I find myself bombarded by messaging. Advertisers point out cars to make me look super cool, pizzas to satisfy, and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages to place me among the hippest of crowds (I watch a lot of football).

Politicians constantly message, on both the good they do and the damage wrought by their opponents. Universities message, their public relations departments churning out good news like graduates. All day and everywhere, messaging.

As a itinerate preacher, Paul carried one basic message—Jesus Christ as Lord.

Many opposed Paul and his fellow missionaries, who often found themselves persecuted (as in beat down and left for dead). However, others listened and responded enthusiastically. Jesus Christ as Lord was divisive messaging back in the day.

Jesus Christ as Lord remains divisive. The messaging I hear from the world encourages me to consider myself as lord. I’m to believe in my inner self, to understand I’m enough, to shine on my own stage. Entire fortunes are made by encouraging me to take pictures of myself and post them online, alongside millions of pictures of other people doing the same.

This extreme narcissism of our day—nothing like it has ever existed in human history—pushes me incessantly. Other people? Take a number and get in line, and while you’re there be sure to like my tic-toc videos (I’m trying to become an influencer).

Jesus Christ as Lord lands with a thud. Jesus Christ as therapeutic aid in my quest to discover my authentic self fits better with the cultural narrative. But Jesus Christ as Lord? Scary and to be honest, bad for my self-esteem.

Yet Paul left no other option. Neither did Jesus—Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead (Matthew 8:22). Nor did God the Father—You will have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).

So it’s either Jesus Christ as Lord, or we’re lost in the morass of self. Tough messaging in today’s climate, but far more hopeful and loving and needed than perhaps we realize.

2 Corinthians 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Steve Gale