Selwyn takes a final look at the last beatitude: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me …’ (Matthew 5:10-11).
He introduces his study by reminding us that we can’t follow Jesus and at the same time have a good friendship with this world: “Every Christian needs to understand there is a reproach in this gospel that we preach – even in those countries where there is a strong Christian presence. There is a shame at the heart of the cross and it must be borne. We cannot have at the same time the saving friendship of Christ and the hearty friendship of the world.”
In addition, he repeats his message that we may need to reflect on how closely we are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit if we are not conspicuous by our different approach to life, compared to non-Christians, as follows: “Often our lives are so tepid, so lacking in challenge, so wanting in the power of holiness and the ‘arrestings’ of grace that we are not conspicuous in society and can pass as pagans anywhere.”
He also draws our attention to the other extreme, there are some Christians who develop a type of defensive armor by becoming eccentric, as if they are carrying around a sign saying, “I’m a Christian, the end is near – are you saved?”, and depend more on this eccentricity than on their actions to demonstrate their faith – these are difficult people to guide because they believe that they are totally committed to their faith and everyone else is half-hearted – do you agree? On the other hand I would prefer to have more people like this, than to have people with no faith at all!
This is what Selwyn has to say: “Yet even though we should expect to bear disgrace and reproach for the cause of Christ, we must be careful that we do not increase that reproach by our eccentricities. Sadly some Christians seem to cultivate eccentricity and act in ways that are foolish and unnecessary. Christ came to save and santify us, not to make us eccentrics.”
The reading for today, Colossians 4:1-6 provides a good guide on how we should conduct ourselves with other people, there is no need for theatrical behaviour or other forms of eccentricity, verses 2 to 6 follow: ‘Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.’
It’s also useful to reflect on the fact that these words were written by Paul while in chains – yet his words remain calm and clear – he had every reason to be emotive and perhaps eccentric – but he always remain focused on his task – to be an apostle to the gentiles – how fortunate for us that he was – what do you think?
Don’t cultivate eccentricity
Selwyn takes a final look at the last beatitude: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me …’ (Matthew 5:10-11).
He introduces his study by reminding us that we can’t follow Jesus and at the same time have a good friendship with this world: “Every Christian needs to understand there is a reproach in this gospel that we preach – even in those countries where there is a strong Christian presence. There is a shame at the heart of the cross and it must be borne. We cannot have at the same time the saving friendship of Christ and the hearty friendship of the world.”
In addition, he repeats his message that we may need to reflect on how closely we are keeping in step with the Holy Spirit if we are not conspicuous by our different approach to life, compared to non-Christians, as follows: “Often our lives are so tepid, so lacking in challenge, so wanting in the power of holiness and the ‘arrestings’ of grace that we are not conspicuous in society and can pass as pagans anywhere.”
He also draws our attention to the other extreme, there are some Christians who develop a type of defensive armor by becoming eccentric, as if they are carrying around a sign saying, “I’m a Christian, the end is near – are you saved?”, and depend more on this eccentricity than on their actions to demonstrate their faith – these are difficult people to guide because they believe that they are totally committed to their faith and everyone else is half-hearted – do you agree? On the other hand I would prefer to have more people like this, than to have people with no faith at all!
This is what Selwyn has to say: “Yet even though we should expect to bear disgrace and reproach for the cause of Christ, we must be careful that we do not increase that reproach by our eccentricities. Sadly some Christians seem to cultivate eccentricity and act in ways that are foolish and unnecessary. Christ came to save and santify us, not to make us eccentrics.”
The reading for today, Colossians 4:1-6 provides a good guide on how we should conduct ourselves with other people, there is no need for theatrical behaviour or other forms of eccentricity, verses 2 to 6 follow: ‘Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.’
It’s also useful to reflect on the fact that these words were written by Paul while in chains – yet his words remain calm and clear – he had every reason to be emotive and perhaps eccentric – but he always remain focused on his task – to be an apostle to the gentiles – how fortunate for us that he was – what do you think?