Mark 8:22-38 was the topic of our Bible study tonight. Yes, I do go to Bible study (occasionally). I know right? Anyways, usually I just go, sit quietly in the back and listen. I think it's good for me, but I don't like to participate since I'm Catholic, and moreover I'm...out there. Moving on.
We had a little worksheet tonight with some questions about Jesus. There was some good discussion going on, but the last question made me think (by the way, these questions were taken from a book that I cannot cite, as whoever made the sheet did not include the source but he acknowledged the book which I forgot).
"I'd like to follow Christ, but I think it will cost too much." How would you respond to such a statement in light of verses 34-38?
A lot was said about taking up one's cross, what it means to be a real Christian and the usual. But for me, it goes a little deeper than that. I've been thinking for awhile about what life really is about. I am usually led back to my religious roots, and the belief that we are called to serve Christ and one another.
"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." - St. Francis of Assisi
I truly believe that we are called to be servants. Heck, even the military trains people to serve first; most of our greatest leaders have been servants to the general good. Sure, we as Christians often find ourselves volunteering in a soup kitchen one weekend a month, or donating money at church, but are we truly following Jesus' example? I'm not saying that we should go sacrifice ourselves, but how many Christians are willing to lay down their lives for Christ?
Personally, I believe that too many people, including myself, are self-centered. Jesus led a life dedicated to preaching the Gospel and serving others; how many of us are that committed? Yes, religious ministers and such follow in His footsteps, but what about the rest of us? As Jesus told the rich young man, "Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'You need one thing,' he said. 'Go and sell all your possessions. Give the money to poor people. Then you will have real wealth, in heaven. Then come! Follow me!" (Mark 10:21)
Think that's too extreme? Well Jesus was a pretty extreme Guy back in His day. Think it can't be done? For those of you who remember Mother Teresa, I'm sure you'll disagree. This woman dedicated so much of her life to helping the poorest of the poor, opening herself up to those that everyone else rejected and inspiring hundreds to follow her and the example of Jesus.
Could you give up the life you know and live the life Mother Teresa did? Most people are content to get a job, have a family, and go to church every Sunday while donating money and occasionally volunteering. People are afraid to make a change, to take the kind of radical action that I believe Jesus asks of us. We are afraid of leaving behind our friends and family, but isn't that exactly what Jesus challenged us to do?
Do you think that Christians are living the faith as God expects us, following Jesus' example? Do you think that selling one's possessions and breaking ties to go serve is too radical?
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Comments (9)
From a pragmatic point of view, if we all too such radical action, it would cease to be radical. But good post nonetheless. I expect that someone will attack Mother Teresa.
Good post to get us all thinking... And never hesitate to participate because you're Catholic. You have a good grasp of Jesus message about serving, and that is important to share.
Everyone who commits to marriage and commits to raising children, commits to Christ. People all over the world and all throughout history have made such a commitment.
Because Christians have been baptized they have the chance to experience the fullness of such committments.
'Go and sell all your possessions. Give the money to poor people. Then
you will have real wealth, in heaven. Then come! Follow me!" (Mark
10:21)
The context is that Jesus was speaking to a particular person. That doesn't mean that every one has to sell everything they have. On the other hand, if someone feels a conviction from the Holy Spirit to do that, then it's their choice to do it.
@LoBornlyte@xanga - "Everyone who commits to marriage and commits to raising children, commits to Christ."
Good point. Those who give up everything to follow God and Parents have this in common: they don't live (selfishly) for themselves, but for others. Different vocation, same self-giving.
@monobeam@xanga - Parents sacrifice almost everything for their children. The Church recognizes the union between man and woman in matrimony as the foundation of society. For it is from the matrimony that family springs forth.
What greater vocation is there than to be married and rear children?
I really liked this post. It totally relates to how I've been feeling lately---selfish. I think what is hard for me as a Christian right now if figuring out how God specifically wants me to serve. There are so many needs to be met, but where can I be the most effective and how do I get there?
Exactly. Serving has helped pull my sluggish spirituality out of ruts repeatedly. It reminds that worship isn't primarily about me. It is about God glorified. Worship is designed so that you focus on an other. And when we get into the habit of serving it becomes a thing to rejoice in doing. I should start it up again with my fellowship...
good thinking!
Good points. If you don't mind, I'd like to comment on parts of your blog:
1) "Jesus led a life dedicated to preaching the Gospel and serving others" - I'd like to take that further and say that Jesus dedicated His life to glorifying God. In the same way, I believe that's what our mission in life is, to Glorify God, and we do so by evangelizing always (as Francis said), sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ, following Him, Denying ourselves and taking up the character of God, serving others in Jesus' name, etc.
2) Commitment: "what about the rest of us?" - I am a Pastor, and have answered the Lord's call to serve Him. But before my calling, I was also a Christian who dedicated myself to knowing Jesus as best as I could, even trying to take on His character. I loved sharing with people the things I was learning by reading His Word, disproving heresies, etc. I read a chapter from the Bible every day, prayed non-stop (like high-speed internet...you're always connected and communicating), and reflected on what I was learning. When you accept Jesus, it's all or nothing. Many accept Jesus as their Savior, but not their Lord. But if you don't give yourself to Jesus fully, then you really haven't given yourself to Him at all. And for the price Jesus paid for us, giving his everything, He has the right to expect everything from us (as you'd said). So if giving our everything too radical? Radical, maybe. Required, definitely! But you're right, definitely a problem among many who go by the title of "Christian".