As I mentioned on Sunday, I’ve got a few things about the idol of self-expression that I’d like to address. But before I get there, let me share a moment of regret from Sunday and provide clarification.
Not serving the church with my words:
I want to ask your forgiveness for not serving you with my words on Sunday. If you were in attendance, you may or may not have noticed this, but it’s something that I’ve been convicted about by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by our review team on Tuesday.
In the beginning and middle of my sermon, I made comments that seemed condemning and shaming to those in attendance. At one point, I said, “I’ve spent most of my ministry telling Christians to stop being stupid,” and at another, while referring to our Filipino brothers and sisters building a pole barn for a church with no AC, I said, “By God, you wouldn’t attend without AC.” Another concern raised was that an example I used about Jill (my wife) was perceived as her being disrespectful to me. I’m sickened by these things and want to address them with you.
When I started my sermon on Sunday, it was clear to me that the Lord is calling us, as Christians, in 21st-century America to walk in maturity, wisdom, and toughness. There is so much at stake right now. There was the public assassination of Charlie Kirk. There’s the Middle East war (now a potential peace deal) and the Ukrainian war. There are battles right at our front door (theological and relational). Not to mention that we just launched our Gospel Legacy Initiative. All of these will require a level of maturity and strength that our church needs to embrace. It will take humility, courage, and biblical clarity.
Now, I should’ve left it at that. But I didn’t. Instead, I said some things that were not filled with grace and were not clearly understood by everyone in attendance. I will admit that some of what I said was ‘tongue-in-cheek’ and said in a joking manner, but I realize that not everyone took it that way.
At the outset, let me say, my wife is the most respectful woman I know, and I don’t want anyone to get the wrong impression of her. We speak very respectfully in her home, and she has been a model of that for our kids.
Second, I never intended to shame any of you or condemn you for not clapping or enjoying AC. But more importantly, I would never want any of you to think that I believe you’re stupid. My comment on Sunday would lend room for this, and I’m terribly sorry about it. The reality is, at one point or another, all of us will do things that are immature and stupid. My comment made it seem like I was one of the “smart ones,” as if I don’t struggle with my own stupidity and immaturity, which I know is the farthest thing from the truth. As a matter of fact, my comments reveal there’s much immaturity in me that still needs to be addressed.
These comments were not in my notes, not in my plan, but they must’ve been in my heart (out of the mouth, the heart speaks). They came out of pride, impatience, and self-righteousness. And I humbly ask your forgiveness for not serving you well with my words.
I appreciate your patience with me and your understanding. If you were offended by this comment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me because I would be more than willing to hear you out and seek your forgiveness.
The idol of self-expression and self-fulfillment:
One of our significant challenges today is the idol of self-expression and self-fulfillment. When I was younger, the phrase was “if it feels good, do it.” Now, to go alongside that phrase, it’s “if I think it’s true, it is.” The latter phrase is one of self-expression, while the first one is of self-fulfillment. The idol of self-fulfillment has given rise to the idol of self-expression.
Here’s how we see it in our world:
- Phrases like “live your truth” or “you do you.”
- In the gender confusion or identity crises. If a man doesn’t believe he’s a man, he “identifies” as a lady. That somehow changes his reality, and all others must recognize that person by what they declare.
- Truth has become subjective, and any form of disagreement is an ‘attack’ on a person’s identity.
- In the Social Media world, likes or followers affirm ‘our truth,’ even if our truth defies reality.
- Politics has moved mainly from principles and worldview to identity politics and placating certain ‘groups.’
- Sadly, the internet and newsfeeds don’t help because the algorithms basically give us ‘our truth’ based on our clicks and likes. We very rarely see the other side of a story.
The interesting thing is how we, as Christians, combat this and what lies ahead that we need to prepare for.
As Christians, we must become deeply rooted in the inerrant, unchanging truth of God’s word. God’s word is the only objective, absolute truth we have. It never changes. For example, God said that gender is male and female, and from conception, we are fearfully and wonderfully designed by God, with our God-given gender. God is clear about His views of morality and why it’s good for humanity. Sex outside of marriage does harm to yourself and others, brings great regret and hurt. But sex inside of marriage is joyful, sacrificial, and best for human thriving and procreation. I could go on, but you get the picture. Being deeply rooted in the unchanging word of God will allow us to live in God’s reality of our times. Culture constantly changes, but God and His word do not.
Self-fulfillment has led to self-expression, which will lead to self-creation or self-deification. We’re already seeing this with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). If we don’t like what we have in our lives, we can use AI to create an alternative world that is much better. The aim of all of this is to be ‘trans-human,’ which means to enhance or transform human limitations and restrictions through technology.
This sounds a little bit (ok, alotta bit) like the Tower of Babel through technology. But notice where it all started…” if it feels good, do it.” Self-fulfillment led to self-expression, which will lead to self-creation. It is the heightened pride of humanity believing that we can make ourselves like God, without God.
Sadly, the result will be more discouragement, fear, anxiety, and denial of reality. As Christians, we must be rooted in the truth of God’s presence, purpose, and promises for our world. We have the life-giving power of the gospel that literally opens eyes to the reality of God’s work, love, and all-satisfying joy. This is the only power that can free people from the idol of self.
This week and looking ahead:
This week, we will examine Ezra 5:6-6:12. We will discuss how God assists His people from unlikely places.
Cheap Seats (most people’s favorite section):
- If you’ve watched Cam Skattebo (Arizona State and New York Giants running back), you know how crazy this dude is. Well, here’s an article to affirm that sentiment: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46531343/new-york-giants-eccentric-rookie-cam-skattebo-stories.
- Anytime Seattle has a big sports event, seismologists are on alert. Here’s what they reported during Game 5 of the American League Division Series between the Tigers and Mariners: https://www.mlb.com/news/t-mobile-park-earthquake-monitor-alds-game-5?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share. It’s pretty cool.
- Speaking of the Mariners… 15-inning win in Game 5 on Friday night. Jump on a plane to go to Toronto (across the continent) on Saturday. Win game 1 of the ALCS and then boatrace the Blue Jays in game 2. Mental toughness and fortitude on display…not to mention, incredible pitching. As a Rangers fan, I’m pulling for the Mariners because of all my Mariner friends. But, if this were the Astros…not a chance.
Have a great week!
Christ is King!
In Christ,
Dave York
