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In redefining ourselves, I mean, most clearly not in a post-modern sense of choosing a definition that works for me, but may not work for another. Instead, I submit that any redefinition begin where, for us, all did begin, at a place where man knew no sin. In that beginning, our purpose was, as St. Augustine wrote, to “enjoy God and glorify Him forever.” From that creative standpoint, to be image-bearers, the imago Dei, we derive our most fundamental purpose in this life. It is a fixed point, a North Star; the way we are to relate to God and the rest of humanity. From this fixed point, diverse gifts, inclinations, and attributes are given to the whole, for a singular purpose: to foster love for, and an appreciate of, God in a life lived out in joy and holiness. This then is the purpose of man, originally intended, and from which all other endeavors must necessarily flow to be deemed truly worthwhile.
The most basic mission, entrusted to man by Father God was to be that of a steward, a caretaker. To honor the Father with the trust bestowed. The mission began when, after creating all, God charged man with subduing the earth, filling it, and acting as a trustee over that which God created. It is interesting to note that at the time given, this most basic of charges did not include what now would commonly be called missions. In other words, salvation of the lost was not the most basic, foundational drive of man to which all else was subservient. It was, in the beginning, to serve as a trustee. Please, do not misunderstand this pronouncement to denigrate the Grand (Great) Commission, but rather, I seek to say the first commission was that of a caretaker, to which the commandment in Matthew 28: 18-20, is supplemental. In other words, the one did not obtain primacy over the other; rather, both were to be done in conjunction with each other.
This realization gives rise to a very oft-overlooked purpose of man: family. Adam and Eve, the nucleus of the family, predated the call to seek and save the lost. The apostle Paul reiterated this fact when recognizing that the call to serve as an itinerate or overseas missionary would conflict with the cares associated with a wife. (I do not propose here to go into context about the first century Christians believing Christ’s return imminent alongside the severity of Roman/Jewish persecutions and the practical applications of such a belief, but rather, I am simply noting general principles, still applicable today.) However, Paul recognized the primacy of the familial tie over that of ministry. He did not dispute it, he recognized it. He did not label familial ties “expendable” or merely “excess baggage”, but did note that not all one’s attention could be devoted to missionary work, for other, equally important, aspects demanded attention, as well. The Apostle recognized the conflict that would ensue, and sought to have those wishing to embark upon such a lifestyle as missionary work to clearly “count the cost.”
Thus, in this latest submission, I have examined, albeit cursorily, the basic, most fundamental goal of man in relation to God and the world around him. I have shown that the most basic relationship man undertakes in life is not, contrary to some, that of missionary to the lost, but rather of a husband, father, wife, mother, brother, and sister. In a word: family. This, then, is the building block upon which all else is derived. To the extent that is dishonored or violated, little else can be necessarily correct or truly honorable.
To this most basic building block sin corrupted, the Great Commission was given, and life became infinitely more complex. But that is an entry for another submission. I remain, as ever,
PUBLIUS
* Book recommendation: The God Who Smokes: Scandalous Meditations on Faith, by Timothy J. Stoner.
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