Imagine

Repeatedly we read in Scripture that the Christian walk -- apparently God's intention for everyone -- is a selfless walk. It is a life aimed outward, first toward God and second toward others around you. We know that a fundamental concept in the Christian walk is to die to self. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). In fact, He said, "Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me" (Matt 10:38). Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20). He wrote to the Philippian Christians to "in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Php 2:3). He offers Jesus as our example when He "emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Php 2:5-8). And on and on.

I have tried to imagine this. What would it be like? It is completely contrary to the natural human being who seeks first his own welfare. So much so that it's hard to visualize. It doesn't mean, for instance, that we just stop feeding ourselves or doing anything for ourselves and just everyone else. You know this if you've ever been on an airplane. They tell you, "In the case of a decompression, an oxygen mask will deploy from the ceiling. Put it on yourself first before you help others." Why? Because if you pass out, you can't help others. So, in the same way, selflessness would not require not taking care of yourself. In order to do the most good for God and others, you need to be able to function. That would include food, clothing, shelter, exercise ... that sort of stuff. But I'm sure you can see it would mean a radical shift of priorities and purpose, a shift from "me" to others. Not "What would I enjoy?" or "What do I want?" as first questions.

Having eliminated a serious error in thinking about the concept, what might it look like? It would have lots of ramifications. If we operate from the position that "God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:19), we are freed to move on. Work ceases to be a slave driver and becomes a ministry. Marriage cannot fail since all marriages fail because "I didn't get what I wanted or needed out of it." Offenses will not be taken for personal affronts. The "one anothers" of Scripture become a reality rather than mostly just a theory, a "grand idea." "How I look" or "what people think of me" becomes very much secondary when laid up against "What can I do for others?" We would not be offended if we didn't get credit for our deeds (since we're supposed to do them in order for the Father to get glory -- Matt 5:16). We would seek justice for others without demanding it for ourselves. We would seek the welfare of our neighbors without worrying overmuch about our own. Our first and highest priority would be God's glory rather than our comfort. Time, talent, and treasure would be expended in vastly different directions than our most common current lives. It would be an outwardly-focused life rather than the common "me first."

It all sounds nice, but it is so foreign. It is so foreign that many tell me it's not only not nice, but not right. It's evil. Even believers suggest that we shouldn't operate that way. I explained it once to a Christian counselor who, when I finished, looked at me with open mouth for a moment, then said, "That's ... crazy!" So I get that it doesn't sound natural. It's not ... for people with sin natures. But we were made for this. We were made to glorify God and love Him and we were made to love our neighbors not only as we love ourselves, but as Christ loves us. So doing this kind of radical thing would not only procure a better life; it would also be a more fulfilling one. Doing what we were made for. In the power of God. For His glory. And if that is unappealing, you should ask yourself if you know Him at all.