary of the Christian Life

In his Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin devoted an entire chapter to the notion that the Christian life is summarized in the concept of self-denial. Like so many other "Calvinisms", this isn't Calvin's idea. It wasn't Calvin who said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt 16:24). It wasn't Calvin who wrote things like "I discipline my body and keep it under control" (1 Cor 9:27), "I die daily" (1 Cor 15:31), or the real kicker: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20). So it isn't a "Calvinist" notion; it is a biblical one. The summary of the Christian life is self-denial.

This, of course, rubs a lot of people the wrong way. Why would we do that? Why would we encourage self-denial? It sounds so negative. Is there really any motivation for self-denial? Some who call themselves Christians even argue the opposite, that God is actually there to fulfill your wishes and satisfy your whims. It is counter to Scripture, but there it is. In a world where looking out for #1 (me) is the rule, why would we want to admit and encourage self-denial as the essence of Christian living?

The most obvious answer is not very helpful, I know. The most obvious answer is "because He said so." We didn't like that answer as kids. We don't like it much better now. So let's see if I can suggest other answers. How about this? Have you ever observed people who are not into self-denial? I know you have. It is the most normal human condition. People think that their entire purpose in life is to do what makes them happy. "If it feels good, do it" is the modern mantra for living. But ask yourself: Are they happy? It seems to me that the more they pursue whatever they think will satisfy themselves, the less satisfied they are. The more power they get, the more they want. The more money they accumulate, the more they want. I saw a recent news story about the effects of the economic downturn on the very rich. Some of them are struggling. They just don't know how they are going to survive on less than $10 million a year. You and I think, "Huh?!!" We survive on less than 1/100th of that. But, you see, having what "I want" doesn't seem to produce happiness. It simply seems to produce greed -- "I want more." "Enough" becomes defined as "a little bit more". It appears, then, that living a self-centered life doesn't produce happiness.

Now think of the other side. Have you known people who actually deny themselves? Sure you have. Oh, they're not as common, but they're out there. This is an unusual breed. They seem to have a ready smile. They aren't caught up in the rat race, but looking to help others around them. They seem content with life and eager to assist. For some, it seems that their generosity is limited only by their resources. And they're inexplicably happy. Maybe you've even tasted this on occasion. You know ... you helped out with nothing in return and just felt a sense of joy and contentment not because you got something out of it, but simply because you helped out. Most people know, at least occasionally, that odd happiness that occurs when you give to someone out of the goodness of your heart.

You see, it seems as if, when we deny ourselves and, instead, look out for others, it is actually more satisfying. It's a lot like what Jesus said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This truism is known to Christians and non-Christians alike. There really is genuine joy in denying self and giving to others of our time, energy, resources, love, compassion, and self. You see, while "self-denial" sounds so negative, it appears that the Designer of human beings actually made us to do it and knew that when we did it would produce positive results in others and in us.

You've seen the commercials, I'm sure. I don't really remember what is being advertised, but someone does an act of kindness to another. Another person sees it, and does an act of kindness to another. And it creates a string of kind acts that eventually come back around to the first person. Sure, it's a commercial, but it does illustrate the idea. Jesus commanded self-denial as the prerequisite for following Him. It is commanded, so if you are to call yourself a "Christian", you should follow that command. Beyond that, refusing doesn't seem to make people happy while obeying appears to bring real joy and contentment. So, what are we waiting for? Wouldn't it be great if the world saw Christians as people who genuinely love each other? Oh ... yeah ... that was Jesus's idea, too, wasn't it (John 13:35)?