Christianity 101
Why do we gather here each week? It’s a question worth asking, not out of doubt, but as a reminder. Week after week, we come together to hear the Good News of the Gospel, to reconnect with the teachings of Jesus Christ, and to reflect on how those teachings shape our lives. Let me share a favorite quote from the late President John F. Kennedy that reminded me why this question matters so deeply:
“The question is not whether all men (and women) are brothers (and sisters). That question has been answered by the God who placed us on this earth together. The question is whether we have the strength and the will to make the brotherhood of man the guiding principle of our daily lives.”
In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, our time in worship helps us re-center ourselves on what truly matters: God’s love and our shared calling to live it out. Today, we return to the basics — Christianity 101, if you will. At its core, the Gospel is simple — though living it out is anything but. Jesus called us to “love our neighbors as ourselves, extend grace even to our enemies and walk humbly, showing mercy and kindness in all we do.” He taught us to “seek first the kingdom of God” — a kingdom defined not by power or prestige but by justice, peace, and compassion.
Yet, if we’re honest, we all know how challenging it is to put these teachings into practice. We feel a constant tug within, what we might call “two minds.” One part of us is drawn to the Gospel — toward humility, love, and selflessness. The other part is shaped by the pressures of the world — seeking comfort, control, and the easy way out. This isn’t necessarily a flaw in our faith; it’s a fundamental part of being human. And that is why we gather: not to be perfect, but to be perfected in Christ.
Navigating the Two Minds in a Noisy World
We live in an age marked by an onslaught of information and, unfortunately, disinformation. Half-truths, outright lies, and manipulative narratives swirl around us, competing for our attention at dizzying speeds. Social media, endless news cycles, and advertisers vie to shape our opinions and choices — often by preying on our fears and insecurities. In such a climate, discernment becomes not just helpful but necessary.
Throughout history, people have recognized a fundamental tension within the human experience — a pull between two ways of being. Psychologist Carl Jung described this as the dynamic between our conscious and unconscious selves, a concept that includes our “Shadow.” The Shadow represents the parts of ourselves that we deny, ignore, or push out of awareness — traits that can be harmful or even positive qualities we fail to recognize. Jung’s Shadow addresses our inner tensions, much as our faith acknowledges our struggle between worldly desires and divine calling. We move toward deeper self-understanding and wholeness by integrating these hidden parts of ourselves.
For Christians, the Gospels are our guiding light when life feels overwhelming. Jesus’ teachings become our moral compass, our spiritual GPS — reminding us to live with humility, compassion, forgiveness, and love. In Matthew 5, the Beatitudes (part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount) outline the virtues of humility, mercy, and peacemaking, showing us what it means to embrace the mind of Christ. We do well to pause and ask: Are our words and actions rooted in love? Are we pursuing justice and mercy? Are we living in ways that bring peace and healing to those around us? Answering these questions in light of the Gospels keep us anchored in faith. It gives us the clarity to navigate life’s challenges.
When one decides to follow Jesus, when one chooses to seek first the Kingdom of Love, one undergoes a qualitative change. It is not a matter of merely adding something to our lives. Something qualitatively new happens. When you accept Christ’s gift of new life, each minute you live is not merely an extension of the last minute but a new creation; each breath you breathe is not merely a physiological function but the act of receiving the gift of new life. And all of this results from a qualitative change — a change in attitude.
The opposing view belongs to those who see change only as the inevitable extension of the past. Shakespeare’s Macbeth lamented, “… life’s but a walking shadow, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
This reflects a worldview of cynicism and despair — a mindset that fears the future, sometimes preferring the known evil over the unknown possibility of transformation. These starkly different views illustrate the tension well: “One mind embraces renewal and hope; the other retreats into despair.”
The Analogy of Two Minds
Within each of us lies that ongoing tension between the “two minds.” One mind is shaped by the world, focused on power, self-interest, and the distractions of life. The other mind is drawn toward Christ, longing for love, humility, and the courage to live by the teachings of the Gospel. Both minds exist within us, influencing our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
But Jesus calls us to a singular path defined by love, grace, and service (Matthew 22:37-39). His words do not promise that it will be easy; they promise clarity. When we genuinely seek to follow Him, the conflict between our two minds finds resolution in God’s truth. Rather than feeling divided, we become disciples united in His love, allowing the Spirit to guide us toward living more fully in God’s kingdom.
That’s ultimately why we gather — to remind each other that while we are not perfect, we are on a journey toward Christ. We come together not to separate ourselves from others but to draw closer to God and one another. In this community, we encourage each other to nurture the mind shaped by the Gospel rather than the mind shaped by the world.
Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony. And never forget to be thankful.”
So, as we go forward this week, may that peace rule in our hearts. “May we live in harmony with God and each other, not just in word, but in action — grateful for the grace that leads us forward.”
Amen.
