|
| Part 2. Brotherhood or Egocentricity? |
|
| |
Part 2. Brotherhood or Egocentricity?
By Ron and Karen Schwartz
Brotherhood is a characteristic of Christianity that is next to non-existent among Christian leaders today. Brotherhood has become watered down to the point where it now means nothing more than good friendship, fondness, personal accountability, and, in some cases, subjugation to a leading human authority. Although there can be some merit to the “brotherhood” found in these things, there remains one aspect of true brotherhood that is never discussed or embraced by today’s Western Christian culture.
“I have no need of you…”
The best definition of brotherhood is not found in what are considered the ministry epistles or the epistles of John or Peter. The best definition of brotherhood is found in the unlikely pages of a letter written to a church in chaos: Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
In these verses, Paul describes with perfect clarity the nature of Christian leadership with which we are all familiar: every member is unique with special talents and gifts. Corporately, these members fuse together to form the Body of Christ. The distinctive idiosyncrasies of each Christian are supposed to blend together in a harmony of supernatural symphonic praises. Each member, no matter how obvious or how hidden, receives satisfaction from the achievements of the Body of Christ.
At this point, we could possibly conclude a rough similarity between modern Christian leadership and that described by the scripture. However, the scripture does not end here. Paul goes on to write:
1 Corinthians 12:20-23
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
Now it becomes evident that what really defines the difference between brotherhood in first century Christianity from today’s Christian leadership: dependence, integration, selflessness… What we actually find today is just the opposite. Rampant among Christian leaders is the need for power, control, dominance, influence, notoriety, and authority. All these nouns cry out, “I have no need of you.”
Christian leaders actually do “have no need of” others. They are quite adept at working independently. Some leaders are part of coalitions, associations, and denominations, but for the most part they function independently, heading up their own unique churches or ministries.
Missing from Christianity today is the harmony, the blending of voices into a choir. Instead of a Body of Christ that appreciates the uniqueness of each member, we find separate Bodies of Christ scattered everywhere, refusing to even acknowledge one another. This will become clearer as we consider this subject in more depth.
Two By Two
Luke 10:1-2
1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Consider the paradox of working this blueprint. If each member of the Body of Christ is unique and possesses a unique function, then it is safe to assume that no two members (or Christian leaders) will necessarily be hearing the same instruction from the Holy Spirit. Paul went on to write, “Now there are diversities of gifts, differences of administrations, and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge …to another faith …to another the gifts of healing …to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).”
Given the inimitable way in which the Spirit works in the life of each believer, no two Christians will ever be thinking exactly alike. Their vision and purpose will unique. Consequently, how can two Christian brothers work together “two-by-two” unless one man takes the lead and the other takes a subordinate posture? And that is inevitably what we find in our culture: one man with a vision with a constituency of others supporting and executing it. The unique vision of members other than that of the leader never gets to the table for consideration.
Consider the following scriptures that many Christian leaders use to justify their independence:
Acts 15:35-41
But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
This was not recorded as an example of the fact that Christians will disagree. This was recorded for our benefit so we know what not to do. It is an example of arrogance, control, retribution, spite, and disrespect. Paul had not heard from the Lord to reject John Mark, his judgment was simply clouded with angry. If we condone this behavior, then it will be impossible for Christian leaders ever to work together because then almost anything can be grounds for separation. The premise of Paul’s arrogance sets such low standards for cooperation that no leaders would work two-by-two unless one submits to the other. If Paul had chosen to work through the problem, he would have had to eventually come to accept his own sin and repent of it. Instead, he allowed his ego to speak, and in the end, sin and separation won.
The Paradox
Consider the following two events:
Matthew 21:1-7
1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,
2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me…
6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And:
Matthew 26:36-40
36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Consider these two events carefully. When it came to ministering to Jesus’ physical needs, His disciples were right there. But when it came to helping Him with His spiritual needs, they got bored and fell asleep.
I have some precious brothers who love to help people. They will bring food, give money, and work hard for their brothers, but when it comes to helping their brothers with the spiritual work for which they’ve been called, they are nowhere to be found.
Let’s be fair. God never told Peter, James, or John about Jesus’ mission. He only told Jesus. These men missed the same thing that almost every Christian leader we know of misses: the “law of Christ!”
Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
It is impossible to “fulfill the law of Christ” without doing something that every preacher preaches against: assume. We cannot bear the spiritual burdens of our brothers unless we first assume that they are capable of hearing from God just like we can, and what they hear is the direct leading of the Spirit. The real question that remains to be asked is, “are we willing to give our brothers that kind of respect?”
Over the years, we have expressed (as have many of you) to our brothers the different things God told us to do. Bet you can guess how they responded. They responded exactly like your brothers responded to you. They always say: “I’ll pray about it,” or, “I’ll consider it.” First of all most of them never do pray about it, and if they do, when God does not tell them exactly what He has told us, they get bored and fall asleep.
The events above describe with perfect clarity the bond that exists between Christian brothers today. They may be willing to help each other physically sometimes, but not spiritually unless there is something in it for them.
Have you thought through why Christian brothers are willing to help each other physically? They know they will receive a blessing, or at least they will walk away feeling blessed by the Lord. But what if their burden is like Jesus’ burden: a spiritual work. Then brothers pause and reflect and listen to see if it rings true in their own hearts. Is God telling them the same thing? No? Then they simply dismiss it. We find that even among Christian brothers who are very good friends, there exists what we call Spiritual Egocentricity: self-interest, self-absorbed, and narcissism of spiritual work.
Now ask yourselves this: wouldn’t it have been easier for Jesus to endure suffering and die if He were hanging between two of His friends rather than between two thieves? Most godly men, though having much resolve, do not possess the stamina of Christ. As a result, when temptation comes many give up on the work to which God has called them. In every city of every nation the work of God hangs crucified, abandoned and left to die because godly men do not “feel” that they have been specifically instructed by the Spirit to help one another.
My Brother’s keeper
Genesis 4:9
And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
Cain was right, no? When did God ever tell Cain to be accountable for his brother and for his welfare? When did He ever command him to know what His brother was working on? He didn’t. Though God never did give such specific instructions He did, however, expect (or assume) Cain to stay joined enough to his brother so that he knew what was going on in his life. Similarly, God did not need to tell the disciples to minister to Jesus’ spiritual needs. The Spirit didn’t need to specifically instruct the disciples to be a spiritual support to Jesus. As with Cain, He simply assumed that they would.
God’s question to Cain serves to demonstrate that there are aspects of your brother’s life that He simply expects you to be aware of – whether or not He specifically instructs you to do so. God expects you to use your God-given talents and gifts to help your brother accomplish the spiritual work he is faced with.
The answer to Cain’s question is, “Yes, you are indeed your brother’s keeper.”
Summary
Jesus found the grace to accomplish His mission even without the help of His disciples. The scripture tells us in Matthew 4:11 that following Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, angels “came and ministered unto Him.” But this did not happen when He was tempted in the garden. No angels came to minister to him. He was left alone. Why? Because God had given Him friends and brothers in spirit who were there to minister and help Him? However, no one came to His aid because the friends that God had given Him were too wrapped up in their own affairs to care. So they fell asleep while the greatest work of God came within a single prayer of failing.
Consider your brothers in the Lord. Do you know what God is telling them to do? And do you even care? Are you bearing your brother’s burden? Are you fulfilling the law of Christ? And do you even care? Or are you falling asleep, overwhelmed by your own affairs, while your brother struggles to understand how he is to obey the direction of God on his own?
Today the work of God hangs on crosses all around this world surrounded more by thieves than brothers in the Lord. Few men are willing to venture out two by two and show one another equal respect. Few men are willing to work together to want/try to understand what each is hearing from God and how they may serve one another. Instead, they are Spiritually Egocentric and proud of it. They boast about how they are able to hear and receive direction from God and work for Him alone. But they ignore “the law of Christ.”
Do you remember the story of the disciples in John 21? It was after Jesus had died and rose from the dead. They had fished all night but “they caught nothing.” Jesus saw them fishing and cared enough to involve Himself in their work. “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some,” He said (John 21:6).
Like the disciples, each one of us is almost able to accomplish what God wants us to do. We need the help of our brothers. But the sad fact we all face is that in order to get their help, we either need to sell them on the idea or buy their help. Consequently, quite often many Christian men and women become overwhelmed by their duties and simply give up, and the work of God goes undo. Look around. Everywhere around us the work of God is undone, and few Christians are even trying. And those to do so quite often do so alone. Why?
Our Western Christian culture has taught us that we each are independent agents, accountable for no one other than ourselves. If you believe this, then you are as worthless as the fool who buried his talent, you are as useless as the disciples who fell asleep when the greatest work of God was at risk of failure, and you are saying to the rest of the Body of Christ, “I have no need of you.”
We pray that no one we know will ever hear us say the words that we have come to dread: “I’ll pray about it.” These words have come to mean “no,” they encompass the entire failure of Western Christianity and iconize its collapse. Brotherhood is about more than friendship, and it is vastly more tangible than fellowship. It is a spiritual bondage between Christian men and women to the work that they individually feel moved of God to do.
Do you know what God has told your brother or sister to do? Why not? Are you walking with him or her two by two? We bet not. Are you willing to help them fulfill the work God has given them to do, or are you simply praying about it? Will you be your brother’s keeper, or will you remain spiritually egocentric?
It is time to act. It is time to repent.
God bless you all.
kmsrjs@triton.net (use the same address for MSN Messenger) |
|
| To add a comment to "Part 2. Brotherhood or Egocentricity? " |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| September 18, 2008 |
 |
|
|
 I was led to respond to the address you posted above... and would like to post the content of that email here:
If I may offer a copy of a post I was led to write in response to an article referred to in the subject line above, which was posted at mychurch.org. click: http://www.mychurch.org/blog/259197/Part-2-Brotherhood-or-Egocentricity Through my desire for a sincere, honest relationship in the Lord as a sister in Christ from the west.. and through my desire to enter into a 'brotherhood' relationship, through what I hope will become a response from you in return, (perhaps at mychurch.org)... may I ask you to please consider the link www.EnterintoGodsRest.com referred to in the response below, before the Lord... before responding in love. Thank you:
The above article on Brotherhood or Egocentricity puts me in mind of the season in my journey when I was young in the Lord and was called as a intercessor to meet and pray with others... when those of us who were led to come together to pray... often wondered why others invited to share the burden of the church through prayer did not join us, especially the leadership. While seeking the mind of the Lord, we were convicted that they were not led to do so and what they do before the Lord is HIS business not ours, to allow our spirit to become anxious causes us to focus our spiritual energies in areas HE does not desire us to go and thus drains us ... later when I was called to pray 'alone'... no longer with those who once gathered with me... I understood better... the Lord leads us into seasons of greater intimacy as we mature... and to pray one on one seeking the mind of the Lord... was not 'out of His will', nor were we out of fellowship, but it was what He was calling me to in that season... Jesus being an example of such, when HE separated HimSelf and prayed alone with our Father for more reasons than one. *(The Spiritual lesson I needed to learn during that season of my spiritual journey of faith was to let the Lord and HIS people out of box like (preconditioned) thinking and to stop looking through the limitations of the eyes of a child... I was being admonished to grow up spiritually, and allow Jesus to be the author and perfector of their faith as I followed HIM by way of no longer looking to them through immature eyes.)
When I say 'I will pray for you'... those who do not know me on a personal level, may choose to project what is in their heart on me... and judge me by their previous experiences... which would prove to be vain imaginations coming perhaps, from preconditioning and false assessments.... ignorance and generalizations... and not from the larger picture.
Proof perhaps?: If such a one would go to www.EnterIntoGodsRest.com they will find an entire section of prayers for those who are led to join me over the net in the privacy of their own homes. I was/am often led to pray one on one with the Spirit of the Lord, when I seek the mind of the Lord and was led to post them for various reasons. *Yes, I do pray with people on the spot too when the unction flows. Not only am I led to pray for the one who asked... but for ALL who were going through such a battle... as I am given the faith to stand in faith... through the power of the Holy Spirit within.... my call as an intercessor having matured to this place in the Spirit.
May I suggest the author of the above.. may, from my limited perspective... be coming from a limited perspective regarding other things spoken of in this teaching? Example: currently I also serve alongside believers (from various denominational backgrounds in our local community) who 'feed, clothe, counsel, pray with/for, find housing for, do repairs, share from our abundance with, teach, serve, and help others grow spiritually as we grow with them through having met or learned of one another's burdens/ability to serve, desire to befriend as the Family of God. We find we have interdependent relationships and the only leader... is the Spirit of the Lord, who we as the body of Christ, acknowledge is our guide, the one who equips/teaches and is our ultimate source.... and we tell those who come to us, are sent to us... such... with the hopes of glorifying our Father and HIS Son and no one man... while urging HIM to seek HIM first... for guidance/leading/strength/and more. (in such a way, they know we will continue to be there, for we as the body, need to work as ONE body in a balanced way... through a healthy interdependent relationship, which is divinely inspired through the sovereignty of the Spirit of the Lord). Again... would like to suggest, perhaps the author of the above.. may, from my limited perspective... be coming from a limited/projected perspective regarding the above... bren |
|
|
| September 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Please note the email id of the author at the bottom of the message and send your comments to him. He will definitely read it and reply. |
|
|
| September 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
| |  Have you not had a chance to read what I posted here? ???
Please note bro that I already did as stated in my intro above and to him in the actual email when I invited him to join us at mychurch.org with his response. I copied this for you to reread and pasted it below::
I was led to respond to the address you posted above... and would like to post the content of that email here:
If I may offer a copy of a post I was led to write in response to an article referred to in the subject line above, which was posted at mychurch.org. click: http://www.mychurch.org/blog/259197/Part-2-Brotherhood-or-Egocentricity Through my desire for a sincere, honest relationship in the Lord as a sister in Christ from the west.. and through my desire to enter into a 'brotherhood' relationship, through what I hope will become a response from you in return, (perhaps at mychurch.org)... may I ask you to please consider the link www.EnterintoGodsRest.com referred to in the response below, before the Lord... before responding in love. Thank you: |
|
|
|
Follow this blog
