This morning's scripture in Jude reminded me of what Pastor Marcos, from the Igreja da Irmandade in Brazil, would talk about. He talked about those who followed a "belly-button" theology. By this, he meant those who are selfish, always looking at themselves, focused on 'their belly-button' and the "I's" and "me's". This, in fact, is the opposite of what Christ's message and love and life compel us toward.
In keeping with the "belly-button" metaphor, we could describe our mission as "outies"... not "innies." We are meant to look out to the world, build up our brothers and sisters in love. As in Max Lucado's popular devotional, "It's not about me."
Destroying the Community through Selfishness
8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.
11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.
12 These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
Here Jude clearly recounts the destruction caused by some individuals towards the community. Selfishness, although centered on self, is not an attitude that affects only ourselves. As noted here, it can "heap abuse" on celestial beings as well as others. The rest of the verses go on to recount the many problems caused by such selfishness. These individuals slander, only worry about their own desires (instinct), and "rush to profit." In other words, they run after their own well-being full speed ahead. They are wandering, blown about by the wind, without firm foundations in Christ. They "feed only themselves" and bear no "fruit" without concern and love for those without.
"Grumblers," "faultfinder", "boasters," "flatterers"... none of us would like to be called this list. But these individuals are found in the church (as well as outside), and this is exactly why we need to be careful. It's all too easy to slip into finding fault with our students, our kids, our spouses, our churches. Grumbling during Finals seems almost a given. And we live in a culture where "boasting" and "flattering" are no longer shifty and devious qualities but expected abilities to get ahead in the world. And the central theme of all this- selfishness. When we are living our lives centered around others, caring and loving more, looking outward, we have less of a tendency toward these characteristics.
Building up the Community through Selflessness
20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. ~Jude 1:20-25
Here, God gives us the recipe to avoid these selfish tendencies. "Keep yourselves in God's love." It seems to be as simple as that. When you're surrounded and reminded of God's overwhelming love, you are impelled to live out that love to others. The God of the Universe loves you. Isn't that all you need? Isn't that all you want to show to everyone you encounter? Then we are free and able to be merciful, to save others, to show mercy. After all, we have the great assurance, that God can keep us from stumbling and free us from our sins, "presenting us without fault and great joy".
Just the other night, I have to admit that I failed. When Brad invited his friend over, I felt jealous and lonely. I know that I should've been happy to have Brad's friend here with us, to encourage him and pray for him during his interview process. But thinking only of myself, it reminded me that after two years here in Tucson I still feel lonely, lacking really close friendship like those I have with my family and friends from college. But, as Christians we can pray to the Lord and know that He will forgive us and "present us without fault and great joy". His forgiveness is complete, and when we pray... He can keep us from stumbling when we keep ourselves in His love.
Say to yourself today: "It's not about me." In keeping with His love, I'm sure He'll use you in amazing ways.
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