What is the call to Christian service? A didactic look at Christianity unfiltered.
The call to Christian service is not a call to religion, nor a call to a denomination, but rather it is a call to be disciples of Christ. What does that mean? Before familial ties, culture, occupation, ambitions, or political affiliation comes being a Christian – a follower of Christ, a disciple. A Christian disciple is more than mere branding, it is a lifestyle and that lifestyle dictates who am I in all situations – so there is consistency in my interpersonal relationships. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
What does Christianity look like? Is it displays of religious fervor? Is it praying in public over meals? Is it social distancing against sinners? Is it concentrating light and salt to areas where the light instead illuminating blinds, and the salt instead of being flavorful becomes hypertensive? Is Christianity waterboarding sinners with the Word in hopes of a confession of being sin-sick terrorists in cahoots with the arch-enemy of our souls?
Jesus said “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). Considering that Christians, and by extension Christianity, appears to have a negative and repelling effect on those who encounter it – who is being lifted up, since God is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19). Does the deficiency lay with the infallible Word of God or with fallible man?
“Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in Moses’ teachings?” Jesus answered him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ (Matt 22:36-29). Now comes two ageless questions “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9); and if You, God, insist that I indeed am called to function in that role, much like the lawyer who wanted to justify himself, we query “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29).
The Bible, the Word, which Christians across the globe ascribe to tells us the following: A neighbor is anyone who needs our help (Luke 10:30-37). Further, a brother or sister is anyone who does the will of the Father (Matt 12:50). Moreover, we cannot say we love God, but hate our brothers and sisters (1 John 4:27). We are called to Christian service where are not lords but servants, not being served, but serving (Mark 9:35). We are called to be peace seekers as opposed to being conflictual (1 Peter 3:11). We are called to be philanthropic and help those who are in need (2Cor 8:13-15). We are called to be advocates and voices for those that are politically, socially or economically hoarse (Proverbs 31:8-9).
But what if we decide that we like our way better? King Solomon said there is a way that seems right to a man, but results in death (Proverbs 16:25). Ezekiel tells that among the deficiencies of Sodom and Gomorrah, these cities were full of pride, provision, and partiality (Ezekiel 16:49). Nevertheless, when it is all said and done, the only question that matters will be, “What have we done for the ‘least of these?’” There will be no one can answer this question for us when we stand before the Christ that we claimed to have been serving here on earth. He will either say “I never knew you,” since you never knew the least of these, or He will say “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt 25: 334-46).
The call of a Christian is a call to service is a call to selfless action and advocacy for those who may not or cannot be heard.
If you feel that you are struggling with any kind of emotional or behavioral health problems and are in need of therapy services please do not hesitate to contact the PSC and schedule an appointment. Stay tuned for a new post next week!
Comments