Many of those who identify as Christians these days have a savior complex. Either they think they are called to be a savior, or they are looking for another humanly savior to preserve their worldview and way of life. However, when we ground our faith in the Gospel, we discover that we are not called to be saviors at all, nor should we even entertain the idea that there are temporal saviors worthy of our praise.
Our modern society encourages us to be leaders and not followers. To be main characters, even when it comes to matters of faith. God though has chosen only one such central figure: Jesus Christ. We are meant to be supporting roles in the story of Christendom that continues today. Christ followers are called to be disciples, not saviors.
When reading the gospel narratives, we should see ourselves in the ensemble—the disciples, sick, authorities, religious, rulers, teachers, poor, rich, women, children, etcetera. Individually, each of us can identify with some of these figures more with than others, and our affinities might change as our life progresses or as society changes around us. In some ways we are all these characters at various times and in various life circumstances.
It is important to understand though that being in the ensemble does not mean our role is unimportant. After all, Jesus said that those who humbly seek to follow in his footstep would do greater works than even he did. (John 14, among other passages) How can this be?
Jesus is not saying that we will similarly vanquish sin and death, and become the ultimate saviors of humanity. That claim belongs only to Jesus Christ, our one Savior and Lord. Yet, with faith in God through Jesus Christ and with daily actions of goodness and godliness, we can do amazing, wondrous things. The truest Christ followers for the last two millennia have healed, fed, clothed, cared for, prayed for, and provided mercy and blessings for countless people. This is the ongoing marvelous work Jesus is saying we can do and what we, as present-day disciples, must do.
We must beware of those who bring fanfare to themselves and seek greatness, strength, or power. They rarely care for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized unless it somehow brings earthly glory to themselves. This selfish glory is truly anti-Christ and dangerous to follow. (Matthew 7, Matthew 24, Mark 13) And while it is true God can work through “bad actors”, it is not Christ-like by any means to uphold these individuals for the sake of our own earthly gains. For when we do, we sacrifice what is eternal and go against the very righteous thing Jesus calls us to build—the Beloved Community, the Eternal Kingdom, the Church.
True discipleship is humble and self-giving, no mater the cost. It is a hard and narrow way. It is a path though that is mystically and mysteriously filled with an unexplainable peace and joy. Always being mini-Christs—or Christ-like—without ever trying to be a messiah. (Matthew 18-20)
During this season of Lent, we challenge ourselves to be contented disciples, happy to follow Jesus wherever the Holy Spirit at work within us may lead, and directing all our gratitude back to our good and loving God. By following—not leading—we find true, noble faith and discover a life-giving purpose greater than ourselves.
Relevant Reformation 