The 'I' Culture In Christianity Today
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The 'I' Culture In Christianity Today

If we are to practice what we preach, we would put others above ourselves.

150
The 'I' Culture In Christianity Today
Chike Okwudiafor

In the world today, we seem to have the "I" culture. In the world today, it seems to be only about self-centeredness and self-righteousness. This is clear everywhere we go. We’re bombarded with this philosophy every day. It is everywhere in our culture today: The devices we use even have the "self" factor in it; the iPhone is one example. The message of the world today is quite similar to Nietzsche's philosophy about will to power and trying anything that advances an individual’s power. It looks we have overturned the Judaeo-Christian values.

This culture seems to have entered into Christianity and it's starting to affect how to practice what we preach. These days, people seem to just care only about themselves, stomping and tromping down on others in order to have things go their way. Christians today seem to only pray about what concerns them and what benefits themselves. People do not even seem to care about things that help others. This "I" culture is not what Christ preaches to us. Jesus Christ taught us to care about our neighbors, even those who do not believe in Him. This means every human is our brother and sister, and all ought to be cared for in the same manner. Everybody seems to just be fighting for their own benefit. This is far from what Jesus preaches. He preaches that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. This means putting our selfish interests aside and truly being our brother's keeper.

The attitude of "I" needs to stop; it is good to pray for yourself but do not forget your neighbors and other people. These days, prayers I hear just seem to about "me, myself and I." It makes me wonder if we truly care about others or we just preach but do not practice. My school, Lee University, is a place in which I have truly come to understand selflessness. This school has people who put others above themselves. This is because Lee has set up an environment in which we can be selfless. It is an environment I wish the entire world had. An environment in which the love and service of others has overcome self-centeredness and individualism. Lee University's student body organizes prayer sessions in which we just pray for the world and others. They do not just pray for others because they are told to. They pray wholeheartedly as a school with the true love of Christ in their hearts, for the whole world and each continent in it. This environment at Lee University is one I wish the world had. If we had such an environment the world would truly be a better place.

Do we strive to become more of ourselves or do we strive to become more like Christ? Philippians 2, 3:5 says: "Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had." As Christians, if we are to practice what we preach, we would put others above ourselves. We should learn to place others above us just as Christ teaches.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71543
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133517
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments