Commentary: Ben Giselbach: How to minimize your influence

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August 18, 2012

Commentary: Ben Giselbach: How to minimize your influence

Anonymous The Dalton Daily Citizen Sat Aug 18, 2012, 08:52 AM EDT

Occasionally someone who knows I’m a minister will ask me how they can more effectively live out Matthew 5:13-16 which speaks of our example as Christians. How can we better become the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world?” As we consider the answer to that question, let’s experiment with a little food for thought. Instead of listing ways to increase positive influence to the world, here are some suggestions for those who want to minimize their Christian influence:

1. Stop with the spiritual stuff. Believe the lie that you don’t need God. Of course, you don’t have to consciously acknowledge your independence from God, just keep acting like you don’t need Him. You’re strong and self-reliant. You’ve got a busy schedule. You don’t have time to ponder eternity. Don’t worry about reading the Bible, praying or thinking about spiritual things. Unless, of course, you experience a time of weakness or tragedy — then you can beg for God’s presence and help. Forget about Him when you start feeling strong again. All you need is one more time-consuming obligation like Bible study or church activity. Isn’t that stuff just for preachers, anyway?

2. Think about yourself. Think of life like it’s a movie, and you’re the star. No one else really matters. Don’t waste your life getting involved in the lives of others (unless there is something in it for you!). Relationships only bring disappointment. Why invest in other people when the payoff is so low? Let’s be honest. Serving and blessing the lives of others is exhausting. Do what makes you happy. That’s all that really matters.

3. Live it up! If you want to minimize your Christian influence, immerse yourself in all popular forms of entertainment. Enjoy the pleasures of life. Satisfy all urges. Indulge in the sensual. After all, this world has a lot to offer, and time on earth is short. Use the trendy slogan “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) as an excuse to experiment with everything. Ignore any feelings of guilt or inhibition. Watch any movie you want, drink whatever and whenever you want, always say what’s on your mind, go wherever you feel like, etc. If you do this, you can avoid that awkward feeling that you’re different or peculiar. You’ll fit in with everyone else and feel very accepted by almost everybody. And speaking of acceptance, if you want to minimize your Christian influence, you will be “tolerant” and “accepting” of all lifestyles, practices and sexual orientations. Pretend that God doesn’t use that word “sin.” It’s just too ... uncomfortable. And speaking of comfort ...

4. Stay in the zone. The comfort zone that is. Why be uncomfortable? Why take risks? They’re so ... risky. Rejoice in and embrace the idea that you will always be you — nothing more, nothing less. Whatever you do, don’t involve yourself if other people’s business. Don’t invite people to church, don’t build relationships, don’t go out of your way to see to the needs of others and above all, don’t make yourself vulnerable. The more you help others, the more they will take advantage of you, right?

Now, obviously the goal isn’t to minimize your Christian influence, but to maximize it! So as for what I actually believe you should do, take all four of those things I just said, and go and do the exact opposite. Remember, this life is so brief in comparison to eternity. To use the slogan “YOLO” in a more meaningful way, keep in mind that you only have one small chance to make a difference and radiate God’s love and truth to others. Don’t waste it.

Ben Giselbach is the pastor of Riverbend Church of Christ.

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Commentary: Ben Giselbach: How to minimize your influence

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