He died for all so that all who live—having received eternal life from him—might live no longer for themselves, to please themselves, but to spend their lives pleasing Christ who died and rose again for them. 2 Corinthians 5:15
Tell me if these statements have not become a daily mantra in the culture in which we live. “Get what you deserve”, “you owe this to yourself”, “learn to love yourself”, “spend more time on”self care”. Life coaches are raking in billions of revenue convincing people who feel unproductive, unworthy, lacking self-esteem, and in general those who are looking for ways to feel better about themselves, with these very mantra’s. Motivational speakers and social media influencers have amassed thousands of followers who make the idea of “self” the panacea to all our difficulties. What’s more alarming is that this very philosophy, has made inroads amongst God’s people. Pastors, those in the pews, and so- called Christian conference speakers have jumped on board the “self love” locomotive and it’s gaining speed day by day.
The old arguments that we (God’s people) are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we need to take care of ourselves in order to be effective for God’s service in my view is nothing more than taking a particular verse and manipulating it to serve an idea that sounds right. Anything for self always does. But in fact as with any scripture we must apply discernment in understanding its true meaning.
1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us, Do you not know that you are a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you? Let’s be clear on what this verse is saying in context with the entire chapter rather than taking a verse and using it as a means to promote an idea. The apostle Paul’s emphasis is on the entire congregation of believers as the temple of God and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. As the temple of God in the midst of a perverse society, God’s people in Corinth were not to participate in the evils of their culture, but to reject all forms of immorality. They were to be holy because God is holy 1Peter 1:14-16. Where did we ever come up with the idea of “self love” out of this?
Am I advocating neglecting such things as proper nutrition and rest? Absolutely not! But I think we have forgotten the example of scripture that in no uncertain terms reveals that attention to “self” was never taught nor promoted as doctrine for a thriving Christian experience.
Perhaps this is why so many women flock to self-help books promising relief. We feel the magnetic pull toward a more peaceful and fulfilling life—what self-help offers appeals to all of our senses. It tells us we’re beautiful, capable, and enough. In this world, “you do you” is the ultimate affirmation, and “finding ourselves” leads to happiness.
But finding ourselves means finding weakness. Digging deep reveals not courage and purity but rather inadequacy and selfishness. We don’t have within ourselves what we need. And that is why Christ came!
Scripture is replete with joyful, yes I said the joyful truth, that Jesus came not to make to most of us but that we His chosen and redeemed church would make the most of Him. Release from the tyranny of self and freedom to magnify His beauty and glory is the essence and end of every living day we are here. The One who bore the cross that we who live would no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again on our behalf.