'Whose Are We?'

10/15/2019

I Was Thinking…
Margaret J. Wheatley writes in her book, Who Do We Choose to Be? the following, “A culture focused on individual freedom can only result in narcissism, polarization, conflict, estrangement, and loneliness. What is the meaning of life when it is all about me?” (P.69)

My observation is that we are becoming more of a humanity that is ‘self-centered’ rather than ‘other-centered’. The words of Jesus, “it is better to give than to receive” are getting further and further in the distance. We are becoming lost to ourselves in an effort to find ourselves in our own selves. We need a savior...we need saving from ourselves.

“What IS the meaning of life when it IS all about ME?” Trust is eroding in relationships that are significant...marriages, siblings, authority, church, government, leadership and the list goes on. We are lost. What are we to do?

It is not my nature to be a ‘Negative Nancy’ (as they say). As a follower of God’s heart, as seen in the gift of an only child, Emmanuel, to the world for the purpose of showing the world a better way, I have hope. What do I see in Jesus that is apropos for our day?

I see and hear “Do unto others as I would have them do unto me.” (Matthew 7). One could say this is ‘self-motivated’ but there is a certain movement from ‘self-motivation’ to ‘other-centeredness’ once one lives into this ‘Golden Rule’.

I see and hear “Give and it shall be given back to you pressed down, shaken together and running over.” (Luke 6). Again, it sounds like a selfish motive but in the journey, real generosity is lived and discovered.

I see and hear “Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16). The key is losing self for a greater purpose...God’s purpose in life... and thus find the ‘elusive life’.

Margaret Wheatley goes on to say, “Exhausted by the consumption and entertainment, or because of it, we grow talented at sarcasm. Cynicism takes over and with it the descent into meaninglessness. We don’t know who we are or why anything is important. We could have been anything we wanted, yet our free-floating individualism has taken us far from community, contribution or connection, the very things that truly give life meaning and purpose.” (P. 70)

It is time to recommit to Jesus the Christ my friends... “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3)

I leave us this week with a prayer that became a Gospel hymn. I invite you to pray it with me... “Revive us again! Fill each heart with thy love. May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. Hallelujah! Thine the Glory! Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Thine the Glory! Revive us again!”

Always Thinking…