The Urban Dictionary defines it this way:
Take a step back and examine your actions, because you are in a potentially dangerous or sticky situation that could get bad very easily. Often in a harmful manner.
So, how much more should we who claim the name of Christ not check our actions? Is life about us, or is it about something greater than ourselves. Does the world revolve around me? If so, you would have to wonder what color the sky is in my world!
This applies not just with us on a personal level but the churches that we attend.
Are they there to serve us, or are we there to serve others through them? What was the greatest characteristic of Christ himself? If you said, “selflessness” give yourself a worthy high five! The book of Mark tells us that He did not come to be served, but to SERVE and give his life as a ransom for many.
So what are some of the characteristics we should look for in a gospel oriented community? This past weekend at Missio Dei Pastor Scott Morgan nailed it. I wanted to share the highlights of his message here.
Philippians 2:1-3 spells it out pretty clear:
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
So if we are to be like Christ, its all about humility of mind. It’s not pursuing goals or personal interests at the expense of others. I’ve discovered over the years so many Christians make church about them. Is there a children’s ministry? Are there men’s or woman’s ministries? Does the band rock??? It goes on and on. Sometimes we as Christians need to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves. We need to check our motives in the things we do.
What then is a gospel oriented community all about?
1) It’s strengthened by me being humble minded.I must continually be aware of my motives. I must continually be overwhelmed by God’s grace! I must relentlessly have true perspective of myself. Here’s what Galatians 6:2-3 says about this:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”Ouch! You mean its not all about me?? It really does fly in the face of our culture.
2) It’s strengthened by me being “others focused.” I must have a genuine preference for others. In other words, they are more important than me. I must count others worthy of my help and encouragement. Are others needs more important than mine? Hmmm, how many marriages could be saved if we really believed and lived this? Love really begins when someone else’s needs are more important than my own.
Some really good food for thought. Thank you Scott Morgan for your shepherd’s heart and your words of wisdom and encouragement.
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
