"The gospel isn't what you need to do to make yourself more happy. It is what Christ has done to free you from such self-centeredness." Elyse Fitzpatrick
What is your initial reaction to this quote? It seems so contradictory to the church culture we live in today. It seems wrong to say that the Gospel isn't supposed to make me happy! I can turn on the TV and listen to tele-evangelist tell me all day that God wants me to be financially prosperous, live in a mansion, and drive the car of my dreams! Plus, God wants me to have the best marriage, and perfect children. This is the message many hear on TV, in their churches, and what is talked about amongst many Christian circles. This theology sells because it plays on what we already want before we come to Christ. I am programmed from the womb to think, focus, act in my world as if I was at the center. I want this, I need that, I wish I could have this or that...and if God will give me what I want than I will be on His team because He is my Cosmic Santa Claus who gives me whatever I want! No one would say it that way, but isn't that what is going on?
The problem with this theology is that it places us as "god" instead of God! This was the temptation that caused the world to fall into sin in the first place. Satan said to Eve, "for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5, NIV) We still want to be god instead of follow and submit to the True God! Adam and Eve aren't the only ones who struggle with this, it is hereditary, in our natural nature. It is actually against our nature to follow God, listen to Paul when he says, the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God Laws; indeed, it cannot." (Romans 8:7, ESV) This where we all start before Christ draws us to Himself.
The Gospel is not for our happiness because it frees us from the selfishness that continues to draw us back into our old life before Christ changed us. We were in bondage, controlled by Satan, and under the wrath of God! (Ephesians 2:1-3) The Gospel breaks the bondage of the flesh and strips Satan of his power over us. As the Holy Spirit empowers us to follow God by His eternal grace! The Gospel gives us the ability to Live for God's glory instead of our own! We become His children, heirs of God's Kingdom. May we continue to be in awe of God's glory and die to our own!
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