Notes from "Ekklesia Is About People"

1/17/2009

I bet we’ve talked about this subject in one way or another many times, but I don’t know if it’s ever been said any more clearly than on the recording, “Ekklesia is About People.”

And anytime I hear, “I want this to be locked into your heart PERMANENTLY,” I think it’s probably worthy of special attention. : )

Here are some notes I wrote down:

I can go through life thinking about myself, or about everyone around me. I am either going to be a “me” centered person or a God-centered person.

And it can be SOOOO subtle, because even my pursuit of God can still really be totally about myself…getting *my* needs met, or *me* seeing God “work” in *my* life, or using and expecting others to help *me* not be discouraged, or to help *me* “stay on track” with God. Me, me, me, me ME!! Rather than living that Christ may be formed in OTHERS.

How do I view the people around me? ***Are they simply props I use to reach my own goals?*** Just because I may not be overtly ambitious or obviously selfish about something, and just because I don’t use people in a blatantly cruel, criminal way…THAT DOES NOT MAKE ME INNOCENT.

For instance, do I use people as objects I can spend time with…eat with…go to the store with…study with? Or even (if I’m really “spiritual”) as those I expect to “keep me accountable” and help ME in MY relationship with God? If so, it’s all still all about ME, isn’t it?

Or do I really (REALLY!) view my life’s purpose as being about helping OTHERS to know Jesus better?

For example, why am I asking this family over for dinner? Is it so I can find a way to serve them and prefer them as better than myself…to find SOME way to help them know Jesus better? Or am I just in need of something to do and I like them pretty well, and it’s no fun to eat by myself, so…

The ONLY ONLY ONLY thing that moves from this realm into the next is CHANGED LIVES, and the sacrifices *I* make to see them change. ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING ELSE PASSES AWAY.

•  Ekklesia Is About People