Lordship of Christ- the Concern for the Person

Now back to the six principles (remember- supernatural orientation, awareness of evil, conception of truth, acceptance of authority, etc) and we will address “the concern for the person. I do apologize for the diversion but grandkids are great and I couldn’t resist. Let me be a little more specific: grandsons are great, but granddaughters are AWESOME- and I have 5! Praise the Lord! Couldn’t help but just had to state the facts! Just like Dragnet- “nothing but the facts.”

OK. Now I’m back.

The sixth principle of “the Marks of the Christian Mind” is concern for the person. Why? Man is important because he is made in God’s image. Read (Genesis 1:26- 31). Also (9:5-6) where capital punishment is established (that’s another challenging issue) because “God made man in His image.” The beauty of man’s creation is described in (Psalm 139:13-16). Man is made in God’s image and therefore is special. He is significant! In fact, God saved the “best for last” because He made man last- after He had created everything else. Read (Genesis 1 and 2). Man is special. I can remember as a young reprobate sinner (now I am an old ….. you know that’s why we need Jesus- He died for us to pay the debt we couldn’t and to give us the righteous we couldn’t earn) that, when making fun of another, I would say “when God made you He broke the mold.” Then I would laugh because I had thoroughly embarrassed and humiliated him. I didn’t realize how theologically correct I was. He did break the mold because there is no one like us. He did break the mold! We are unique! A wonderful creation of God!

And we were created to live in a relationship with Him. Isn’t that what Adam and Eve enjoyed before they sinned and were kicked out of the Garden (Gen 3). Isn’t that what Jesus came to restore? We couldn’t do it because of our sin; therefore God restored the relationship through Jesus. It is in this relationship that we find meaning and significance. Read (Jeremiah 9:23-24). It is in this relationship that we find true freedom (John 8:32).

He has given us purpose- “What is the chief end of man?” “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Glorify means to please God in everything we do- read (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). Man doesn’t find his purpose and significance in fame and fortune. It doesn’t matter how many homeruns I hit or touchdowns I score; it doesn’t matter how many dollar signs surround me or how physically blessed I might be. Fame is fleeting and fortune can be lost overnight. Physical features are lost (ever heard of furniture disease where “the chest has dropped into the draws”). True worth is enjoyed as we live in this relationship with our Creator. A relationship in which we find meaning because we are living to glorify Him.

What does this mean? It means that we should do all we can to help one another. To be the salt and light that we are to be as we impact the culture in order to make life better for all. This does not mean that we manipulate or use others. It does not mean that we place others in subjection for our personal benefit. Because man is made in God’s image, he is to be treated with respect. It was Martin Luther, the great Reformer, who said that “he tips his hat even to the beggar for he is an image-bearer of God and, has the potential to overcome great obstacles.”

It means, because man is made in God’s image, that we are to encourage and build up one another; not “cut” each other down or gossip and slander others. Seems like we try to make ourselves look good by making those around us look bad. We undermine and backbite. Paul addresses this in (Galatians 5:15)- with words we consume one another. But read the verses before (5:13-14) to see how we are supposed to act toward one another.

In the midst of an impersonal culture, we are to be extremely personal. The followers of Christ are called to be hospitable. Look up (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; and 1 Peter 4:9). People, image bearers of God, are important to us because they are because God made ’em. Doesn’t matter color, size, education, money- “nothin cept” God made them and He didn’t make no junk!

How are we doing in treating others? Do we really think more highly of others than we do ourselves? By the way, this is how we find true “JOY.” Jesus first; others second; yourself third. Really does make a difference. Let me know how you do. See ya!
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