We put a premium on being relevant in this world, even though our attempts at establishing said relevance are often misguided; hence our obsession over famous actors, athletes, scholars, politicians, activists, and even well-known pastors, evangelists, apologists, and theologians. The wider the circle of interested parties within a given realm, the bigger the prize. Regardless of how things shape up, this whole exercise is nothing more than idolatry.
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
– 1 John 5:21
Now, to be fair to honest laborers, there’s nothing technically wrong with being appreciated for hard work and excellence in a job well done. In fact, in the spiritual realm, Jesus said in the Parable of the Ten Minas, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Luke 19:17), indicating an appreciation for good labor. However, if said laborer works hard with the intention of becoming more relevant in their social circle, thereby soaking up a bit of glory for themselves, then there’s a serious issue. “The Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7) and, frankly, doesn’t need your “social relevance” to somehow advance the Kingdom of Heaven down here on Earth. What He desires are humble, dedicated servants who, “Whatever [they] do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). God’s servants ought never be swayed by personal relevance, for relevance’s sake.
“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
– Luke 17:7-10
The question begs asking, “What are the outcomes for those seeking personal relevance through self-aggrandizement and self-glorification?” Seriously, to whose benefit do they labor so fervently for? If even one iota of their work is laced with even a shred of idolatry, it is polluted.
I’ve seen this play out on social media too many times to count. It makes me terribly sad because in their attempts to be personally relevant, these wayward so-called “Christian advocates” injure the Body of Christ! For example, why would any two Christians ever argue over Biblical doctrines in a public forum and, furthermore, why would they ever allow themselves to devolve into scratching, biting, rat-like creatures for even unbelievers to see??? What’s the benefit to God’s good name when the unbelieving world is sitting back and watching two so-called “Christians” tear each other to shreds over some controversial doctrine? Historically, kings battle with other kings for dominance; however, we only have one King of kings and Lord of lords, right? If you’re fighting for the title “king of social relevance”, you’ve missed the mark (we call that “sin”).
If you, perchance, disagree with another Christian over a certain doctrine, then keep the conversation “in house” (e.g., in private or in a church setting).
Nothing good has ever come from competition in the Christian ranks. We are not fighting the good fight for personal reasons; we are fighting for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
– Galatians 5:14-15
At the pinnacle of this awfulness, a truly tenacious person who’s hell-bent on establishing their so-called “relevance” in this world, will purposely seek out controversial stances for the sake of separating themselves from the pack. Politics and religion are the lowest hanging fruit because both topics are wrought with controversy. Ever wonder why the people who seek out controversy in politics are the very same ones who seek out controversy in religion? While they cloak their armchair warrior tirades with noble language and pseudo-doctrines, one must wonder if their end goal isn’t self-elevation. Sadly, at some point, their captive audience figures this out and moves on. In the end, the very thing they sought after the most is completely yanked out from underneath them – they are left with little-to-no social relevance, miserable, and discarded. Just go on social media and look for such folks who spend their days blasting controversial drivel on their feeds – you’ll see what I’m saying here. It’s a sad but earned demise.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall …Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
– 1 Corinthians 10:12, 14
While my heart breaks for these so-called “Christians” seeking personal relevance to their own demise, my heart breaks more for the Body of Christ, as it absorbs each perverse instance of idolatry as a punch to the gut. The Bible teaches abundantly about the unity of the faith being a living testimony of the glory of the Lord’s kingdom here on Earth. Self-serving divisions fracture said unity, causing injury to Christ’s Body. I especially fear for the younger believers who become confused and saddened at a time when they should be rejoicing over their salvation! Instead, they feel torn, often suffering the social pressures of loyalties to one or the other parties in the melee. It’s awful – so goes the disgusting fruit of idolatry.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
– 1 Corinthians 1:10
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
– Ephesians 4:1-6
Controversy should never be used as a platform for self-elevation. If you have a serious question about a controversial Biblical doctrine, then take it “inside”, using your “inside voice”, to the house of God, where things can be hashed out privately among God’s family. If you’re just trying to establish yourself as relevant for relevance’s sake, then you need to confess your sin to God, ask for forgiveness, and pray He doesn’t crush you for causing divisions in His Church.
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
– Mark 9:42
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins