Self-help or Transformation?
“Talking shop” with some fellow clergy, we were discussing the question, “What is the biggest block to real Christian discipleship in our churches?” Rather quickly, we agreed that the biggest barrier is that most folks come to church expecting a self-help session.
We don’t say it that way. When put so starkly, we would quickly realize that is at best an inadequate description of what church is to be. Yet, we come looking for strength to get through the week, a little inspiration to help me be a better person, etc. Sadly, the church has often functioned as a self-help resource, so we come to expect it.
Please know that we did not say this to be critical. In fact, we quickly noted that people expect this because the church has, in many ways, operated on a “therapeutic” model, just trying to help people be a little better than they were. We, the leaders of the church, have all too often tried to deliver self-help talks masquerading as sermons, so we should not be surprised that parishioners have come to expect it.
Sunday’s lessons, especially Matthew and Romans, remind us in no uncertain terms that Christian faith is not about helping us be slightly better people tomorrow (although that should happen), but rather is about completely transforming us into different people or more accurately, the truly best versions of ourselves.
In the lesson from Romans, Paul reminds us that we are to die to self and die to sin in order that we might live for Christ. In the Matthew lesson, Jesus says plainly, “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
In the course of this human life, we experience this transformation for the most part incrementally, though there can sometimes moments of major transformation. We must come to our faith seeking that transformation or all we will ever find is a self-help talk or an inspirational meme and, eventually, we will encounter problems that will not address.
When you come to church on Sunday, remember that what you seek is not a spiritual “Red Bull” to get you through the week, but transformation!
This column appeared in the June 25, 2023 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
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