Rugged Individualism

One of the greatest things about being an American is that we get to be individuals.  America was founded on a desire to seek freedom from state imposed regulations that served an Aristocracy rather than one that served the people.  The preamble to our constitution says, "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

This preamble along with the constitution of the United States of America has given us the right to choose our leaders.  This week we enter into the week of Super Tuesday.  This is a week where we get to choose the candidates who will run for the office of president.  What we need to remember is that in America we get to be individuals.  We can vote for anyone we want.  And we can make decisions based on faith, on a gamble, on popular opinion, by being informed through research, you name it.  As American's we are not held the decision of the leader of the country.  We are truly one of the few countries that has this privilege. 

So what is the purpose of sharing this with you?  As Christians we have this right to individualism because we are Americans.  As Americans we are beyond blessed to have the freedom to live as Christians.  And in both cases we are charged with making decisions not just in accordance with our desires, but in accordance with the one whom we serve.  

 If you are a Christian I encourage you today to take some time to really pray about who you should vote for.  We do have the power to make a name for ourselves.  Not a name that slings mud, not a name that would hurt others through judgmental rhetoric, but a name that honors the one we serve.  I encourage you today to  make a name for yourself.  Step outside the mess and choose to be a rugged individual.   But don't do it for fame or fortune.  Choose it to honor the one who gives you the true freedom.  

Pastor Joyce shares what Rugged Individualism in the Christian faith really looks like.  

Rugged Individualism- Joyce Wyrostek February, 29

In our western culture and many other nations of the world we honor the ones how have made a ‘name’ for themselves and become embedded in history.  The world exalts sports heroes, lawless gangsters, movie stars who play a part yet do not have any idea who they are. In essence we envy the rugged individual who beats the odds of defeat through sheer determination.

Book stores are filled with best sellers that have titles such as;  How to Learn a Language in 30 days, 21 Days to Emotional Freedom, 10 Steps to Building a Successful Business, How to Cast Vision and Set Goals.  This is only a brief list, indicating there is no limit to anyone who will put their mind on what they want and go after it in hot pursuit.

The people of such a culture frown on the one who chooses to humble himself in the sight of the Lord.  Those who decide to pursue the plans of God declared in Jeremiah 29:11 are scoffed at , ridiculed and labeled as weak and out of touch with reality.

The Kingdom of God is the antithesis of the kingdom of darkness.  Jesus did not say His Kingdom would be comprised of individuals with personal agendas.  He said we would be servants, humble and lowly and He would lift us up.  Matthew 23:11-12, “The greatest among you will be your servant.  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Paul tells us that we are a collective body that becomes one at rebirth in Ephesians 4:5-6, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all.” It is in this oneness with the Lord that we are, “…fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies according to the effectual working in the measure of every part” Ephesians 4:16.

In this union we are a force to be reckoned with and the gates of hell will not prevail against us…the only name that will be glorified is the name of Jesus.  Our rugged individualism gives way to robust oneness in the Holy Spirit.