It might just be me, but it seems that this world we are living in is becoming more self-centered and narcissistic by the moment – everything is about “me” and the world should revolve around “me” and you just need to love “me” as much as I love “me” and…. It has become more and more pervasive and if you dare call attention to it you are lambasted for being critical and intolerant. This doesn’t surprise me though, as the Word makes it clear that increasingly “men will be lovers of themselves” as time goes by (2Tim 3:1-5). One of my greatest burdens, though, is how this same mindset has crept its way into the church. More and more the church is becoming “me” centered, from the pews to the pulpits. Consumerism continues to rear its ugly head within the confines of the four walls of the church, and “old time religion” is considered out-dated, irrelevant, and intolerant. Pastors and leaders have responded all to often by acquiescing to the desires of the people, turning to attractive “packaging” of the church to increase numbers and softening the message of the gospel to the point where it is unrecognizable when compared to the gospel preached by Paul, the apostles, and the early church.

I could go on and on discussing the “ills” of the church today, not that I am an expert on the subject, but I’d rather focus on what can be drawn from what Paul shares in the first six verses of the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians. I believe his words give us insight into the heart of a believer who’s ultimate goal was to make Jesus known. In short description, some of what Paul lays out is:

1) “Going forth” with the purpose of sharing the gospel, trusting God’s word will not return void (vs. 1)

2) Boldly proclaiming the gospel, even in the face of much opposition and conflict (vs. 2)

3) Sharing the gospel with only one motivation – that others would come to know Jesus (vs. 3,5)

4) Knowing God called us to share the gospel, we do so in a manner not to please men but God (vs. 4)

5) Seeking only to glorify God in all we say and do, drawing others to Him and not ourselves (vs. 6)

I know… as you read that list it all seems so obvious, right? Yet, as we look around, doesn’t it seem like the number of those who are willing to “live out” this list is getting increasingly smaller, even amongst those who would be considered the most influential leaders in Christianity? I don’t mean to sound critical, only burdened, and don’t get me wrong – the list challenges me daily to the core, and forces me to ask how and why is it I do what I do, especially in the realm of leading others to Christ, or into a deeper relationship with Christ, through my words and actions.

This list stands as one of the “pillars” of what it means to live wholeheartedly for Christ as we seek to make Him known through our lives. This is “deep water” we are treading in, one that is sure to ruffle some feathers even within the church. We are called to be light and salt in this world, and even in the church – let’s go do it, to His glory and praise alone, not being ashamed of the gospel in the least, for it is the power of God unto salvation! Amen!!

‘Til next time… tread into the “deep waters” of beign used by God to spread His Gospel!