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Is It More Important Than The Individual

Decent Essays

• There is nothing more important than the individual. I am self-sustaining and free from any authority I do not choose to follow.
• The highest of human values and experiences is personal satisfaction and pleasure. I am entitled to my share of pleasure and comfort.
• I must constantly be vigilant that my “needs” will be met.
• The most important of loves is the love of self. Without this, I will be unable to function.

This is the dead opposite of what Christ taught. When He said “follow Me,” His anticipation was that we would put Christ first, others next, and ourselves last. Consider these verses from Romans 12 “I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to offer yourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” (Romans 12:1-2). Paul’s message here is plain and clear.

Besides Paul’s exhortation in Romans, we have this dramatic statement from Jesus: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26). Extreme, you say? Jesus was making a strong point. He wants us 100% focused and committed. The cost of discipleship, of following Christ, of being committed to missions, is to be sold out on everything else except Him. He is entitled to ask that of us because He was utterly committed to us. He didn’t pull back from Gethsemane or the cross. He didn’t bother

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