True Christmas Spirit
From the end of chaptor five of J.I. Packer’s “Knowing God”:
The Christmas spirit does not shine out in the Christian snob. For the Christian spirit is the spirit of those who, like their Master, live their whole lives on the principle of making themselves poor – spending, and being spent – to enrich their fellowmen, giving time, trouble care and concern, to do good to others – and not just their own friends – in whatever way there seems need.
There are not as many who show this spirit as there should be. If God in mercy revives us, one of the things He will do will be to work more of this spirit in our hearts and lives. If we desire spiritual quickening for ourselves individually, one step we should take is to seek to cultivate this spirit. “For you know the grace of our Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9) “I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart “(Ps. 119:32).
I became burdened recently to be more giving of myself, and I became burdened that I need to be using what God has given me for good. Last night Jillian pointed me to the passage above and it spurred me on. There are lots of ways that we can give of ourselves in a Christlike manor. We can serve those who are needy, donate, encourage, etc. My particular conviction though is to be giving of myself as a friend, and to use the friendships that I have for more good.
Friendships are a wonderful thing. When you are with your friends you are secure, confident, apreciated, and you have influence. Christian friendships are one of God’s greatest gifts to us, but I think they can make us into the “Christian snobs” that Packer speaks of above. Since we are secure we are not so sensitive to the people around us. Confidence can lead to pride. The feeling of apreciation can lead us to believe that we can do no wrong, and can be used by us to justify wrong which we do. Finally with infuence comes the ability to hurt those around us.
Like in spider man, with great power comes great responsibility. It is not good enough for us to coast as friends. We should be always looking for ways that we can use our security, confidence, apreciation, and influence to build up those around us. Not only those in our circle of friends, but those who are in need of all the things friendship brings.
We were reminded yesterday that the Christian life is a race. If a runner gets to the end of a race and he feels great, then he has done something wrong. I pray that when my race is finished I will be completely spent for Christ. I pray that even if it means losing any popularity that I have that I will be willing to give that for Christ. I am on a mission to use my friendships for the good of those in need.
muddled Said,
December 19, 2005 @ 15:06
yeah man, right on. it’s kinda cool we’re both thinking along similar lines after yesterday.
kev