Right now I am intrigued at a paradox I’ve struggled for years to understand (and still haven’t).
In Adventism (and probably in other religious context as well), we are often told that we need to be different; that others need to see in us something they would desire, and strive to have/be. We are to be lights in the world; we are expected to be examples, role models. We are called to be dissimilar, unlike. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:2). Also, Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (Jas 1:27). And again, That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; (Php 2:15).
One the other hand, we are supposed to be “like” those we minster to, we are encouraged to become similar to them in order for them to be able to identify with us, and connect with us. The most quoted verse is Col. 9:19-22: For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
So I hear each of these ideas on a regular basis, both biblical, AND relevant; and I am a little perplexed. Also, both aspects are emphasized especially when we it comes to reaching out the young people.
We are expected to stand out as different, yet we are persuaded to be similar to those we reach out to. Some say it is critical to wear loose jeans, put on a thick layer of make-up, watch the movies in vogue to know what they know, and act like they do, so that we’d be accepted by then (among them), and connect with them. Some others say it is important be different, and that your looks and behavior should reflect Christian standards, not worldly standards. So questions arise: What do THEY want from us? What is best for them? And, also, do they know whether what they want is what is best for them?
Is it more important for them to identify themselves with us, or see a role model in us? Are we to be like them, or like Christ?
I realize that I am treating this wide topic very narrowly here, and I am probably missing important details of the picture. Feel free to bring those up, or share any other thoughts you have on this topic. Your insight is appreciated.
3 comments:
Those are very good and difficult questions you raise. Our first duty is to God and the Bible. It is to be interpreted from His perspective, and not by our own personal agenda. I think that there are many out there that have expectations of the church, but will not act like they look to it to set a standard. perhaps we can compare it to the teenage years. Teens push the boundaries of parental regulations. They both hate and yet crave structure. I do not believe that we should capitulate but hold to what ultimately is, even if it is bucked against.
"Are we to be like them, or like Christ?"
I think we should strive to be like Christ... but then again, Christ became not only like us but one of us.
@ Andrej: Thanks for your comment. I like how you phrased your thought: “our first duty is to God and the Bible”. I think it is crucial that we constantly keep this in mind, as I believe such obedience can only enhance the quality of our relationships with those around us. For this + for many other reasons, it should be our foremost concern.
I also appreciate your emphasis on interpreting the Scripture from His perspective, versus our own agenda; the latter may be quite subtle, but I believe it is a temptation for many, and the saddest part is when sin is excused based on an unfaithful interpretation.
@ Jason: Thanks for your insight. I think it encapsulates quite well the paradox I was talking about. Part of being like Christ is indeed becoming like those we minister to, just like He became one of us, as you said.
What I’ve struggled with was knowing in what ways/aspects we need to become like them, and in what aspects to be unlike.. Exploring Jesus’ example, I see Him becoming like us just as a cross-cultural missionary adopts cultural elements towards an effective ministry, in order to be able to identify himself with those he works among, and for relations-building purposes.
On another hand, Jesus never compromised with sin. In this, He was unlike us, and maybe it is one aspect in which we are called to be unlike; we don’t really want to become like a person who committed adultery by doing the same… – an extreme example, true, which also makes it an easy one. But I guess it’s the grey areas that raise more problematic questions (as in what is compromise, what is purity) – and this is probably where personal conviction comes into play…
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