It has long been recognized that Western Culture (and American culture in particular) places a premium on the individual. In many instances this has been a good thing. However, our love affair with the individual has not proven an unqualified blessing. Increasingly, it seems to be little more than a rationale for good old-fashioned selfishness. I would call this “perverted individualism.” What’s the difference? Good individualism asks, “What are my moral responsibilities before God and others?” Perverted individualism asks, “How can I get the most from God and others, while contributing the least?”
Perverted individualism has even infiltrated our understanding of salvation. Many people have come to believe in a Christ Who is nothing more than a “Personal Savior.” They speak of “my Jesus,” “my Savior,” etc. In fairness, such language is sometimes nothing more than a way of speaking with affection about the One who has saved us from sin. At other times, however, it simply masks—even tacitly encourages—the idea that what’s really important in life is “Jesus and me” and—quite literally—“to hell with the rest of the world.”
Such an attitude is not in keeping with the example of Jesus. His relationship with God was second to none. Yet He did not spend all His time in the wilderness or on the mountaintop communing with the Father. Rather, He went to the mountain top for the purpose of strengthening Himself for work in the valley.
You and I are called (and expected) to participate in that “valley work” as well. We are to follow the example of Jesus in being sacrificial, gracious, merciful, etc. Simply meeting on Sunday and lifting our voice in perfect pitch in praise of God, will not secure our pardon on the Judgment Day.
Jesus said: “…if you are presenting [your] sacrifice…and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice…Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (5:23-24) He is saying that unless and until we can get along with our brothers and sisters, He doesn’t really want our worship!
What is the status of your sacrifice today? Can you offer it…or is there someone with whom you need to be reconciled? Things like reconciliation and repentance are rarely easy, but they are absolutely necessary. If you can sacrifice in integrity, God bless you! I ask only that you take pity on we who are weaker and help us to reconcile so that we may join you in God’s presence on the Day of Glory.
-- Justin
The Altar and the Door music video
Am I My Brother's Keeper jigsaw puzzle
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