Hello one and all, please forgive my absence. Before we begin, please watch the video below. It is a TED (a nonprofit serving to spread world-changing ideas) talk by Simon Sinek shown by a professor a few days ago.
First, know I do not agree or advocate with the self-centered and individualistic aspects of Sinek's talk. The "golden circle" is the theme of Sinek's discussion I intend to "redeem" (Mark Driscoll's practice of utilizing certain/appropriate aspects of today's culture into church).
What, How, and Why are the three aspects of the "golden circle," and Sinek explains how individuals and corporations often communicate the "what" first, followed by the "how," and then "why." The assertion Sinek makes, however, is that the proper way to communicate is first explain the "why," then the "how," and then conclude with the "what." Sinek roots his assertion in his belief that people do not by "what you do," they buy "why you do it." The same goes for the Christian faith.
All believers, outlined in Mathew 28:20, are commanded by Christ to "make disciples of all nation, baptizing the in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." We are "selling" (awful word to describe evangelism, I know, but it serves the point) the gospel of Christ to unbelievers. We are ambassadors for Christ, and God makes his appeal through us to unbelievers for their salvation and His glory (2 Corinthians 5:20). Applying the "golden circle," do we implore people on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God with a "what?" (2 Corinthians 5:20). Imagine. Presenting (or "selling") the gospel to an unbeliever, and you explain all the "whats" or "products" of the Christian faith like community service, social justice, and disaster relief, etc. But isn't it possible for the unbelievers to find these "whats" in secular and worldly organizations? To restate Sinek's thoughts in the context of faith, people do not profess faith in Christ because of "what" Christians do, but rather "why" Christians do what they do. Yes, Christ's ministry through the Church is far different than the temporary service of the world, but without discussing the Christ-centered "why," or in other words, the faith and all-powerful God motivating the "how" and "what," we as believers, and the unbelievers, miss the point entirely.
God, freely offering sinners salvation and life through faith in Jesus Christ is the "why" behind sharing the gospel, and is the motivation and reason behind the other "whats" (the intangible, and tangible aspects of ministry and service). I pray we ground all our interactions with the world in this foundational truth, and never let the "why" of our faith, and God's ministry through us, be anything other than Christ's death and resurrection. Share with the world "why" you go to church, "why" you participate in mission trips, and "why" you read the Bible and pray. Without the "why" the Church's "whats" seem foolish.
When expressing the "why," also remember our sufficiency as ministers of the gospel is from God, not ourselves (2 Corinthians 3:5), and let the love of Christ control you in proclaiming the old has passed and the new has come through Christ reconciling us to Himself, not counting our trespasses against us, and even though He knew no sin, He became sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5).
And one last thought, be careful no to let the "whats" of faith (God's faithful blessings, provision, and sanctifying work) lead you to forget the Living God who is the source and author of the "whats."
Love you guys.
