I've written in the past about how counterintuitive Christianity is. One aspect that has been occupying my thoughts for a while now is this singular concept:
If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. (Matt 16:24)This, quite starkly, stands in direct opposition to our standard way of thinking as humans in general and Americans in particular. "Take up a cross? Don't be silly. We don't embrace hardship and suffering. We flee it at all cost. Deny myself?? That's just crazy talk. Every human being has the right, nay, the obligation to pursue his or her own happiness, dreams, and aspirations. Deny myself? Don't be stupid."
We followers of Christ, however, should not -- must not -- respond that way. We Christ-ians are expected to embrace Christ's words and adhere to them with joy. But, what would that look like? We don't have a lot of examples to look to in order to see how that goes. The Christian life is predicated on death (Matt 16:24-26; Rom 6:4-5; etc.). We're supposed to be killing the flesh (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5). We're expected to die to self. What would that look like? It would make us respond differently when others try to steal, physically or otherwise, that which is ours (Matt 5:38-42). It would free us from desperately pursuing our own happiness in favor of finding greater happiness in giving to others (Acts 20:35). It would place the proper emphasis on relying on God for meeting our needs (Rom 8:32; Php 4:19) and free us to pursue meeting the needs of others. We would crave servitude for the sake of Christ (Mark 9:35) and find greater joy in it. The idolatry of greed (Col 3:5) would vanish and a lifelong satisfaction in God would replace it. We would be looking at a life that was extremely rare in today's world. I described this idea once to a Christian counselor. Her response was, "That's crazy."
I said we had few examples of this. We all know one.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Php 2:5-8)If we are to be followers of Christ, is that not the ideal we ought to pursue? Think of that while we complain about our lives, our societal mistreatment, our lacks and losses. I think we might be missing the point. I think we might be missing a better option, a higher joy. And maybe, just maybe, David Gates wasn't so far out as we might think.
One of the things I like about Christianity is that it is counter-intuitive, but completely accurate. It describes humanity and how we can be different, and is proven true every day.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Christianity is completely counterintuitive; thus the constant need for “renewing our minds” and seeking “the mind of Christ.” I find that almost every attitude I form needs regular assessment--to consider whether I am conforming to the world or to the Word.
ReplyDeleteA perfect example of this--inspired right from your post--would be song lyrics. To use your exact example (although not how you meant it), I can know that David Gates’ unselfish sentiments would not be an appropriate attitude for a couple in a committed relationship (i.e. married), where a mutual “forsaking all others” must replace “I want you to pursue your happiness above all else.” (This commitment to fidelity is indeed very much counterintuitive and therefore commonly spurned by the world.)
You have mentioned in the past that you encouraged your children to think carefully about song lyrics they were “ingesting.” I still find that necessary--even at my age--because of the clear disparity between the mindset encouraged by the world vs. the Word. (I don’t expect that friction to go away in this lifetime, of course.) Fortunately, after many years of “training” myself to think about what I am hearing, I am able to make almost an automatic corrective response. (So as I sing along to those great ‘60s and ‘70s classics, I also mutter under my breath, “Well, that ain’t right!”)