Self Denial reflection 3: Conscious of your presence
Self Denial reflection 3: Conscious of your presence
9 March 2022
This year’s Self Denial Appeal theme, ‘The Ripple Effect’, reminds us that small actions taken in Christ’s name can become significant, life-transforming outcomes for the Kingdom of God.
The Self Denial Appeal started in 1886 when General William Booth called Salvationists to give sacrificially and to deny themselves so that they could offer God’s love to a hurting world.
In this quiet moment, still, before your throne,
Conscious of your presence, knowing I am known.
In this quiet moment, set my spirit free.
In this quiet moment, make a better me!
- John Gowans
This week meditate on this phrase – ‘Conscious of your presence’.
2 Corinthians 5:11-19
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 If we are “out of our mind”, as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciles us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Reflection
The message of the cross that keeps the gospel ‘ripple’ ever-expanding can be communicated through many profound expressions. Paul loves the figure of reconciliation (see Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:22). It is the beautiful picture of a loving God reaching out to a world alienated by sin and, through the incredible self-sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, inviting humankind into a new relationship where their sins are forgiven and forgotten (verse 19). As wonderful as that is, it is only half the story. Those who respond and live by faith in Christ become a new creation (verse 17). They live in a new order of existence, sharing in the life of the risen Christ. The self-centred life belongs to the past. In every age, believers are to become ambassadors for Christ, passing on the message of reconciliation.
This could be a daunting prospect unless we are energised by a motivation like that of the apostles. It is declared in verse 14, “For Christ’s love compels us.” The Greek word ‘synecho’, here rendered as ‘compels’, can also be translated as ‘controls’ in the New Living Translation, ‘urges us’ in the New Revised Standard Version and ‘leaves us no choice’ in the New English Bible. I prefer the idea of a loving inner compulsion driving us to communicate in word and deed the message of an inclusive reconciling God. All true Christian service springs from a heart of love. Paul is utterly consistent on this point, as is apparent in the first three verses of the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. The most marvellous gifted and costly service if unaccompanied by love “gains nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3, NIV).
The Lord takes and uses our gifts of ministries and money, but he looks deeply into the heart. As in the case of the widow in the temple (Luke 21:1-4), Jesus’ interest is in the level of sacrifice rather than the amount given. As we bring our gifts to the altar this year could we question our motivation: Is it because we routinely make this gift? Is it the expectation of others that we would always do this? Is there a sense of duty that we should do this? Or can we genuinely say, “Christ’s love compels us?”
General Albert Orsborn’s language reflects a different era, but his message is razor-sharp.
Except I am moved with compassion,
how dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed burning love is my need,
I know I can find this in Thee.
(The Salvation Army Songbook No. 626)
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.