Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -Philippians 2:9-11
"You Christians aren't really interested in me; you're just interested in what might happen if you get me." These words sprang from a CEO during a conversation about his personal salvation. Clearly flustered, he continued, "When you guys come to see me, I know you want my checkbook or my influence. Just once, I wish what you wanted was me."
I was lucky that time; I really wasn't seeing him for his money, and since I've never been a believer in top-down influence, I wasn't interested in that either.
But his point is one we all need to hear. Far too often we Christians "target" people, especially popular, successful, influential or wealthy people, because we see them as a means to an end, instead of as humans in need of salvation or discipleship.
Students of history know this already. Students of Christian history should, too.
Four times in history, missionaries sought to "conquer
Advisors to the emperor knew better.
They encouraged all three missions groups to interact with the elite class, and even permitted conversions as a way of appeasing the visitors from the West. Much to the various emperors' delights, the people remained unaware of Truth.
Top-down always fails; or at least fails so often it is never a reasonable "Plan A" for any organization, be it government, business or religion.
In the early days of the 1800's, Robert Morrison and others tried a different approach: They reached out to ordinary Chinese citizens. Soon an army of missionaries followed suit, passing the Gospel from one ordinary Western citizen to another ordinary Eastern citizen.
Few could imagine the brushfire of belief this simple strategy ignited. So strong was its flame that even the dousing waters of Communism couldn't put it out.
The kind of change Christians dream about---where the heart of Christ is reflected in the acts of humans---that kind of change must start at the simplest of places: person to person. In the world of faith, leaders are no more and no less important than the newest worker on the company payroll. Every heart that embraces Christ becomes a place where He works; and no work He does is made more or less important by the status of the person He inhabits.
By all means, we should minister to leaders. Not, however, as conduits of influence or channels of change, but as people in need of a Savior; as fellow followers in need of support. The moment we see them as a means to an end is the moment we cease to think like Jesus.
When revival comes, if revival comes, there will be room for only one Leader, and everyone who follows Him shares equally in His glory. So, too, do they share equally in the value of their labor for that glory.
What matters most isn't what people can do for us. It isn't even what we think they might do for Jesus if they "catch fire."
What matters most, always, is what Christ, working through us, can do for them.
Let that work begin!
Visitor Comments (1)