Affirmation of the Self

“Purpose Driven”, “Jesus Shaped”, “The Ten Principles for more Godly Living” …or whatever self focused program or project you can think of, have as their outcomes, the affirmation of the self.

That’s a pretty bold statement. After all, these programs/projects/mindsets have helped millions of people both within the Church and outside of the Church, right?

Maybe.  Maybe not. There is no doubt that those on the receiving end of whatever “good work” was wrought from a “Jesus shaped” view of the faith have indeed benefited from this idea of what Christianity ought be. Who can argue with giving a homeless guy the shirt off your back? That is a wonderful thing for the guy that needs a shirt. But what about the giver?  Was it such a good thing as far as he was concerned? Maybe. Maybe not.

What’s the alternative, then? How will we ever get people to act in the manner that God requires of them?

Do you think letting the Spirit move someone who has been freed by Jesus’ death and resurrection is enough?

‘Becoming more Jesus-like’

(originally posted May 10th, 2008)

Some people love the religion game. They love to talk a real good game , but when it comes right down to it, they are just like the rest of us…incapable of being ‘Jesus-like for more than a minute or two…if that’s even possible.

How can this be? The Bible surely tells us in Jesus’ own words what He expects from us. And the Bible is replete with examples of Jesus’ own works. So there it is; a road map clearly drawn. Open and follow.  “What must I do to inherit eternal life”, the lawyer asked Jesus,  Jesus answered, “What does the law say?”( There it is…the first part of the Law/Gospel paradigm) The lawyer answered, “You shall love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Je sus said to him, “You have answered rightly, do this and you shall live.”

You want to be more Jesus-like?  There it is. “Go and do, and you shall live.” Continue reading