The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. –Jesus“
Given that some readers of this blog get the idea that I’m a pretty sad person, I felt it might be important to point out a component of my faith that I sometimes take for granted, and don’t speak out much. I’m a Christian Hedonist, this is definitely a topic for another time, but I basically want to mention that I don’t live a life Trying to Follow Christ out of duty, but rather out of delight and joy.
I recognize that a lot of people might read some of the things that I suggest and think that either, A) I’m a looney or B) it’s a serious sacrifice meant only for select people (like monks and nuns and stuff). I worry that at least B misses the point (If you think A then I probably can’t help you). To some degree you might consider some of these things a sacrifice, but I think you should reconsider, and secondly I think the things Jesus says and calls people to are not just for a select group.
When I say I’m Trying to Follow Jesus, what I mean primarily, is in relation to the statement above. This dude, named Jesus, comes and tells people, I know how to really live life to it’s fullest. Bad analogy: Jesus was like some self help guy, running around telling people how to live happy and fulfilled lives. The only thing is Jesus teaches things that seem backwards to the way we’ve currently been living. When it seems the opposite of our logic we tend to think of it as a sacrifice, rather then an obvious step to an abundant and happy life.
I hope I’m not scaring people away with my preaching. I just felt the need to clarify that choices I’ve made, and things that I write, are not done out of an obligation or duty, but rather in and for the delight and joy I’ve found in Trying to Follow Jesus. More on that later.
well played. well played.
The only thing is Jesus teaches things that seem backwards to the way we’ve currently been living. When it seems the opposite of our logic we tend to think of it as a sacrifice, rather then an obvious step to an abundant and happy life.
A profound and dead-on observation, Ariah. Our culture took the word “abundance” to a new level, redefining it to what we wanted – i.e. what sounded more fun. But even the Rich Young Ruler didn’t get what he ultimately wanted because he couldn’t give up that abundance. It is more about re-aligning our focus to meet Christ’s focus, rather than bending His to try and fit our lifestyle choices.
There is something right in claiming a (pop-theology — which, by the way, is a bit like me saying popular mechanics) position such as Christian hedonism, but ultimately it seems to have to rely on conservative Reformed theology which can only respond to the tragedy in life with “Glad that’s over, but isn’t God great?” This is simply to say that cross-bearing and being hated by the world aren’t necessarily pleasant or joy-filled. That said, I know that there is joy on the way as we are encountered by God. The question may become how are the multiplicy of ends of human existence connected to our final end, God.
Josh, thanks.
Stephanie, thanks I completely agree that our society has a confused sense of what it is we want.
Dan, no doubt struggle, suffering, and sacrifice are part of what we are called to in the Christian life. I’ll take it on at some later point (probably not in the academic depth you might be looking for), but for now I’ll just nod that I agree with you, the pop-theology idea wouldn’t really have room for suffering.
I’m more speaking in a ‘true joy comes through living how God has created us to live,’ sort of way which would say God is great and we can find joy in those moments of tragedy and suffering. Not fake smile on your face joy, but God-given joy.
I’m a Methodist, I think. But can I be a Methodist Hedonist? I don’t know any,I’m sure. I do know that the times in my recent life when I was inspired (many times by you, Ariah) to give something up for my faith, I was strengthened, blessed, and had as much joy as I have ever had. I struggle and fail at leaving behind my self indulgence, but every time that I make a small step my life is enriched tenfold. Thanks for your insight and your walk with Jesus, I hope to follow him with you for a long time to come.
Bryan,
Thanks. I’ve been honored to live with you and have been challenged and convicted many times about my choices through walking this year together. Thank you for being a wise mentor and faithful friend.