September 8, 2007
-
"three dollars' worth of gospel, please"
“I would like to buy about three dollars worth of gospel, please. Not too much– just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I get addicted. I don’t want so much gospel that I learn to really hate covetousness and lust. I certainly don’t want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate missionary service in some alien culture. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself don’t want to love those from different races– especially if they smell. I would like enough gospel to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like about three dollars worth of gospel, please.” – D.A. Carson
This quote is thought-provoking on many levels. First on its face, the less-than-total-surrender that it's easy for a follower of Christ (like myself) to ease into.
Second, the jibe at the commercialism of the American church. (even better would be: " $2.99 worth of gospel... ")
Third on the fact that so many churchgoers are simply not truly born again... they think the gospel / the main thing is all about living in kindness to one's neighbor, when actually the gospel / the main thing is all about accepting / believing Jesus' sacrifice for our sins... living in kindness to one's neighbor is an important secondary point, but if it displaces the already-paid-for salvation that God freely offers, the result is the broad road that leads to hell.What other reactions do you have about this quote?
Comments (3)
Reminds me of a girl that I have been thinking of a lot lately...when she was in my small group, she wanted to "do the right thing" and feel good about herself...but didn't want the gospel and its implications to cause her feel badly about anything that was in her life at the time. It was heartbreaking to watch her believe that the sin that she wasn't quite willing to let go of in her life was going to be more profitable or worthwhile than giving it up and actually surrendering to Christ. (I'm not blaming her for thinking that sin is something that we struggle with to give up; I know that unfortunately, it often is! The sad part was her not seeing good enough reason to do it, even knowing of God's love for her and His promises to His people!) How do we help and encourage these people? I know that I have spent a lot of time praying!
I just had a gospel attack. I had a sudden urge to do some dishes.
People want to feel good about themselves. They seek out comfort and sometimes excitement. What they do not want is to take responsbility for their duties.
Comments are closed.