Jesus Promoted and Modeled Self-Deinal

What Did Jesus Do?

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself...”
Matthew 16.24
(see also Mark 8.34 & Luke 9.23)

A couple of weeks ago, before the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and before the civil war in Libya which has grown into an international conflict, the attempt by the governor and legislature of Wisconsin to limit the power of public workers unions in that state dominated the news. It might not be the banner headline any longer anywhere besides Madison, but we haven't heard the last of the confrontation between government and labor. And, as we have all seen and heard, Wisconsin is not the only state grappling with the issue.

Another labor controversy threatens a huge American industry, as billionaire NFL owners have acted to lock-out millionaire NFL players, without the least concern for the folks who made them their riches, the fans. Just as Wisconsin's struggle is shared by several other states, other professional sports leagues may soon be confronted with owners vs. players battles which could shut down other seasons besides football.

While the examples just mentioned garner headlines, they certainly constitute little more than the “tip” of what I believe is a huge “iceberg” of a problem in our nation—rampant self-interest. We have become essentially a “look out for #1” people. Oh, don't get me wrong, Americans still respond effusively to tragedies such as the one which struck Japan two weeks ago. But when the going gets tough, or even when things are going well, we, for the most part, are concerned with ourselves and our own welfare much more than we are with that of our neighbor. We are, individually and corporately, selfish people, to put it bluntly.

Perhaps that is a big reason why Christianity seems to be losing “market share,” if you will please excuse such a crass term—fewer and fewer people are attracted by a faith which comes right out and requires its adherents to deny themselves. Most people will say, “No thanks,” to self-denial, and choose instead one or more of several self-indulgent options. Recognizing this, more than a few ministries are now profiting by proclaiming a so-called “Prosperity Gospel.”

A “Prosperity Gospel” has a lot of appeal for selfish people. There is no self-denial with the “Prosperity Gospel.” One need give up nothing in the “Prosperity Gospel.” The motto, if you will, of “Prosperity” gospels is, “You can have it all!” Such a gospel works for unions which strive to get “all” they can for their members. “Prosperity Gospels” also support Billionaire owners and millionaire players contending for “all” that they can wrangle from each other. But contending against one another for “all” that we can grab for ourselves has nothing to do with the true Gospel.

The mild civil unrest and player lock-outs we have witnessed recently could well pale when compared to what could happen in the very near future if the U.S. economy should collapse. If and when prosperity goes up in smoke, all who have bought into a gospel of prosperity will very likely throw off most, if not all, constraints against selfishness, even to the point of committing illegal and violent acts.

I believe it is high time for every Christian to conduct a thorough self-assessment of our attitudes and lifestyle. On the selfless-selfish scale, where do we find ourselves? There is no doubt where we should be on that scale, though we need the help of the Holy Spirit to get there. If we are Christ's disciples, then we need to be doing what Jesus did. Jesus promoted and modeled self-denial.

S.D.G.

Jim
www.jimwilkenministries.org
Marion, NC
PS 37.4