In our highly individualistic Western culture, we have lost sight of the other person. People are now simply being devalued to the level of objects that supply a particular need of ours. Unfortunately, this influence has penetrated the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we preach.

The focus of the Gospel is typically trying to lead another individual to encounter Jesus Christ within their hearts. Yet, a quick read of the Gospels, if there is one, would show us that Jesus is interested in more than our union with only Him.

In His two “golden rules”, the first is directed toward loving God. The second is directed toward loving our neighbor. It is here that I believe we have made major mistakes in developing and delivering an effective message of the Gospel. Instead of developing a body of Jesus Christ, made of many members, we have developed a bunch of individualistic followers of Christ who focus solely on Jesus.

When we examine our relationship with God,
do we see ourselves as part of something greater than ourselves?

Here are a few questions for you to evaluate just how “you” centered your relationship with God is.

1. In making a commitment to God, did you give him your heart?
2. Have you transferred the focus of your life to living for Jesus, or have you just added someone else to your life?
3. Is the health of your relationship with Jesus determined by how you feel about it in any given situation?
4. When you made this commitment to Christ, did you understand that this was also a commitment to your neighbor?
5. Have you transferred your focus toward improving the lives of those around you – building the kingdom of God on earth?
6. Have you come to recognize that your sins affect not only your own relationship with Jesus, but also all the others who are living for Him – His Body?
7. Have you given others in the body your heart, like you gave it to Jesus?

These questions are extremely challenging to our way of thinking in the West. We would not see these as part of our normal ways of living. When we look at the Word of God, does not the Lord ask us to love our neighbors as ourselves or even Him?

Let us take some time to reflect on what we have really committed to in our desire to become Christians who belong to Christ. Come Holy Spirit!!! Reveal to us the truth, and empower us to go beyond ourselves to the authentic love of others.