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The
Lightstand Magazine
1985
• December • Reflections on the way
by Bro. Robin Lamplough
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I
heard a little of a radio sermon the other day. The theme
appeared to be the promise of Jesus: "that they should
have life and have it more abundantly." (Jn. 10.10) And
the speaker was concerned to point out that in following Jesus
men and women find self-fulfilment
A lack of fulfilment is a very destructive thing. To have
the feeling that one is achieving nothing, is making no contribution,
has nothing worthwhile to offer to the community of which
one is a part, leads to frustration and bitterness. And these
things work themselves out in many disturbing ways: a hyper-critical
attitude, perhaps, constant complaints, a refusal to give
credit where it is due. Tragically, too, this mode of thought
becomes habitual and, worse still, it is contagious, with
the result that one dissatisfied person becomes the nucleus
of a group and the whole community is affected.
POSITIVE EFFECTS A sense of fulfilment, on the other hand,
has all kinds of positive effects. One is kept busy. Ideas
flow to stimulate new activity. One is able to shrug off petty
irritations and minor hurts. One is able by example to give
the lead to others and to generate enthusiasm. And, as one's
experience is broadened and one's talents are developed, one
becomes capable of facing new challenges and different demands
with confidence.
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All
these things are important when we consider their relevance to family
and ecclesial life. Our children, whether at home or in ecclesial
activities arranged for them, need to be given opportunities for
fulfilment. They need to be allowed to develop their natural talents
and to practise useful skills. In proportion to their maturity,
they need to be allowed to exercise responsibility. And, above all
perhaps, they need to be shown that their contributions are
appreciated. But in the ecclesia itself the same applies. There
are those members who need to be drawn out and given an opportunity
to contribute. And is the brother or sister who tends to complain
about arrangements unconsciously signalling a lack of fulfilment
which might be eased by personal contact and a chance to participate
more positively?
SELF—SACRIFICE Yet, having said all this, the fact remains
that while we should find fulfilment in the service of Christ, there
is a higher truth. The sense of fulfilment which can come from being
given a meaningful role to play in the life and worship of the ecclesia
comes by the grace of God and we must be thankful for it. But eventually
one has to face the essential paradox that the highest self-fulfilment
is to be found in self-denial, after the manner of the man of Nazareth.
In the service of Christ there is no place for self at all. If we
enter it in search of self-fulfilment, we shall certainly be disappointed,
because our goal is the wrong one. And so, in a way in which the
world and the wisdom of men cannot even begin to comprehend, we
understand the meaning of those words uttered nearly to thousand
years ago in the very shadow of Golgotha: "If any man would
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and
follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and
whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it."
(Matthew 16.24 & 25)
R.L.
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