Concrete Readiness

“And a second is like it, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”” Matthew 22:39

As – More psychological garbage has been perpetrated on the Christian community with this verse than just about any other.  How many times have you heard someone claim that you can’t love another until you love yourself?  How often have you been subjected to the idea that self-love is the basis of charitable acts?  Do you want to know a secret?  We’ve been infected by the Greek view of service.

Jesus quoted Leviticus 19:18.  He spoke from the Hebrew perspective.  His view was very different than the prevailing Greek view.  And it is very different from ours.

The Greeks believed in service to others, but only as a means of enlightened self-understanding.  In particular, service meant involvement in the politics of life, as great statesmen for causes.  The poor, the environment, healthcare, housing.  Are your ears ringing?  The Greek view of service was global in perspective but it was based on my individual improvement.  I become a better person as a result of altruistic efforts.  Ultimately, service for others was still about me.  The bottom line was this:  the Greeks had no conception of service as self-emptying in concrete actions.

But the Hebrews had Leviticus 19:18.  God stood behind the command to make ready provision for my neighbor’s need.  This is not global, proxy charity.  This is right next-door, in your face, immediate help for someone I know.  And in the Hebrew culture, this required giving up my self.  My possessions.  My time.  My energy.  Whatever my neighbor needed, I was commanded to provide.  In the Hebrew world, charity does not begin at home.  It begins with God.  It is radical.  It is pointed.  And it is demanding.  All because it is the concrete expression of a God who cares.

Jesus said that without this orientation toward others we cannot be His disciples.  The strongest possible wording.  Cannot.  No exceptions.  It is never about me, even when it says, “as yourself”.

The Greeks relaxed the demand of concrete readiness by making altruism a function of self-improvement.  Ruling was better than serving.  Ruling benevolently was better than ruling dictatorially.  But ruling was still the modus operandi.  Not so with Jesus.  His message is empty!  Empty yourself of the desire to shine.  Empty yourself of the need to be recognized.  Empty yourself of clamoring for merit.  And empty yourself for your neighbor.

Greek or Hebrew.  That’s the choice.  Ruling or emptying.  Now what does “as yourself” mean to you?