....and how to fix it
"No," I said after being asked if I had any plans for summer vacation. "Why not?" was his response. "To be clear, I'm not against vacations, I go on vacation every once in a while. However, it seems to me many are always planning and executing their world travels. There's more to life than just vacations. In addition, the intent is usually self-centered." Then I got the comment "The daily grind of going to work and back seems so mundane, vacations gives us something to anticipate. And what's more to life any way?"He should have known better, he was a bright, well educated who person who possessed charisma and leader like traits. Beyond that, he was no novice Christian. I was saddened, but not surprised. When Christians have this central self-focus, I call it Christian Narcissism.
Narcissism Spectrum
On one end, we have many Christians pursuing luxurious vacations, sprawling estates, feasts, fashion and entertainments such as sports, music and movies. Some feel gain is godliness.Sliding to the other end, we have self-focused spirituality, a focus on one's spiritual satisfaction. After salvation, the only thing left is eternity. These people's core focus is Christian friends, music, “Christian” culture, personal knowledge and/or study. Some think that Christianity is made up in a special formula of clothing and spiritual sounding words and phrases.
My Cross-Hairs
A measure of necessity can be seen on both ends of the spectrum. Many things are needed to live such as food, clothing and shelter. We also need time to rejuvenate and enjoy God's creation and gifts he has supplied. Yes, on the other end we do need godliness, fellowship, praising God and knowledge. These too are essentials.However, my cross-hairs are set on the focus of excess personal affluence and selfish spirituality. In other words, many Christians are focused on their personal peace and affluence. This is not the mark of a mature follower of Christ - but a babe.
The Big Three - How Not To Be That Christian Narcissist
Now probably the Scriptures could speak to many more items, but the following three attributes are essentials for a mature follower of Christ.- modeling virtue
- philanthropist
- messenger
Like usual, words were chosen here to make one think. Also, I want to note that a proper modeled virtuous life should, as a matter of course, lead to the other two. If Spiritual fruit is produced and if there is obedience to Christ and Apostles it is just one package.
However, many slide to “first base” and stay there focused on personal peace and spirituality - ignoring the other two. Some may try to jump to the second or third and ignore the others. All are essential in some measure but not sufficient in themselves for a mature believer.
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