Yes, we all think that in our heart of hearts, don’t we. I am so important. Well, it is true and it is vital to our sense of survival. We are each of us so important. To ourselves but also to those we love, and who love us. But the problem arises when “I” think that my importance is greater than yours … It leads to all sorts of problems, even evils …
Many people want to find the answer in politics or economics or philosophy, or indeed in the ritualism of religion. Well there are certain answers in those things, perhaps. But the fundamental problem with the human race stems not from our systems of government or economy. They may reflect the basic problem, but the basic problem won’t be solved unless we address it.
The rest then follows.
The basic problem is one of attitude. ME, MY, MINE, EGO, SELF.
It manifests itself at every level, and it generates problems at every level of our lives; from personal relationships among family and friends, through our activity at work or school, to the level of politics and power.
At every level, insisting on my interests to the detriment of others legitimate claims to consideration is the root problem with the human race. The manifestations are boundless. Whether it be the person prone to lie and cheat to get their way, or it be the flexing of muscles by those countries with economic and military might to insist on what they want. The fundamental issue is the human condition of SELFISHNESS.
The Christian faith – to be distinguished from the corrupt versions trading under the guise of different religious denominations – presents an answer. In fact it claims to have the answer.
JESUS CHRIST
He
- told us what to do
- showed us what to do
- provides the power to do what we should do
He told us – love God and love others
He showed us – by going to a self sacrificial death on a cross
He provides for us – the very love, grace of God and the power through the Holy Spirit.
True Christian faith is not then a slavish adherence to ritual or organisation, but a liberating devotion to the God who can free us from our slavery to the sin of SELF.
It is not just a good idea of doing Good to others. It is actually the living out of the life of Christ in our lives.
But that can only happen when we realise what we are, and that we cannot help ourselves, but that we need divine intervention. A real intervention, a real spiritual power available to those who surrender their lives to God.
Who realise that Christ at the Cross suffered for them, in their place; suffered the anger of a Holy God against our selfishness. Took the penalty God requires, and made possible a new life in Christ.
A new life for those who accept God’s verdict that we are selfish – we are sinners. Who accept that Christ alone was good enough. Who accept that Christ alone can provide the answer and the power to change.
Who therefore agree to follow his teaching, and obey the critical command to be baptised in water – identifying with Chist’s death as they go down, and with his resurrection to eternal life as they come up from the waters. And in so doing appropriate to themselves the very life and power of God.
As the Gospel of Mark records:
He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16.16
The decision is yours.
Christianity 