Today Selwyn looks at the question: ‘What proof is there that narcissism – that is, excessive self-interest – is taking over the modern-day Church?’ He looks at the subject matter of the material found in Christian media and concludes that ‘how we are getting along at any moment seems more important than whether we are connecting with God. And when we do connect with Him we tend to be more concerned with what’s in it for us than with what’s in it for Him.’
Perhaps, there are people with a ’what about me’ attitude, who on hearing the message that Jesus loves them, respond with a demand – ‘Jesus, if you really love me then you will do this for me to make my life easier.’ These people may hear a false ‘prosperity’ gospel message, which will always end up in disappointment!
We are first to love God then to love our neighbour – there is a consistent order seen throughout scripture. This is what Selwyn refers to in his conclusion: “At our Lord’s birth the angles’ message was this: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14). This is the right order: God’s glory first and humanity’s well being second. When we tamper with that order we not only demean God but we also demean ourselves. For we are what we are because He is who He is.” I like the last sentence – great isn’t it?
The prayer is also worth reflecting upon: “Father, I see this is a truth not merely to be looked at but to be lived out. Help me to put Your glory ahead of everything, and to live out my life here on earth in a way that glorifies not my name but Yours. Amen”
Think about this – how many tele-evangelists appear to be more interested in promoting their name and ministry than promoting the glory of God? Is this a growing trend?
The right order
Today Selwyn looks at the question: ‘What proof is there that narcissism – that is, excessive self-interest – is taking over the modern-day Church?’ He looks at the subject matter of the material found in Christian media and concludes that ‘how we are getting along at any moment seems more important than whether we are connecting with God. And when we do connect with Him we tend to be more concerned with what’s in it for us than with what’s in it for Him.’
Perhaps, there are people with a ’what about me’ attitude, who on hearing the message that Jesus loves them, respond with a demand – ‘Jesus, if you really love me then you will do this for me to make my life easier.’ These people may hear a false ‘prosperity’ gospel message, which will always end up in disappointment!
We are first to love God then to love our neighbour – there is a consistent order seen throughout scripture. This is what Selwyn refers to in his conclusion: “At our Lord’s birth the angles’ message was this: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14). This is the right order: God’s glory first and humanity’s well being second. When we tamper with that order we not only demean God but we also demean ourselves. For we are what we are because He is who He is.” I like the last sentence – great isn’t it?
The prayer is also worth reflecting upon: “Father, I see this is a truth not merely to be looked at but to be lived out. Help me to put Your glory ahead of everything, and to live out my life here on earth in a way that glorifies not my name but Yours. Amen”
Think about this – how many tele-evangelists appear to be more interested in promoting their name and ministry than promoting the glory of God? Is this a growing trend?