Friday, February 11th we’re hosting a pastor’s lunch in Naperville, IL. Alan Hirsch is speaking on “Everyday Mission For Everyday People.“
We filled the 100 available seats in four days and have a waiting list. What is stirring this passion to find purpose beyond ourselves?
James Emory Wright’s thoughts are very revealing:
The names say it all: iPod, iTunes, iMac, iPhone and iPad. If there is a theme to our day, it’s that “it’s all about me.”
It’s called narcissism.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus is the character who, upon passing his reflection in the water, becomes so enamored with himself that he devotes the rest of his life to his own reflection. From this we get our term “narcissism,” the preoccupation with self.
The value of narcissism is the classic “I, me, mine” mentality that places personal pleasure and fulfillment at the forefront of concerns. Historian Christopher Lasch went so far as to christen ours “the culture of narcissism,” saying that this is the new religion – a religion where we don’t actually want religion proper, but instead, personal therapy.
And it is just this spirit which has invaded our thinking, even those who claim to follow Christ.
Eavesdrop, for a moment, on our rhetoric.
“I want to go where I’m fed” – not where we can learn to feed ourselves, much less feed others.
“I need to be ministered to,” as if ministry in the life of the Christ-follower is something that happens to us, instead of something we make happen through us for others.
This from a people whose Savior said,
“I did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”
“Whoever wants to be great among must become the slave of all.”
Sadly, a spiritual narcissism has invaded our thinking where the individual needs and desires of the Believer have become the center of attention.
Do you see this happening in your world as well?
Why do you think we’ve become so self-focused?
It’s hard not to in a Babylon like culture. If you don’t look out for number one, you’re at risk for being labeled “peculiar” or backward.
As a stay at home mom…the hardest hit I take mentally is when someone infers that I lack intelligence or drive to do anything else. I think a lot of us are on a race track to prove something to others and ourselves…and we never get off. There is no finish line on that track.
An
An,
It’s important to get comfortable with “peculiar”. Or said another way, to get comfortable with being “unreasonable”.
Both terms are defined by their contrast to another norm. If we hope for different results we must be different. Different at a heart level first. Then, with every action.
Let’s celebrate different.
Let’s celebrate peculiar.
Let’s celebrate unreasonable.
As a 50+ year old man my greatest joys are the deep relationships I have beginning with my family. Everything else is a distant second. You’re doing the right things sis.
People who are condescending simply don’t see it clearly.
Ed
Hi Ed,
I just came across your website doing some research for my company. I was so thrilled to see and hear your vision and am excited about your blog as well!
This particular post is one that is near and dear to my heart!
You know I think we forget that Jesus made himself of “no reputation”. He was ALWAYS about His Father’s business and said that He only did what He saw His Father do.
The Bible tells us if we seek God’s Kingdom first, then everything else works out, all the “other” things will come as a result of seeking His Kingdom!
It’s easy to get wrapped up in stuff, but my prayer is that God will use all of us for His glory in the Earth, in spite of ourselves!
Thanks again and God Bless!
~ Tim Hall
Thanks Tim,
I appreciate your heart on the issue. It’s a daily challenge for sure.
Ed