Here’s a reality that flies in the face of our culture: I am not as important as I think I am.
Of course, Jesus loves me.
Certainly, I matter to Him.
Without a doubt, God has a plan and a purpose for my life.
But as a Christ-follower, I have to resist the narcissistic and egotistical beast that tries to raise its ugly head in me at times.
If you’re like me (and you are), you’re probably reacting just a bit to all of this with a few (dozen) “yeah, buts.”
Yeah, but my favorite TV preacher tells me to celebrate my life!
Yeah, but my therapist tells me that I can’t love others until I love myself!
Yeah, but my mom says I’m special!
I know.
And I do want you to celebrate what Jesus has done in you, the victories you’ve experienced, and you absolutely should love what God has done and is doing in your life. You are special. (Thanks, mom.)
However . . .
It’s still not just about you.
Life is all about Jesus in you.
Life is about Him seen through you.
And the Jesus way is about laying your life down as you love and honor others above yourself.
You see, the way of the cross includes sacrifice and dealing a death blow to the self-absorbed beast buried deep in all of us.
Jesus didn’t die to make you a better, wealthier, or happier version of yourself. He went to the cross and called you to take up your cross and follow him for the sake of others.
Please reread the last part of the previous sentence—for the sake of others.
So, you wish you got more attention from people (including your pastor) at your church. But maybe you need to give more attention to others since it’s not just about you.
Ah, you miss the oldies in worship, the King James Version of the Bible, and the pipe organ. Perhaps you need to think about what effectively reaches those far from Jesus in the 21st century and remember it’s not just about you.
I get it; you want to “go deeper,” and you’re tired of what you consider to be fluff and buff at church on Sunday.
But here’s a radical idea, maybe someone is sitting next to you who needs the simple truth if they’re ever going to surrender their life to Christ. Maybe their eternity matters a bit more than your education in the more profound things of God. (BTW, Jesus taught simple, life-application-based messages, and most of us already know more than we do. I’m just sayin’.)
I’ll be clear.
Of course you matter, you need to grow, and it’s fine to have your preferences.
However, God has a grand plan. He wants us to fill heaven with the lost who’ve been found, with the broken who’ve been healed, and with the bound who’ve been set free.
And that means it just can’t be all about me or thee!
Bottom line: If someone were to ask Jesus, “Who matters most to the Father—the already convinced, or those far from God,” what do you think Jesus would say?
“In case you’re wondering,
let me be clear.
I came on a rescue mission
to seek out and to save
those who are far from the Father.”
Luke 19:10 (Bubna Paraphrase Version)
I felt led to read a couple of books that hammered this same message. I must have really needed to hear this! Thanks for having the courage to share the hard truths Kurt.
Thanks, Andy. I always appreciate kind words.
Amen to all who wrote in. Thank you Kurt once again for opening our eyes to what God wants us to know and do as Christians.
You are loved, Lynn! Thanks for your encouragement.
Oh, I so needed that reminder of why we are here. I am faced with running my dad’s memorial in less than a couple of weeks because for a long time, I was considered the spiritual leader of the family. But I have neglected that part of me and now struggle to put those who are grieving before my own grief.
Thanks Kurt for bolstering my belief that I am only a servant of my savior. And, to put in perspective that I was chosen by my family to do this. And, I will have a spiritual message despite comments of the contrary.
Your message came at a perfect moment.
God’s timing is always perfect
We all need this reminder (me too). Know I will be praying for you and the service. So sorry for your loss. You are loved, Le Anne.
Ouch! and Amen! The microscopic me-view or the macroscopic Jesus view. Thanks Kurt! I need to go and do likewise–in loving my neighbors!
Love and Many Blessings, Kay
On this same journey with you, Kay. You are loved!
Mmmm. This is what I wrote in my Bible study book yesterday:
It Has to be the Holy Spirit.
Give me your ears to hear
Give me your heart to love
Give me your mouth to speak
Give me your strength to go on
Your Holy Spirit living, breathing, controlling this shell. Amen amen.
Thanks, Mom! Love you!