Value Proposition

Imagine being told that no matter what happens to you in this world, you shouldn't be concerned, for the next life will be amazing.

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 5:1-11

At the time Peter wrote this, Christians were being persecuted for their faith.  They were targeted and suffering, but Peter wanted them to know they were doing the right thing.  

As it turns out, they were taking the hits so others who came after them would have it easier.

But they, and we, through out faith, have already attained something far greater than all this life has to offer.  Sounds good, doesn't it?

Now, if they were told that those who didn't suffer would also benefit from the gift of eternal joy, then they would be angry.  That would mean, there is no reason to be singled out, right?

It is a value proposition Peter is making.  If you do this, you will gain and others won't.  If that has value to you, then it is a good deal.

If the outcome is the same for all, why be the one who suffers?

That's the challenge we are dealing with today in this life.  Why make sacrifices if the outcome will be the same fir us as it is for those who do not make the same sacrifice?

So, we have a dilemma.  If we want all to be saved in Christ, those who are good and those who are bad, then what benefit is there in being good?

We need a reward system, or the value proposition fails.

This is why some won't get a vaccine.  They see no difference in lifestyle to benefit them, if they still must wear a mask and keep their distance.

It is also why some will not make sacrifices for climate change.  Why should they sacrifice while others don't, and all benefit equally?

Christianity is a puzzling faith.  We say that all are saved in Christ, yet we want to be inclusive.  Those who don't believe can also be saved, we posit.  Yet, we kind of hope that isn't true.

If it is true, we have to reconcile being humble, giving, good.

More to come...