The Preacher's Pen

Try these nine great ideas and see if any of them are yours:

1. My idea of visitation: everyone comes to see me.

2. My idea of sympathy: everybody suffers with me.

3. My idea of a sinner: the man I don't like.

4. My idea of a meek man: the man who yields to me.

5. My idea of contentious man: the man who doesn't agree with me.

6. My idea of a wise man: the man who agrees with me.

7. My idea of unity: everybody doing what I say.

8. My idea of cooperation: everybody working with me.

9. My idea of a good sermon: one that fits and hits everyone but me.

It is not hard to see what is wrong with these ideas, is it? Yet we live in a society that has becoming increasingly self-centered. More and more people are interested in their own rights, not what is best for everyone. Folks want everything done for them, and are not interested in doing anything themselves. As one has said "Everyone is listening to the same radio station: WII-FM. That stands for "What's In It For Me."

Unfortunately that kind of thinking can come to church and subtly influence and affect our Christianity. Have we forgotten what Christianity is all about? Christianity is not about me, for me, or an excuse for me to get everyone else to do for me. Christianity is the practice of becoming like Christ (1 Peter 2:21; Matt. 10:25). How did Jesus act? "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."" Jesus was a servant, not one demanded that all do for Him. He gave up everything for us. Study the list ideas above again. Can you see any of those coming from our Lord's mouth? How then can they come from the heart of those who wear His name?