Autonomy or Community: As much as some people would lead us to believe otherwise, freedom to do as we please is not true freedom. The perception of autonomy bringing happiness lends itself to addictive practices, loneliness, isolation, and torpedoing relationships. Who likes to be in a relationship with someone who is self-centered? Our satisfaction must be found alone in our satisfaction in Christ, not in the pursuit of our own happiness. It is about God’s greatness – not about my greatness. I Cor 6: 19-20 reminds us that we don’t belong to ourselves, we belong to God. We were bought by the extravagant price of Christ’s death on our behalf, for precisely the reason that we thought autonomy was to be favored over obedience. You and I are created to glorify God as a reflection of our love, deep devotion, obedience, and appreciation for God’s first loving us. In contrast to autonomy, we were created for community. Note below a portion of an email I recently received from a friend whose family is facing devastating news: “You all have become our extended family, and we are incredibly grateful for the blessings that God has given to us through you all.” My friend understands that not only were we created to find our satisfaction alone in Christ, we are to invite others to share our joys and our hardships. Joys and hardships are best shared with others we are in relationship with. We need others’ involvement and support. We need to provide involvement and support in the lives of others. That is one aspect about Christian Service Brigade that I love so much. Brigade leaders modeling and instilling these biblical principles to the boys and young men in their unit. Application: Central to our resource development is weaving into each resource that our purpose is found in obedience to Christ and in serving others with our gifts and skills. Powerful Thought: “Why don’t people ask us about our hope? The answer is probably that we look as if we hope in the same things they do.” John Piper |
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