Written by Quinton Butterfield
I walked out of chapel on April 4 feeling physically sick and very disturbed, and I know I wasn’t the only one. Some things that Tony Seigh said caused some significant “spiritual red flags” to pop up in my mind.
A few quotes that embody the problems that I had with the message were these: “Looking at Jesus is like looking in a mirror.” “We are the glory of God.” “People say that I preach a man-centered gospel… but who is the gospel for? Man! Duhh!” … and my personal favorite: “You guys… (dramatic pause) are AWESOME.”
The following concepts were also taught, and were equally disturbing: that Jesus died to show us how valuable we are, and that no guilt or condemnation should be felt, since Christ died for us.
Now, I understand that with the right spin, each of the above statements and quotes could be completely harmless, and could coincide with scripture just fine. When the speaker put them all together, though, I left the service feeling personally assailed… but more so, I felt that the gospel of the God I live for was twisted.
Looking at Jesus is certainly not like looking in a mirror, as we are a depraved, unworthy, imperfect people.
We are certainly not the glory of God… Jesus Christ was. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3).
The gospel is NOT focused on us, and Jesus did NOT die to show us how valuable we are.
Jesus died for us so that we could bring glory to God through our lives and our worship.
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him[Jesus], and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11).
The gospel is not about us, and it never will be. It’s about God.
If we change our focus to a man-centered gospel, the natural result will inevitably be people who feel entitled to their salvation, and will feel as if they are doing Jesus a favor by accepting His gift.
That’s not something I want. I’m hoping that isn’t something that the Corban community wants, either.
Katrina says
Dear Guest Writer,
I encourage you to read Steffan Bard’s column in the Hilltop Print edition that came out on campus today.
There is a fine line here – as with most things.
It is important that we know everything is about Jesus but understanding that God so loved the world … it isn’t God so loved himself.
De-valuing ourselves isn’t what God wants. Is the gospel about us? Well, ultimately, God recieves all glory. Does God want us to view ourselves as valuable – yes.
I might even argue that I am awesome. Not becasue I actually am but because it is no longer I who live…
See where I am going here?
I apprecaited your thoughts and admittedly did not attend the Sleigh chapel. I am not entirely sure if I would have been nodding or leaving prideful.
Simply, there is a glory that can be given to the Lord by being humbled but there is no good in devaluing ourselves either.
Blessed by a school where we can have these conversations.
John says
“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Ps 115:1)
How has the love and kindness of God become predominantly an occasion for talking about our own attractiveness?