I Wanna Talk About Me

 

The late Toby Keith had a creative and funny tongue-in-cheek song dedicated to our insatiable appetite for self-recognition. In the 2001 hit country tune Keith croons,

I wanna talk about me,
I wanna talk about I,
I wanna talk about number one,
oh my me my,
what I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see. I like, talking about you, you, you, you, usually, but occasionally,
I wanna talk about me.
I wanna talk about me.

The song is a pointed and self-effacing tune that pokes fun at our inexorable grasping to be number one. Every time I hear it, I smile. 

 

These days we’re surrounded by me-ism. At every corner social media feed into our voracious appetite for recognition. Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, they all appeal to our baser nature in feeding of the self. We love the clicks and likes that feed our craving for recognition and attention. Somehow, we have connected our self-worth to our insatiable hunger for acknowledgement. Our identity has become intrinsically linked to our Facebook friends list or to the number that subscribe to our X (Twitter) feed.  

 

Incurvatus in se is a fancy Latin phrase that describes a phenomenon of the self-obsessed life…a life that curves in on oneself. When a person endeavors to make themself supremely important their universe begins to bend inward and ultimately finds that same person as its gravitational center. Before long that self-obsessed universe begins to look like a relational black hole.

 

Here's how my favorite Lutheran put it,

 

 “Our nature, by the corruption of the first sin being so deeply curved in on itself (incurvatus in se) that it not only bends the best gifts of God towards itself and enjoys them, as is plain in the works-righteous and hypocrites, or rather even uses God himself in order to attain these gifts, but it also fails to realize that it so wickedly, curvedly, and viciously seeks all things, even God, for its own sake.”

-       Martin Luther, Lectures on Romans

 

I, me, my becomes the three-fold mantra of the self-obsessed, and needless to say, a universe with ourself at the center is a tendentious and lonely place. At the end of the day, we don’t need to be crowned king or queen; we need to be dethroned from our position of self-importance. We need one worthy to be enthroned as King.

 

The Apostle Paul wrote about this very thing to the church at Philippi in the first century. He encouraged them, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Christian folks are not immune from self-promotion. Churches, pastors, ministries, and everyday Christians are often vying for position and acknowledgment, and truthfully, self-promotion is almost always a bad look. Whether we are first century Christians, or twenty-first century Christians the message remains the same.

 

As a corrective I think it needs to be said that as Christians our aim is not total self-disinterest, but rather kingdom parity…an interest that includes others. There was an early church heresy that remains to this day. These folks would twist the good news of Jesus in such a way that expressed an annihilation of self. They endorsed the complete destruction of self and anything that clings to self. They said personality and physicality and material things were to be cast away in favor of pure “spirituality.” The Bible teaches this is patently false. Authentic Christianity has rightfully eschewed “anti-flesh” Gnosticism as an old error that often dresses up in new clothes. 

 

Notice Paul’s language again from Philippians 2, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (v. 4). Paul’s point is not the obliteration of self-interest, but rather the pursuit of the interests of others as well as our own. The Christian faith is not the destruction of self. The Christian faith is the reorientation via rebirth of self. With Jesus as Lord, rather than self-absorption, the Christian looks out for the needs and interests of others, as well as his own. This reorientation, under the Lordship of Christ puts self in its rightful place. Self, once enthroned, is now submitted to Christ as Lord. Instead of curving in on one’s self, it reaches out in love to serve others.

 

Here’s the simple math of it - Less of me and more of Christ and more of others. Less self-promotion and more others-promotion. In fact, the next time we’re together let’s talk about the  indescribable majesty and worth of Jesus as Lord, and then let’s talk about you. 

- DJM

June 2024

 

The Silence of the Lambs

Controversy…the truth is...very few of us enjoy it. We would much rather fly under the radar than become a target. And yet somehow along the way we have convinced ourselves that silence is better than speaking. We’ve persuaded ourselves that many Christians are brash and unwise in what they say, while at the same time we’ve convinced ourselves that it is best to say nothing at all. In our minds, to speak about any number of moral matters in a public venue may appear uncharitable and un-Christian and certainly not 'grace-filled.' After all, to speak is to voice an opinion, and to voice an opinion…well, these days...in many folks’ mind, it’s just not the 'Christian' thing to do.

 

I’m particularly intrigued by the Apostle Paul’s approach. I find it curious that his ‘I’m not ashamed…’ of Romans 1:16 is followed by a list of behaviors that God condemns in Romans 1:18 and following. Perhaps Paul knew something about the correlation of shame and not speaking up...both for the power of the gospel to save, and for a world at odds against God himself. This is a strange environment we live in where we’ve somehow decided that we want to be faithful to give the good news of the gospel without telling anyone why they need it. 

 

Our forerunners in the faith had a bit to say about this as well. Zacharias Ursinus, one of the primary contributors of The Heidelberg Catechism, made this pithy statement in the sixteenth century regarding the importance of speaking up. He said, ‘Undue reservedness is to dissemble the truth....’ In other words, not saying something when we should say something is akin to telling a lie. 

 

In some instances, silence may be golden, but silence is not the gospel way, nor is silence Christ’s way. Jesus could have adopted a ‘go along to get along’ mantra and saved himself much grief, and he likely could have saved himself the cross. However, declaration and proclamation are to be part and parcel of the Christian life. When the authorities, both religious and political, attempted to shut down the courageous proclamation of the newly formed Christian gatherings in the Book of Acts, it’s interesting that of all they could have prayed for, they prayed for boldness to speak.

 

As Christians it is incumbent upon us to say something. We are to declare that a real Jesus saves from real sins and in this declaration we must not be ashamed. We must be willing to speak because the future depends not only upon the efficacy of God’s Lamb, but also the unashamed words of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). Christian friends, someone needs to hear what you have to say. Someone needs to hear your story and to hear about God’s power to save, and it’s both your privilege and your duty to speak up. 

- DJM

June 4, 2024

 

That Dog and Wandering Stars

I have to admit, I enjoy a good figure of speech. Things like aphorisms fascinate me and usually make me chuckle. By aphorism I mean a pithy quote wrapped in homespun wisdom. Take for example, that fella there is like a ‘hen on a June bug’ when it comes to solving a problem. In other words, he’ll be tenacious and get it done. You likely have heard about the guy that is ‘all hat and no cattle.’ He’s the fella that puts on a good show, but at the end of the day cannot deliver the goods. One of my favorites is, ‘That dog’ll hunt.’ In three and a half words you get the picture. In my mind I can see a bird dog on point and ready for the flush. The bird dog is doing what bird dogs do best…they hunt. However, some bird dogs look like bird dogs, but they don’t know a chukar from a skunk. When using that phrase the listener understands that whatever is being spoken of is going to accomplish it’s intended purpose. Aphorisms are like that. They bring an earthy and unpretentious (and often humorous) truth to light. 

 

The Bible often uses simple language by analogy to get our attention. They are figures of speech…aphorisms of a sort. There are a couple that have caught my attention this week. There’s a story in the Old Testament about the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 18. In the telling of the story, Yahweh’s prophet is showing the impotence of a false god, and in an earthy and less than winsome manner he begins to taunt the worshippers of the false god. The writer says, “And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” The prophet’s pointed analogy makes the incisive statement, ‘Perhaps your god is going to the bathroom.’ A bit crude, but he makes an excellent point. When comparing the one, true God with anything else, the false gods may as well be indisposed. Truly, false gods are no god at all. I appreciate the plainspokenness of the prophet. He had a point to make and he didn’t waste any time gussying up his language because the true God’s reputation was at stake. Perhaps there’s a lesson for us all here.

 

The second example is from the New Testament letter of Jude. Jude is a short note filled with pithy wisdom and warnings about false teachers. Jude gets after the false teachers by using pointed figures of speech. Here’s what he says about them, “These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.” (Jude1:12-13) By way of analogy and hyperbole Jude calls the false teachers out. He uses figures of speech that are relatable and pointed, and he exposes these dangerous persons by using highly effective language. Here’s what he calls them – hidden reefs, having no fear, shepherds feeding themselves, waterless clouds, swept along by winds, fruitless trees, twice dead, uprooted, wild waves, and wandering stars. In both examples, Elijah and Jude have spoken plainly using figures of speech to make important points. 

 

With rare exception the best way to say something is without equivocation or nuance. Let your yes be yes, and let your no be no (Mt. 5:37). Plainspokenness, when talking about important matters such as the character of God and the danger of false teaching, is critically important in a day when language and its plain meaning have been tortured and twisted. And, that dog will hunt.

- DJM

April 2024

The Last Enemy

‘The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.’ – 1 Cor. 15:26

 

In the cold and dark of an obscure Judean hillside tomb a decisive blow has been dealt to that singular nemesis, a fiend before whom all men forced grimaced obeisance.  On that Sunday morning at the first rays of dawn death itself has met its indomitable match.  In the wee hours, death, that proudest of enemies, has died. A new day has dawned, a new life has begun, a new creation has been called forth to be, and a new Adam has arisen to take rightful place. Death, once the merciless and unfaltering conqueror has met its match. The gears and grind of a grand reversal could be heard over the faint lilt of sparrows regaling the new day with Talitha’s* song.  At the ope’d rolling of the immense stone effusive life spilled out brighter than the noonday sun, never more to be held captive by darken’d fate. Grave-clothes folded neatly, to be used…nevermore. In the distance a serpent grasped and gasped for Life. Simultaneously death has been cast into that gaping sarcophagus while the stone rolled back, and further back, and finally ever-sealed, oathed and stamped with bloodied crest.  Death, alas, where now is your victor's cry? Death, the mocker, lies silent. The slender greened bud pierced through the ebony loam. That long-cursed Curser has been finally and forever cursed. Death, the once-reigning king, has become the servant-pauper now in ever-bended stoop before the new crowned Prince of Life. 

Death be damned. 

The long-awaited Resurrection morning brought Life, and death itself has now become entombed.

  

DJM 

 

Resurrection Sunday, 2024

*Mark 5:35-43

A Life Transformed

 

 

Several years ago, on a Saturday evening, I received a phone call.  The person on the other end was informing me that a mutual acquaintance had passed away and his funeral was being held later that day.  When I heard the news, I shuddered as a cold chill ran up my spine.  The man who had died was a leader in a church.  He was a leader in the community, and he had run for political office.  He had given money to the poor.  His contributions to the church were substantial.  In my last conversation with him, which would have been several months prior, the thrust of the conversation revolved around his good deeds.  He spoke to me of his giving, and his contributions to the community.  He could speak religious language, but nothing was spoken by him about Christ or of his need for Christ.  There was no mention of a relationship with Christ that involved repentance and faith. In fact, he wanted me to understand that he was a good man.  Unless things changed in the last weeks of his life there was no indication that he was a man who had been born again.  He had not been transformed.

 

There’s a story in The Gospel of John about a man named Nicodemus. He had every indication of a man well-heeled; a sophisticated man, educated, able to hold his own in the court of public opinion. His exemplary life could have been awarded a gold star. He was the pride of the community. When meeting others on the street there was always a smile and a nod of self-assurance…and yet there was a problem. He was a man not yet transformed.  

 

In John 3 Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night.  There is no need to think that Nicodemus was trying to avoid detection.  This could be the case as a Pharisee and teacher, but it could very well be that he was looking to talk with Jesus undisturbed.  He addresses Jesus with civility and respect.  He calls Him a rabbi and affirms Jesus is sent from God.  Nicodemus points to Jesus’ miraculous signs as a confirmation that Jesus was no ordinary man, but perhaps one sent from God.  Notice the sobriety of Jesus’ language, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." By using the words ‘truly, truly’ Jesus is making this statement as a declaration of truth.  Jesus is inferring that His statement carries with it authority and the burden of truth.  It is if He is saying, ‘This is to be believed, you must be born again to see the Kingdom.’  If Jesus is to be believed then the new birth is necessary to see the Kingdom of God.  No new birth, no kingdom.  It is that simple.  To avoid any confusion for Nicodemus, the original language carries the sense of being born from above.  Again, it is like this, ‘I declare to you the truth, unless you are born from above, you will not see the rule and reign of God.’ This is not natural generation.  This is not birth that comes about by a natural relationship between a man and a woman.  Nicodemus did not get this from being born into a nice Jewish family.  Nicodemus had every natural advantage for being a shoo-in into the Kingdom.  He had lineage, he had theological training, he had recognition, he had years in temple worship, he had everything going for him, and yet Jesus speaks to him plainly…you must be born again.  Something must take place in Nicodemus that is akin to the earthshaking significance of childbirth.  

 

In other words, Nicodemus, you must be made new.  To see Jesus Christ for Who He is you must become a new man.  Jesus was not impressed with Nicodemus’ civility or his appearance of religion.  He was not impressed with Nicodemus’ recognition of Jesus’ sign producing capabilities.  Jesus knew what was in Nicodemus.  This ought to be very sobering for us.  What Jesus is looking for is a complete revolution.  To see the Kingdom of God was to see God’s King in the person of Jesus Christ, and up until this point Nicodemus was still blind.  He was willing to confer niceties on Jesus and His ministry, but He could not see who Jesus truly was.

 

Much of what passes for acceptable Christianity is not really Christianity in the true, biblical sense.  Much of what passes for acceptable Christianity is Christianity that has not experienced the transforming work of the sovereign Spirit of God.  We’re tempted to settle for much less, but God wants to make us new.  His desire is that we are truly reborn.  What does God want to do in Crook County?  He wants to make us new.  What does God want to do in our homes?  He wants to make them new.  What does God want to do in our interactions with our neighbors and friends?  He wants to plant us as regenerated, transformed members of the Kingdom square in the middle of it all to show the transforming power of both the Kingdom and the King.  But first it won’t come without a radical, pervasive, and transforming work of the Spirit. We must be born again. 

 

         

    

 

Dan and Judy Morse live near Prineville, Oregon. Over the years Dan has done bi-vocational work, church planting, and served as a senior pastor in several churches. He now serves with InFaith, a ministry that assists small and rural churches. He can be reached at danjmorse@icloud.com