Two Voices

Two Voices:


1. Deny yourself. Pick up your cross. Follow Jesus.


2. Accept yourself. Do what makes you happy. Follow your heart.


One of the good things about an increase in secularization in America 2016 and a diminishing of the “Moral Majority” of “Christian America past” is that it is easier to see worldview divides. Where before Christian values were by and large assumed by the masses (causing a confusion of “cultural Christianity” and real Christianity); now those same values are opposed and ridiculed as close minded. The battle lines are now clearer than they have ever been, and one can only expect them to be seen with further clarity as the days go on.

Today there are two un-muddled voices. Only two. One is championed on social media, Hollywood, and celebrities. It is also the secret (or not so secret) internal longing of our hearts. This voice says in essence: “you are good.” It urges you to accept yourself, do whatever makes you happy. Chase your dreams, your desires, your longings—and celebrate you! It shouts from movies, music, and public sentiment: “You only have one life, so be you and do not let any one stop you from being you.”


The other voice is much quieter.


It cuts directly against the raging torrent of our culture and our desires, slicing ever so un-popularly against the grain of least resistance. Instead of declaring “you only live once,” this voice calls us to “die.” Instead of urging: “accept yourself,” this voice unapologetically demands: “deny yourself.” It prods us to follow in the model of the Nazarene, to pick up our cross, and follow Jesus. It was as unpopular then as it is now.


To be sure, there can be no marriage of these two contrasting voices.  They are in polarized opposition to each other, always in outright war.


They both demand total devotion. The voice you listen to the most will most likely be the voice you will follow. The voice you drowned out will be the one you neglect.


What voice will you listen to?


"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me'" Matt 16:24

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