By: The Rev. Russell E. J. Martin
Self-indulgence is a hard topic to broach with a nation of consumers. Not only do we want, we want it now. As a father, I am trying to raise my children as followers of Christ. This can be difficult at times but progress is being made. One of the major obstacles in the work of raising children is overcoming the “I wants.” They live in a world where people rarely deny themselves and sacrifice is an archaic idea. But the Apostle Paul calls us to an entirely different way of living. Because of our freedom in Christ we are called to become slaves to one another.
In John 13:35, Jesus tells us that we will be known as his disciples by our love for one another. In our consumer-driven world, marketing is very important. Jesus has his version of advertising. Paul tells us to use our freedom to love fellow believers and become slaves to one another. If we honor each other to this degree, we speak to the world so strongly that we are acknowledged as followers of Christ.
This sort of Christian devotion is rare in our world. It costs too much. It is much easier to buy advertising.