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Discuss the SoulCare concept that Christianity is not about a better life; it is about a better hope.
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There is no verse in the scriptures promising a better life for Christians this side of heaven. Their is, however, verses on a better hope and a hope that will not disappoint. So many of western Christian messages are filled the empty strategy’s of living a better life. It is the punch line of most sermons. And there is no power in that. But there is a miraculous, transforming, Healing power in the message of not Just a hope, but the best hope
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It is true, Christianity is not about a better life. There will always be sickness, pain, sorrow, betrayal, tragedies in this world we live in. And these things happen to believers as well as non-believers. Granted, I do believe all good things come from God, so I am thankful to God for the blessings my life. However, Christianity is about a better hope, because no matter what the circumstances are, I have hope in God. I can trust His goodness and love for me. And I have hope of being with him in the perfect world He is preparing for us.
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Soul care is about getting us closer to God regardless of what circumstances we are under. Human nature is to avoid pain and get to a better life with minimal difficulties. Nonetheless, God at times will use adversities to draw us closer to Him. We need to understand that we are not using God as some other religions to eliminate problems or bless us with prosperities. We have to let God lead us to where He wants us to be and restore our relationship with Him.
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In my early years as a Christian I thought that being a Christian was suppose to give me a better life with less problems than non-Christians. When it didnt happen and I had plenty problems, I thought I just need to be a better Christian and know more about the Bible and then I will have a better life. This was my strategy for trying to get a better life. The goal was selfish, a better life for me with less pain and less problems. Now I believe that obeying God and the principles set out in Scripture is the best way to live and very well may result in less pain and problems, the goal was still focused on a better life for me and getting where I wanted to go.
What I didnt realize was that there were things going on inside of me that the Holy Spirit had never illuminated inspite all that. My highest desire was not to know God and honor God more than anything else. Living life with the Spirit gives that better hope of knowing Him and reducing all these other demands for a better life to lesser desires. -
Hebrews 7:19 paints the backdrop for this question. If we as fallen image bearers don’t understand how our capacities of being an image-bearer are corrupt, we will continue to get our needs met on our own terms and in our own time frames. The “better life” becomes our central purpose without even being aware of it, even if we are “doing” all the things we think Christians should be doing; going to church, reading the bible, praying, being in a small group, and being a good enough person. However, unless we become aware of our deeper need for God and are convicted by the unhealthy and very often damaging ways in which we relate, we will never pursue what Hebrews 7:19 says about a better hope.