This is what it means to follow Christ.
In his recent blog post, Scott Sauls openly reflected on the challenges his family faced during the past year, emphasizing the significance of embracing humility and service rather than the pursuit of power, fame, or success.
Discussing the essence of following Christ, Sauls highlighted the need to prioritize selflessness over the desire for recognition or influence. He underscored the importance of humility, embracing vulnerability, and relinquishing the ego-driven pursuits often prevalent in society.
Drawing parallels between Christ’s sacrifice and our own journey, Sauls emphasized the necessity of embracing loss and obscurity, prioritizing steadfast faithfulness over superficial acclaim. He advocated for a shift in perspective, valuing character above reputation, nurturing empathy over the craving for validation, and redefining success.
Sauls’ introspection comes after his recent resignation as senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church due to issues highlighted by The Nashville Presbytery. These concerns revolved around patterns of neglect towards the church staff, breaching trust, and an environment of mistrust, which led to his stepping down from leadership.
His decision followed an investigation initiated by concerns raised by former staff members, shedding light on a leadership style that, despite outward success, struggled with insecurity, control, and a divisive working culture. Sauls admitted to the challenges faced by his family, acknowledging personal losses and hardships throughout the year.
In the midst of these difficulties, Sauls found solace in faith, drawing strength from spiritual narratives like the Psalms and the Gospels. He expressed hope in the redemptive power of time, believing that with God, present struggles will ultimately find resolution in future glory.
Reflecting on the bigger picture, Sauls likened the enduring struggles to the story of Mary, finding reassurance in the transformation from agony to glory, a concept echoed by C.S. Lewis. He painted a vivid picture of Mary’s perspective, now reunited with Jesus, acknowledging her enduring faith despite past tribulations.
Sauls’ post stands as a testament to personal growth amid adversity, emphasizing the power of humility, faith, and the enduring nature of hope in the face of life’s challenges.