Self-Centered or Christ Centered?

"Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it" (Mk. 8:35).

The word that is translated as "life" in this verse can also mean "self." For those who like languages, the Greek word is "psyche," which of course has also become an English word. I mention this word because I'd like to reflect for a little bit on the concept of losing oneself for Jesus' sake and for the sake of the gospel. I'd also like to reflect on how this relates to the Lutheran understanding of sin as being turned in on oneself.

In essence, our sinful self is very self-centered. However, the transformation that comes with faith in Jesus Christ moves us from being self-centered to being Christ centered. A "self" that has been "saved" is focused outward - in love for God and for the people around them. On the other hand, as long as our sinful self is allowed to be in control, we are very much focused inward.

It struck me recently that the common perception of self-centered people is of those who think too highly of themselves: those who always say "Me first!" and "Look at me!" But what about those who think too little of themselves? Are they not merely self-centered in a different sort of way?

Think about it for a moment. If I am always worried that I'm not good enough, or always worried about what others might think, am I not totally focused on myself? If I am always playing down my abilities and focused on what I cannot do, how can I possibly be focused outward in love for God and for others? If I am always saying, "Poor me," and am always worried about myself and my future, am I not among those who want to save their life but will lose it?

The thing is that the gospel tells us to think neither too highly nor too lowly of ourselves. Rather, the gospel invites us to look at ourselves truthfully and realistically, and then to lose ourselves in Christ.

When we do look at ourselves in the light of the gospel, we discover that we are precious in God's sight, yet we have sinned. Although we have grieved our heavenly Father, we are received as precious children of God: Created by God, Redeemed by God and made holy by the power of God's Spirit. As such, that same Spirit gives gifts to each one of us to be used in the service of God and of the people around us.

The apostle Paul wrote, "It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). As such, our focus moves from ourselves to what Christ is doing within us and through us. Our old self has been put to death with Christ. Our new self has been raised to life with Christ and is still growing and being renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" (2 Cor. 5:17). During this season of new life and resurrection, may we, too, be renewed from the inside out, as we continue to grow up into Christ.

A Blessed Easter to You!

In Christ,

Pastor Lynne Hutchison Moore