23 Feb Selfie

noun (pl. selfies | selfēz) A “selfie” is defined in Wikipedia as “a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a hand-held digital camera or camera phone” and are “usually flattering and made to appear casual…usually at arm’s length.” At times I find selfies to be awkward, self-absorbing and perhaps too revealing of personal flaws.
But the “selfie” has become a popular trend and probably illustrates the human tendency to maintain our individuality (although, of course, many selfies are done in a group setting). As Christians, we recognize the importance of the individual receiving Christ, believing and confessing Him as Lord and Savior. The person’s decision to follow Jesus is not only transformative to the individual but also radically changes the context of that person’s existence. No longer is he/she living for themselves, but they are now living for God. No longer are they “of the world” but have been made a part of the kingdom of God, a part of the body of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we do not lose our individuality, but we gain an added dimension of our existence by becoming part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Most of us recognize the importance of personal responsibility and our self-preservation, but the selfie should never be viewed as the ultimate goal or of primary importance. The mutual goals, dreams and aspirations we share are seldom accomplished as individuals. We need others around us to support and encourage us even as we support and encourage others.
Being “better together” means this “self” is a part of what God is doing in our world today. Connecting relationally with others of like-mindedness motivates us to significant interactions on a personal level to one or more groups pertaining to C3. The goal of C3 (Catalyst, Connect & Coaching groups) has been to provide a means that allows and encourages us to understand and practice our ministry endeavors to be so much more than a selfie for Facebook but a group portrait in the halls of heaven to be all He has called us to be.
As printed in the 2015 Network ConneXions