You Are Not the Sun
April 8, 2008
By Paul Veliquette
In the early 1500’s an astronomer named Nicolaus Copernicus
proposed a new view of the universe that stated the Earth was NOT the center of
the universe. For centuries scientists and church leaders alike believed the
Earth was the focal point of the universe. This view was so strongly held that
Galileo, who championed the Copernican view, was declared a dangerous heretic
by the Catholic church and was eventually forced to recant his heliocentric
beliefs. He spent the last years of his life under house arrest.
Of course, over time, astronomers learned that any
theoretical center of our universe is nowhere near our solar system or even our
galaxy. Regardless of how well versed we are in basic astronomy, however, the
reality is we create our own form of a geocentric universe. Our personal world
is the center of the universe. We can’t help ourselves. We create such a
universe because we need it. We don’t have any memories of the beginning of
such a creation because we were just infants when we began the process.
As a parent, I have experienced the creation of this highly
focused universe when my children were born. Life revolved around them and
their needs, their comfort, their safety. We understand that for a period of
time our children will be in this dependent and egocentric world. However, the
time comes when we expect them to mature and develop a worldview that includes
others as important as themselves. It is frustrating and irritating if a child
remains in this self-centered way of thinking when they reach adulthood. They
just become a large baby!
In Philippians 2:4 Paul says, "Let each of you look out
not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Mature Christian are not enamored with themselves, their needs, their own way,
but actively look to discover and then meet the needs of others.
Here are some reflective questions.
1. Do I spend an inordinate amount of time focused on
meeting my needs?
2. Who are the last five people I went out of my way to help
in some tangible way?
3. Do I practice using my spiritual eyes to see beneath the
surface of others to deep needs?
4. Do I pray on a daily basis that God will provide me
opportunity to connect with someone who needs a loving act?
— Paul Veliquette is pastor of Windsor (Colo.)
Assembly of God.
