Spiritual Axioms to navigate our course

Moving Beyond Victimhood:

In our contemporary world, the tendency to glorify victimhood has become increasingly prominent, fueled by what is commonly referred to as “woke culture.” While empathy towards individuals who have faced adversity is a compassionate response, it is imperative to understand that true healing and empowerment can only be achieved by transcending the victim mentality. As we examine this phenomenon, let us draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified the process of rehabilitation, growth, and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Embracing Christ’s Teachings on Empathy and Growth

Empathy is a virtue that Jesus Christ himself embodied during his time on Earth. He displayed compassion towards those who were suffering, understanding the depth of their pain. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4, NKJV). This highlights the importance of acknowledging and comforting those who experience sorrow and hardship.

However, Jesus did not allow individuals to remain in a state of victimhood. He encouraged growth and transformation by urging people to embrace a change of heart and mind. In the Gospel of Matthew, he taught, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). This call to repentance signifies the need for personal accountability and the willingness to overcome past mistakes and limitations.

Jesus’ Example of Healing and Empowerment

When examining Jesus’ interactions with individuals facing various challenges, we find that he didn’t simply provide sympathy or attention; he empowered them to rise above their circumstances. In the Gospel of John, the story of the paralyzed man by the pool of Bethesda illustrates this. Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:6, NKJV). By posing this question, Jesus prompted the man to actively engage in his own healing process, emphasizing the importance of personal desire and effort in overcoming challenges.

Another powerful example is the woman with the issue of blood. After touching the hem of Jesus’ garment and being healed, Jesus told her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22, NKJV). Jesus recognized her faith and determination as catalysts for her healing, demonstrating the principle that true empowerment and healing involve active participation and faith.

Moving from Victimhood to Victory

The journey towards empowerment and growth requires a mindset shift, rooted in faith and accountability. Following the LIFE of Jesus, we can take the following steps:

Acknowledge pain: Just as Jesus acknowledged the suffering of individuals, we should recognize our own struggles without allowing them to define us.

Seek transformation: Repentance, as taught by Jesus, signifies a change of heart and a commitment to growth. We should actively seek transformation and renewal.

Embrace personal agency: Jesus consistently highlighted the importance of faith and personal choice. We must take responsibility for our lives and actively engage in our healing and growth.

Cultivate faith: Jesus emphasized the power of faith in healing and empowerment. Cultivating faith in God’s ability to lead us through challenges is essential.

Practice resilience: Jesus’ unwavering resolve in the face of adversity serves as a model for us. We should cultivate resilience and trust in God’s plan.

Pagan Idolatry replaced by self-idolatry

Throughout the Bible, we read about the great sin of idolatry. You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exo 20:3) Contemporary Western culture have moved from making carved images to making themselves the centre of their universe. 

Practical, everyday “me-ism,” where the world is reduced to the small confines of your comfort, your pleasure, your control, your happiness, and your ease, never works. It doesn’t work because it runs cross-grain against the way you and the world you live in were meant to operate. You see, it’s simply not about you, and when you make it about you, nothing good results. God-forgetting self-sovereignty is dangerous to you and destructive to your heart and will cause you to use things in a way they were not intended to be used. Because of this, “me-ism” never results in long-term peace, rest, satisfaction, and joy.[1]

In the intricate tapestry of human history, the evolution of societal norms and cultural values can be likened to the shifting sands of time. Just as a skilled weaver interlaces threads to create a cohesive design, societies have woven their narratives through ages, with Judeo-Christian principles often standing as a guiding thread. The journey from pagan animism and idolatry to the current state of self-centered egoistical self-idolatry deserves our attention.

Ancient civilizations were often steeped in pagan animism, a belief system centered around the veneration of nature and the attribution of spiritual essence to various elements of the world. “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” Romans 1:25 This passage incapsulates how early societies, while enveloped in the beauty of creation, lost sight of the divine Creator, veering into idolatry.

Intriguingly, a transition emerged towards a self-centered egoistical self-idolatry as civilizations advanced into modernity. Modern society, particularly in the context of Western culture, has witnessed the rise of individualism, a philosophy that exalts the self as the paramount focus. “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.” 2 Timothy 3:2-4

Social media platforms, for instance, have become digital altars where the pursuit of validation and self-aggrandizement takes precedence. The “cult of the self” thrives through meticulously curated online personas, perpetuating a cycle of self-idolization. The consumption-driven culture, too, is emblematic of the inclination towards self-indulgence at the expense of communal well-being.

None of us are immune and can hence appreciate the appeal of individualism but we should beware of its dangerous pitfalls. The challenge lies in navigating the delicate balance between personal growth and collective harmony.

The narrative of Jesus Christ, who modeled selflessness and love, offers a counterpoint to the prevailing ethos of self-idolization.  

In the symphony of human relationships, the harmonious notes of sexual intimacy can create a beautiful melody when played in accordance with the composer’s intent. However, the danger arises when this symphony becomes a solo performance, with the self taking center stage, and self-pleasure becoming the sole motive.

Paul Tripp’s book Sex in a Broken World reveals the stark contrast between self-centered sexual intimacy and the sacred dance of union as intended by the Creator. Just as a bridge unites two shores, sexual intimacy is meant to bridge hearts, minds, and bodies in a covenantal union, reflecting the divine union between Christ and the Church. Yet, when self-gratification becomes the focal point, the bridge collapses under the weight of individual desires, distorting the true essence of intimacy.

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 Here, the notion of self-centeredness in sexual matters is intertwined with the concept of self-harm. Engaging in self-pleasure divorced from the sacred context of mutual love and respect diminishes the inherent dignity of both oneself and one’s partner, reducing them to objects for personal gratification.

In modern times, the digital age has exacerbated this danger. Online pornography, for instance, exemplifies the distortion of sexual intimacy into a self-indulgent spectacle, where the other person’s humanity is lost amidst pixels and pixels. The allure of immediate pleasure and self-gratification can blind individuals to the profound emotional and spiritual dimensions that true intimacy encompasses.

Jesus Christ’s redemptive work offers healing and renewal, sexual intimacy can find its true purpose when centered on selfless love, respect, and reciprocal flourishing.

Tripp’s insights remind us that the call to selflessness in sexual intimacy aligns with Christ’s sacrificial love, which binds wounds and restores brokenness. Acknowledging the pull of self-centeredness, you can offer a vision of intimacy restored—a union where self-pleasure yields to the joy of mutual giving, reflecting the divine dance of love within the Trinity.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterwork, the cinematic epic of the Lord of the Rings serves as a poignant mirror to the peril of self-centered sexual intimacy, where the allure of self-indulgence parallels the seductive power of the One Ring.

The ring symbolizes ultimate power and dominion. Its allure is magnetic, drawing those who encounter it into a web of desire, ambition, and self-aggrandizement. As Frodo Baggins embarks on his perilous journey to destroy the ring, we witness a struggle between the desire for self-gratification and the call to selflessness.

Just as the Ring whispers promises of power and fulfillment, the pursuit of self-pleasure in sexual relationships can blind individuals to the deeper spiritual, emotional, and relational dimensions of intimacy. The Ring’s malevolent grip on its bearers parallels the insidious nature of self-gratification, which can distort perceptions, fragment relationships, and erode the capacity for genuine, sacrificial love.

The path to redemption in “The Lord of the Rings” mirrors the journey toward healthy, Christ-centered sexual intimacy. Frodo’s humility, vulnerability, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good stand in stark contrast to the Ring’s seductive pull. Only the truly humble and meek can transcend the self-centered allure and embrace a more profound purpose—a purpose rooted in love, respect, and mutual flourishing.

Everything is Spiritual

In Rob Bell’s thought-provoking work “Everything Is Spiritual,” he invites readers on a journey that transcends the conventional boundaries between the physical and the spiritual realms. Drawing upon diverse disciplines and weaving a tapestry of insights, Bell underscores the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence. He explores how the spiritual essence permeates every facet of life, guiding individuals to perceive the divine thread that weaves through the fabric of their experiences.

Likewise, in his book “Sex God,” Bell[2] expands this holistic perspective to the realm of human sexuality. He challenges the reductionist view that confines sexuality to mere physical acts, emphasizing that it is a profound spiritual dimension that extends beyond physical intercourse. Bell’s message is a call to recognize that the act of sexual intimacy embodies a spiritual transcendence—a deep bonding that intertwines the spirit, soul, and body.

Bell’s perspective underscores the interconnectedness of two people bound in an eternal covenant. “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, ‘The two will become one flesh.’” 1 Corinthians 6:16

Just as Christ’s love transcends the physical realm, the intimacy between individuals can mirror this divine love, uniting spirits, souls, and bodies in a sacred dance of connection and bonding. 

[1] Tripp, Paul D. (2018) Sex in a broken world: How christ redeems what sin distorts. Wheaton: Crossway. 

[2] Bell, Rob. (2012) Sex god: Exploring the endless connections between sexuality and spirituality. New York: HarperOne.