We are to love our neighbors as ourselves – and that standard of comparison, as ourselves , is often taken as an implicit command to love ourselves. On this view, the wording not only permits self-love but commands it; it not only sanctions self-esteem but reinforces its importance. On the face of it, however, self-love in Mark 12 is merely presupposed, not advocated. To read much of the contemporary literature, evangelical and otherwise, on self-esteem is to inhabit a domain a long way removed from the second great commandment.
D.A. Carson

Bryan_Moore

Bryan_Moore

“I have found the scripture to be relevant in every area of life, andhave committed myself to the cause of Christian Reconstruction of thiscountry.”

While standing in line to register at San Diego State University, Iwas approached by several people with surveys and questionnaires. Oneof them asked me, not for what they could sell me, but what did I callmyself? I checked the box marked Christian, then realized that I neededto know more about Jesus. Another student shared the gospel with me ina way I had not heard with my church background, making me realize thatmy responsibility to God was direct and individual, not an automaticpart of being born in the States, or going to church on Sunday. I askedJesus to come in and take over, and make me the kind of person Hewanted me to be. Immediately I felt a compassion where I had previouslyheld a grudge. Forgiveness flowed through me as quickly as I knew I wasforgiven. Patience replaced restlessness.

All was not so easy, however. My mediocre grades became polarized.My C’s became A’s and Incompletes! I spent long hours helpingcomputerize our outreach effort involving 180 contributing students ina dozen specific ministry efforts during 1980. I spent hours memorizingthe Bible, then let some of my studies lapse, while getting A’s inothers. Somehow, I had come to saving faith, but had not found balance.Some teaching going around made me think it was wrong to be affluent,for example. Since good grades could be a form of affluence, it waseven said (of those whose weren’t so hot), “Oh well, they’re gonna burnanyway.” What a wrong attitude!

When my old ’72 Pinto broke down, my boss let me have his Mercedes450SL for a couple of months, rather than take my time away from workto fix my car! Things eventually got so rough for our strugglingcompany that in addition to selling his house, my boss had to sell thatcar, too. Eventually, though, in spite of my prayers for God to takeaway the company so I could pursue “full time Christian work,” Godprospered our efforts. I remember a telephone prayer request while Iwas in New York to friends in San Diego being miraculously answered,impressing a man who became a very key employee. Eventually our companymerged with a larger company, giving me the equivalent of 25 yearssalary in one transaction! The decisions I faced caused me to questionmy “gonna burn” attitude. Together with the earlier counsel of somestaff at Campus Crusade for Christ headquarters, they made me realizethat wealth is nothing more and nothing less than another commodity,another tool which may be used by those ignorant of God, or, ifproperly spent, to bring Him glory.

I have found the scripture to be relevant in every area of life, andhave committed myself to the cause of Christian Reconstruction of thiscountry. I believe that the Gospel regenerates first, man’s heart,then, anything in which regenerate man is involved. No government,education, or other institution is a lost cause that is not reached bythe saving power of Christ. He has not called us to abandon ourpossessions, but to submit them to the authority of God rather than toman. Let us look to His word and see what He would have each of us dowith what He has entrusted to us! First, our own souls and lives, then,our community, our country, and the world!

Bryan Moore