Four cultural values entice us toward an Americanized messiah instead of the crucified Christ.
As pastors immersed in Western culture, it’s difficult to disentangle our view of Jesus from the Americanized identity we value—an identity measured mostly in terms of what looks good, feels good, and does good. The question arises: What does it mean for us to be cross-centered and follow the crucified Jesus in our context? What are the distinctions between the world’s discipleship and Jesus’ discipleship?
Four vices of worldly discipleship are deeply ingrained in the church. Just as Jesus taught the Twelve, we too must reject these four things categorically, not only because they are illusory and temporary, but because they damage us and the people we lead.
The temptation of popularity
Who doesn’t want to be popular? The problem is that our desire for popularity leads us to do and say things solely to impress other people. Jesus publicly called out the Pharisees and teachers of the law, saying, “Everything they do is done for people to see” (Matt. 23:5).
Jesus called his disciples to utterly reject showy spirituality for popularity’s sake. In fact, he denounced any activity that had traces of seeking approval or admiration. We must give up performance faith and every enticement to serve in order be noticed by others. Jesus knew the weaknesses of the human heart; he knew the tempting desire to impress and its dangers. He said to the religious leaders, “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44).
Most of us place a higher premium on what other people think than we realize. Consider whether you’ve ever entertained thoughts about how you’re coming off as you preach or use an ...
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