Much of the joy and struggle in following Jesus is the abandonment of self in order to follow the pattern and example of Jesus. It’s a path of self-denial, of choosing to suppress one’s own desires and prerogatives in order to accept a lower position (which, ultimately brings life and joy to others – 2 Cor 8:9).
“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24.
This concept is different than simple ‘volunteerism,’ or ‘philanthropy’ (when interpreted with the worst connotations) in that the act of service is life-changing and challenging: it requires the individual to abandon certain methods and patterns of life in order to reach out to others (with the promise that they will find Jesus in that action – Mt 25:40).
At a very simple level, this attitude is evident in how a follower of Jesus will resolve disputes: Paul simply says that it’s always better to be cheated and wronged than to create divisions between groups (2 Corinthians 6:6-8).
This attitude is fundamentally at odds with the “stand up for yourself” attitude, certainly, but it certainly doesn’t mean simply “be a pushover,” or “be a nice guy.” Because, when this attitude is taken to its extreme – taking up one’s own cross to follow Jesus (Mk 8:34) – this service is an intentional act of self-giving that becomes a strong challenge to the status quo. Jesus’ death on a cross – the ultimate act of self-denial – challenged the political, religious, and social systems of power of his day, ultimately defeating them in his resurrection. Jesus’ life hints at how, through submission (and being cheated), one can overcome oppression by transcending it.
This self-denial should be a complete act that transforms all aspects of life. The prophet Zechariah challenges a group of priests whose spiritual focus was not properly centered:
“And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?” Zechariah 7:6
This act of self-giving seems to be quite complete, and something that should occur at every level. There’s the high-level, conceptual act of ‘taking up your cross,’ and also the simple thing of realizing why (or for whom) one eats their meals. Every aspect of life is changed and transformed when someone stops living for themselves and begins to think of God and others (Mark 12:29-31).
So how far does this go? Can it get down to every moment? Or, at some point does a person lose his/her individuality and personality for the sake of ‘being others?’ Or, is it only then that we can truly understand who we were meant to be in the first place?
Posted by ericlange 
