Contrary to popular thought, our responsibility for living, also includes (I believe) a responsibility for dying. "We each have to die our own quite personal death, with our own particular burdens, fears, and hopes (Hans Kung: Credo)." Hope, being (or at least should) the center of our Christian walk: "For if the dead do not rise, "Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!" (1 Cor. 15:32) And if we are ignorant of this hope, will we not sorrow as those who have no hope (1 Thes. 5:13)? And if we are not believing, waiting, and hoping for a bodily resurrection, is not our faith futile, and are we not to be of all men the most pitiable (1 Cor. 15:16-19)? The idea of death (daily and ultimately) is quite defeating if it is all for nothing. But if it is for something, as the Gospels seems to state it is, then acquiring hope is the only chance that we have for properly accomplishing our responsibility to live and to die well. Hope, I believe, being the only thing that can sustain us through the most difficult of times. Hope, that is, for salvation, resurrection, and eternal life, that one day, Christ will return and make all things new.
Without hope, life is miserable and unbearable (potential euphemisms for that damned pain we experience daily!). Pain being a result of sin (that which is destined for damnation at the restoration of all things!). When there is pain, our insecurities usually lead us on an endeavor to numb the pain as opposed to embracing it (in my case, it is usually an attempt to numb the pain so I will not have to admit that I have it). And when we do not choose to embrace it, most anything that anesthetizes will suffice. And merely numbing the pain solves does not solve anything and leaves you unfulfilled. Thus producing emptiness, leading you in search of something else that will numb the pain. And then when that "analgesic" looses its ability to numb, we find something else, and then again something else, and then something else etc. And thus the cycle begins and ends, and then begins again, and then ends again, with endless potential for cyclical incessancy.
This cycle is called selfishness. Leading you to selfishly gratify your unfulfilled self, devoid of consideration for others outside of yourself. If one finds himself in this never ending cycle, how is he fulfilling his responsibility as a Christian to be a light, one filled with hope to a lost and dying world? Must we not strive for pure and undefiled religion? To visit orphans and widows (or anyone less fortunate than yourself for that matter), and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (and wouldn't you agree that pursuit of this would be something that brings fulfillment?)? Our responsibility as Christians is to lay down our lives for the brethren, in imitation of Christ (Matt 16:24-25). Denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following Christ are characteristics of the Christian walk. And through faith, we are convinced that in these things we find fulfillment as these acts enhance our relationship with Christ. All of these things are what I call "the death of me" (and they will be the death of you also!). Dying daily is something I must choose to embrace, even though it is hard and unfulfilling in the moment. And those who are convinced that their deaths are not merely an absurd exit and destruction (a one time event at the end of their life) but an entrance (into life in Christ) and a coming home, will take their personal responsibility.
So I guess maybe my point is this: Life is not about "feeling good" or "building our mountain of accomplishments," but about dying to self daily, and serving the brethren daily. This is what Christ has done for us, and this is what he requires of us. (There is a popular sermon that speaks depth of these things, "The Sermon on the Mount," i'd encourage anyone and everyone to read it and attempt to put it into practice) How often do we extend our services to the brethren? Our simply encourage them on a daily basis? When is the last time you got over the awkwardness of giving someone a compliment, and praised them for their talents and accomplishments? Or the last time you simply smiled at someone in passing as opposed to walking around like you could care less because you've had "a horrible day" (and these are questions I am asking myself!)? These are some of the the practicalities of Christianity (maybe we can call them pragmatic notions) that we do to show the love of Christ to others. Especially if they are our enemies or have wronged us. Is this not the gospel message?
Luke 6:30-38
Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back (can't remember the last time I did that...)...(35) But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return (can't remember the last time I did that either...)...(38) GIVE, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom...
