The title of this post is a quote from Karl Marx. I know what you're thinking, addressing issues of Christianity using the words of a man whose ideas started a movement called communism that in most of its forms has striven to co-opt Christianity at best(Three Self Church - China) to North Korea (click on North Korea on map) where being a Christian often means being sent to a concentration camp or killed, at worst.
But Marx nailed what we should be worried about. Who is benefiting from what we do? Communists try to convince the masses that they(the masses) will benefit if communism reigns. As history points out, that is a lie. Those that benefit in communism increasingly are those at the top of the food chain. So, when we say what we do is for others' benefit are we speaking the truth?
Being focused on the benefit of others when it comes to the gospel, means that we have to deny ourselves many times. It means getting dirty, being tired and inconvenienced. It means serving others when we would rather be taking a nap. We all know, deep down inside what it means.
Jesus' focus was the benefit of others. The whole purpose He came to this earth was for our benefit. So that you and I could have forgiveness and freedom from our sins. He is our example. We are to be as He was on this earth. We read of times when He sought rest but felt the need of the people .
So think about it for a minute. Who is benefiting from your church/ministry? Be honest. I'll answer for myself first by saying, "not enough of those on the outside." Now it's your turn. You don't have to tell me, or comment on here for the world to see. But you do need to answer it for yourself.
But Marx nailed what we should be worried about. Who is benefiting from what we do? Communists try to convince the masses that they(the masses) will benefit if communism reigns. As history points out, that is a lie. Those that benefit in communism increasingly are those at the top of the food chain. So, when we say what we do is for others' benefit are we speaking the truth?
Being focused on the benefit of others when it comes to the gospel, means that we have to deny ourselves many times. It means getting dirty, being tired and inconvenienced. It means serving others when we would rather be taking a nap. We all know, deep down inside what it means.
Jesus' focus was the benefit of others. The whole purpose He came to this earth was for our benefit. So that you and I could have forgiveness and freedom from our sins. He is our example. We are to be as He was on this earth. We read of times when He sought rest but felt the need of the people .
So think about it for a minute. Who is benefiting from your church/ministry? Be honest. I'll answer for myself first by saying, "not enough of those on the outside." Now it's your turn. You don't have to tell me, or comment on here for the world to see. But you do need to answer it for yourself.
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