But many segments of our Western culture don't see it that way. In fact, a lot of businesses thrive on convincing their customers that "It's all about you."
So what are some good examples from popular culture of things or people who seek to convince us (not that it takes much) that our lives really should be oriented around securing our own immediate comfort and security?
MM
4 comments:
I think the fact that our U.S. culture as a whole seems to be focused on "me, myself & I" is obvious, but the more concerning thing to me as a Christian are the Pastors who not only buy into it but also teach it. There are TV evangelist Pastors that have very large churches that teach it's about you. Ben Witherington summed it simply as instead of teaching we are saved by grace from God - the congregation is taught the psychology of self worth and linking it to material success. Isn't that type of "if I give to God he will "bless" me with stuff" thinking/ teaching/ preaching contridicted in Romans 4:2 "If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way."? Would you then consider the "Me" messenger/Pastor a false prophet as defined by the Bible? (I'm really asking the question, not making a statement :-). Thanks!
Chris,
Few things bother me more, and evoke a more passionate opposition (from me) than those often referred to as "prosperity preachers." Creflow Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, and Joel O'steen are a few of the most prominent TV Evangelists who like telling people that true devotion to God results in a six figure salary and a Mercedes.
The technical theological term for this kind of teaching is, "Garbage." Not only is this refuted in Romans 4, but in just about every book of the New Testament.
So yes, those who teach that a main goal in the Christian life is to acquire great material wealth are indeed false teachers.
If we took this with the least bit of seriousness, we'd have to conclude that Paul and Jesus himself didn't have sufficient faith to please God, because he did not bless them with health and material prosperity.
Raising children in this "me" society is not easy. Discipline is a fine line in not "breaking them" vs. keeping them on the right track. How do you build them up and keep them humble? We love them unconditionally just as God loves all of us. How do we give them courage without boastfulness? It is a fine balance and not easy in our society with all of the influences. Having a church "family" helps a great deal. We know that the legacy we leave needs to be making disciples not only throughout our lives but also of our own so they, too can go out and make them as well. How do we pray God's will, but want the best for them? Our society makes it quite difficult because it isn't about us and we have to give all to HIM.
If we're making it clear to our kids that we support and care for them, I don't think we have to worry so much about inflating their egos. Real love is inseparable from humility, and if we really love them, the humility will come across with out much effort.
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