28.12.2004
So, you think it’s all about you?
Early one Saturday morning, about 1 am, I was walking with a friend down Kreshchatic, by the tent city blockade. We then kept walking through Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) and then up by the Parliament. It was cold, so cold the back of head felt like it was about to explode. I had lost the feeling in my fingers a few hours before and my camera was operating in slow motion. Yet, even at this hour of the night, there were still demonstrators blocking buildings, banging drums and keeping watch. Many had been there since the previous morning. At two in the morning, anyone in orange was our friend and we talked with many people. As I heard their stories, I was amazed. These people were not receiving money, they were not given warm, comfy places to stay, they were not receiving any immediate benefits. Why were getting sick, tired and cold? It is simple. They were not concerned about selfish desires, but the future of their country, their children’s futures. I was forced to ask myself if I would be willing to do what they had done for a cause.
In churches around the world people gather each Sunday for a single cause, “Me.” What can I get this week? Giving to get. Praying to get. Worshipping God to make ourselves feel good. Worshipping God so He will give us things. Singing songs about “us” instead of Him. Sermons designed to teach us how to get what we want from God. Strategies for how to fit God’s plan into our plans.
Sadly, the above description is reality in many churches, from mainline denominational to charismatic. However in Ephesians, Paul has a slightly different view.
Ephesians 1: 9- 10
9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Strangely, these verses contradict the majority of what happens in churches today. We want everything for what it means to us and we see everything by how it affects us. We lose sight that it is God's plan and purpose that matters. And He doesn't change or conform His plans and purposes to us...We must conform to Him. It is God’s will and God’s plan that matters.
There is nothing wrong with receiving things from God, but what is your motivation? Why do you want your church to grow? Why do you want God to bless you with a new car? Why do you want to be blessed with money? God looks on the heart. He sees the motives and the secret thoughts and plans you make behind closed doors and never reveal. God is not impressed by your actions if your heart isn’t right.
I know this is a hard topic for the Christmas and New Year season, but it is very timely. Christmas was the perfect expression of selflessness and the fulfilling of God’s will. As the New Year approaches and thoughts of New Year’s resolutions are running through your head or the stress of the season is making you crazy, stop and focus on the One who made you, the One who has a plan for your life. Focus on Jesus. Allow Him to purify your thoughts and motivations. Remember God will not change for us, we must submit and allow ourselves to be transformed into His image.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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