Self-actualisation of a divine sort

Approximately 2,630 participants enjoyed a divine service transmission for the young people of the District Church of Western Germany on 19 January 2019. It was based on a Bible text from John 1: 12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

Freedom

“What does it even mean to be truly free?” asked Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider. He then went on to propose three different answers:

• Being able to do anything you want: “A society without rules will not function. Chaos would soon come into being, which in turn would bring disorder, oppression of the weak, abuse of power, etc., etc., etc.”
• Being without any ties or obligations: “Totally free, but terribly lonely—and in the end this would turn out to be a sad life, a life without love.”
• Being capable of becoming anything you want: “I must say, I like that one.” And it is precisely this kind of freedom that Jesus Christ offers.

The decision

“We have made our decision: we want to be children of God,” said the Church leader. And therefore our objectives are also clear: “I want to be an overcomer. I want to be in the image of Christ. I want to be worthy to enter into the kingdom of God. I want to be a blessing, and I also want to be happy in this life.”

The prerequisites

“Christ makes free,” emphasised the Chief Apostle. After the fall into sin, the first human beings lost their freedom to return into fellowship with God. Through His sacrificial death, however, Jesus Christ created the prerequisites that will enable us to return to God.

Through the rebirth out of water and the Spirit, God makes the believers His children. And His children have received the right to enter into His kingdom and inherit His glory.

The possibilities

Those who accept Christ and put His word into practice will have the ability to attain the goals that have been set for us, namely:

• overcoming evil: “The Lord Jesus gave us a very simple instruction: ‘Whatever you want people to do to you, just do the same to them.’ — If you allow this to work within you, you begin to reflect: “What is it that actually hurts me? Then I will not do that to my neighbour either. “
• growing into the image of Christ: “I want to be able to love as Jesus Christ loved.” But: “People are so different, they are so unlike me! It is a challenge to love them.” And yet: “If Jesus Christ becomes more and more important in the congregation, in the circle of the young people, then it will become easier and easier to accept the otherness of my neighbour and truly love him or her.”
• becoming worthy: “Those who want to enter into the kingdom of God must be holy, must be beyond reproach, and must be completely pure. Only one person has ever managed this: Jesus Christ.” And He teaches: “If you are humble before God, I will grant you grace.”
• being a blessing: “The wellbeing of each individual determines the wellbeing of the whole. — Those who see the church of Christ—who see their congregation—in this manner will know: ‘I can do my part to ensure that all are well. And if all are doing well, it will also be well with me. Then it will no longer be an obligation to serve—I will feel the need to do so.’”

Everyday Life

“Those who accept Jesus Christ will also notice the effects of this in everyday life,” explained the Chief Apostle:

• “If one truly overcomes evil with goodness, if one truly loves others with all one’s heart, if one is truly humble, and if one is truly prepared to help one’s neighbour—there is something special that will radiate from such a person. Such an individual will not be alone! He or she will attract others!”
• “Those who accept Jesus Christ, believe in Him, and live in accordance with His teaching, will receive a special blessing: God will give them a heart filled with peace, as well as mental and emotional balance. They will be happy and content in all situations!”
• “Those who have the Lord Jesus in their hearts will also have the courage to enter into a commitment when the time comes, and they will blossom and flourish in it.” And if two partners build up their relationship “on the foundation of the gospel, then God will be able to bless them and they will be happy. They will have peace in their hearts. They will no longer have any fear.”

Chief Apostle Schneider’s conclusion: “Jesus Christ liberates those who accept Him and believe in Him.” As children of God, He “gives them the opportunity and the ability to become that which they want to be.”