Our Blog

Like, Share, and Follow Christ: What Would Jesus’ Followers Post on Social Media?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the disciples of Jesus had access to social media? Imagine scrolling through your feed and seeing Peter's latest fishing adventure or John sharing his profound reflections on love. Join us as we bring the ancient stories of Jesus’ followers into the digital age, offering fresh perspectives and timeless lessons along the way.

Insta-Grace

Peter: @fishingwithpete
Peter, known for his passionate and impetuous nature, would have an alluring social media presence. Through his updates, followers would gain insights into the power of redemption, the value of faith, and the grace that allows us to rise after falling.  Peter's profile would demonstrate that faith is abundant with missteps and monumental growth, and would remind us that even our greatest failures can lead to our most significant spiritual breakthroughs.

John: @igotafriendnamedjesus
The Beloved Disciple, John’s post would attest to the foundational power of love, the triumph of good over evil, and the significance of having an intimate relationship with Christ. His online presence would reflect his deep understanding of love, faith, hope, and revelation; prompting followers to see love as a command that transforms, revealing the heart of the Gospel. 

Paul: @paulsinternationalcrusades
Paul became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Paul became a passionate apostle and left this world with a noble and momentous legacy through his letters and missionary journeys. His posts would showcase his zeal for the spreading Gospel and his deep theological insights; emphasizing themes of joy, gratitude, and spiritual warfare. 

Thomas: @thefaithfulskeptic
Thomas’ account would capture a compelling perspective on faith, doubt, discovery, and belief. His posts would provide insight into human struggles, the role of doubt in spiritual growth, and the grace extended to those who seek truth with sincerity; challenging us to confront our doubts, embrace genuine inquiry, and ultimately find faith and commitment in Christ.

From Scrolls to Screens

Despite the unique touch of imagination and humor, each disciple would present profound insights into the human condition, faith, and our relationship with Christ. Their posts piece together their personal journeys’ and illustrate that faith is a dynamic and often challenging matter, marked by doubts, revelations, and encounters with God’s grace. Embracing the messages embedded in each post allows us to glean timeless wisdom and inspiration found within the pages of scripture.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

When Helping Hurts: Thwarting the Savior Complex

Mark 10:45 affirms, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” However, in our earnest desire to help, we can sometimes fall into the trap of the savior complex, where our good intentions lead to unintended consequences. Today we will discuss how we can avoid the savior complex and the importance of serving with humility and recognizing our limitations. 

Defining the Savior Complex

The savior complex is a state of mind where an individual believes they are obligated to save others, often to the detriment of both parties involved. It places an unrealistic burden on us and undermines others' ability to grow and learn. In many cases, this mindset stems from good intentions- a misguided sense of altruism. It may even develop from a genuine desire to help but can quickly escalate into a pattern of dominating others' independence. Psychologically, the savior complex arises from a desire for validation, control, or believing that others are helpless without your intervention. Biblically, this attitude sharply contrasts with the model of service presented by Jesus, who demonstrated that we are called to serve with humility, love, and a recognition of our dependence on God. A  person with a savior complex may inadvertently place themselves in a role that only God can truly fulfill, but rather than seeking to be the savior, Christians are called to be servants and serve in a manner that doesn’t attempt to overthrow God from His responsibility. 

Identify the Telltale Signs

Identifying the signs is the first step in addressing our motives and behaviors, and it allows us to change our approach and help others with humility and respect for their autonomy. 

Signs to watch for: 

• Feeling emotionally drained or resentful when others do not follow our advice or show appreciation.
• Feeling disappointed or hurt when others do not express gratitude for our help.
• Neglecting our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs while prioritizing the needs of others.
• Frequently crossing personal boundaries in the name of helping, without considering the impact on others' autonomy.
• Seeking validation or recognition from others for our efforts, instead of focusing solely on their well-being.
• Deriving self-worth from helping and assisting others rather than from a healthy and balanced life.
• A tendency to feel personally responsible for, or constant preoccupation with solving others’ issues. 

Examples of the Savior Complex in Action 

Consider if any of the following examples resonate with you:

• John frequently advises his colleagues on personal matters, even when they don’t ask for help.
• Emma volunteers to manage every aspect of a community project, ignoring others' offers to assist.
• David insists on solving problems his way, dismissing others' input or solutions.
• Rachel feels overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted because she’s constantly dealing with others' crises.
• Tom views himself as a martyr for always sacrificing his needs for others, expecting recognition and gratitude.
• Jessica unconsciously makes her friends dependent on her by always offering to do things for them rather than empowering them.
• Chris becomes frustrated when the people he's helping don't improve or change as quickly as he'd like.
• Mary begins to feel resentful towards those she helps, feeling unappreciated and overburdened.
• Alex takes over projects or tasks from others, believing they can’t do them as well as he can.
• Megan puts her own life goals on hold to focus on solving other people's problems.
• Brian sees his friends' problems as his own, experiencing their issues as personally as they do.
• Peter believes his guidance is always correct and disregards any feedback or differing opinions.
• Susan commits to helping so many people that she has no time left for herself or her family.
• James feels guilty saying no to any request for help, stretching himself too thin and becoming ineffective.
• Sarah constantly seeks out people in crisis to rescue, deriving her self-worth from being needed.
• Lydia amplifies others' problems to feel more essential in resolving them, escalating situations unnecessarily.
• Ben guilt-trips others into accepting his help, making them feel indebted and obligated to him.

Biblical Examples of Humble Service

The Bible provides numerous poignant examples of humble service that are in stark opposition to the savior complex. 

The following examples remind us that genuine service involves putting others' needs before our ego, following the example set by Christ Himself:

• Jesus: He washed His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) and sacrificed His life for humanity (Philippians 2:5-8) without seeking personal recognition or control.
• Paul: He tirelessly spread the gospel and cared for the churches (1 Corinthians 9:19-23), enduring hardships with humility and reliance on God.
• Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph faithfully served Potiphar (Genesis 39:1-6) and later served Egypt as a wise administrator during a severe famine (Genesis 41:41-44).
• Esther: She risked her life to save her people, the Jews, by approaching the king without being summoned, demonstrating courage and selflessness (Book of Esther).
• Ruth: She selflessly cared for her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 1-4), demonstrating loyalty and compassion without seeking personal gain.
• Barnabas: Known as the "son of encouragement," Barnabas generously sold his land to support the early church and mentored Paul (Acts 4:36-37; Acts 9:26-27).

Strategies for Humble and Effective Service

To humbly serve and avoid falling into the trap of the savior complex, consider:

• Rather than trying to rescue others, turn your attention to empowering them to find their own solutions and strengths.
• Regularly pray for wisdom and discernment.
• Establish clear boundaries in your relationships and commitments. Learn to say no when necessary to avoid overextending yourself.
• Embrace teamwork and shared responsibility.
• Listen attentively to others' needs and concerns without immediately offering solutions. 
• Surround yourself with trusted friends or mentors who can provide honest feedback and accountability regarding your helping behaviors.

Most Importantly, Focus on God’s Role

The ability to overcome the savior complex hinges on the ability to shift our focus from ourselves to God. It requires that we recognize and trust His supremacy and will;  relinquishing the drive to serve in an unhelpful manner and allowing God to work through us. Acting as His instruments liberates us to serve with a joyful heart, knowing that our efforts are part of His greater plan to bring glory to His name and spread His love in the lives of those around us.

When we focus on God’s role:

• We trust that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life, including their struggles and challenges.
• We seek God’s guidance through prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment in how best to support and encourage others.
• We acknowledge that God is in control and that our role is to obediently follow His lead.
• Our goal shifts from fixing problems to pointing others to God, encouraging them to rely on His strength and seek His solutions.
• We recognize our limitations.
• Understand that God works in His timing and ways, often beyond our understanding. 
• We let our actions and motives reflect His love and compassion.

Summing It Up

The savior complex can subtly distort our intentions, leading us to seek personal validation or control rather than genuinely serving others out of love and compassion. Helping others without falling into the savior complex requires a deliberate commitment to humility, self-awareness, and trust in God. As we strive to emulate Christ’s example and surrender ourselves to God’s will, our participation in His work will be founded in love and bring honor to His name. 

- Torrance Community Church of Christ

Articulate Your Purpose and Calling: Developing a Personal Mission Statement

A personal mission statement is a powerful tool that defines one's purpose, guiding values, and the path to fulfilling their unique calling. For Christians, it holds special significance as it aligns one's life with God's will, providing clarity and direction rooted in His principles. This post is designed to assist you in crafting your personal mission statement, enabling you to clearly articulate your purpose and embrace your unique calling with confidence and clarity.

Discover Your Purpose

Recognizing God’s purpose for you begins with acknowledging the biblical foundation that establishes each person’s life has meaningful direction and intent. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans for us, plans to prosper and not harm us, and Ephesians 2:10 states that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, verifying that our lives have purpose and direction. These verses affirm that we are intentionally crafted with unique gifts, talents, and passions meant to fulfill specific roles in God’s plan. Reflecting on these truths encourages us to explore our unique gifts, talents, and passions. 

Once we’ve identified these, we can discern how God has uniquely equipped us to contribute to His kingdom, and use our distinct abilities to serve others while glorifying Him.

Benefits of a Mission Statement:

• Articulates God-Given Purpose
• Guides Daily Life and Decisions
• Enhances Spiritual Growth
• Motivates and Inspires Faithful Living
• Facilitates Evangelism and Service
• Provides Clarity in Times of Uncertainty
• Promotes Accountability and Integrity
• Strengthens Identity in Christ
• Enhances Community and Fellowship
• Encourages Long-Term Faithfulness

Steps to Developing a Personal Mission Statement

Prayer and Reflection: Take the time for some quiet prayerful reflection. Ask God to provide direction for your life and calling. 

Identify Core Values

To distinguish your deepest held values, ask yourself identifying questions such as: 

• When faced with difficult decisions, what do you prioritize? 
• What qualities or virtues do you admire most in others? 
• In what areas of your life do you consistently invest time, energy, and resources? 
• How do you define success and fulfillment in life? 
• In what ways do you demonstrate empathy and compassion towards others?

Determine Your Passions and Strengths: Take the time to recognize your passions, talents, and strengths. 
Set Specific Goals: Determine your short-term and long-term goals. Consider how they resonate with your values, passions, and strengths. 
Write Your Statement: Consider using the following structure to write your mission statement: "My mission is to [action] through [method] to achieve [result] for [audience/beneficiaries]."

Refer to the following samples for inspiration:

• "My mission is to use my gifts of teaching and mentoring to disciple believers, equipping them to live out their faith boldly and make a positive impact in their spheres of influence, ultimately glorifying God in all aspects of life."
• "My mission is to nurture and strengthen families, providing support and guidance rooted in biblical principles, and helping them grow in faith, unity, and love, reflecting the image of God in their relationships."
• "My mission is to be a faithful witness of Christ's love in my community, reaching out to the lost and hurting with the message of salvation, and demonstrating God's love through acts of kindness, hospitality, and grace."
• "My mission is to advocate for the voiceless and oppressed, standing up for justice and righteousness in a world plagued by inequality and injustice, and striving to bring about God's kingdom of peace and equality."
• "My mission is to use my artistic talents to glorify God and inspire others, creating works that reflect His beauty, truth, and grace, and pointing people to the ultimate Artist and Creator of all things."

Use this worksheet as a tool to help you discern your unique mission

Bring Your Mission Statement to Life

Breathe life into your mission statement through intentional actions and habits that mirror your stated purpose. 

Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals that align with your mission and work towards them each day.
Create a Routine: Establish daily habits and routines that reflect your mission and help you stay focused on your goals. Consider reading it out loud when you first wake up or incorporate it into your morning prayer and devotional routine. 
Live with Integrity: Strive to live per your values and principles, maintaining integrity in all your actions and decisions.
Seek Opportunities for Growth: Continuously seek opportunities for personal and spiritual growth that will help you fulfill your mission and reach your full potential.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care practices that nurture your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, ensuring you have the energy and resilience to live out your mission effectively.
Be Mindful: Practice mindfulness and intentional living, staying present in each moment and mindful of how your actions and choices align with your mission.
Use Visual Aids: Keep your mission statement at the forefront of your mind by creating visual reminders. For example, you can write your mission statement on a sticky note and post it to your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, or workspace, set it as the background for your lock screen on your electronic devices, or create a vision board.
Review and Adjust as Needed: Review and adjust your mission statement as needed, allowing room for growth, refinement, and alignment with God's evolving plans for your life. This continual evaluation ensures that your actions remain in harmony with your mission and God's calling upon your life.
Lean on God: Prioritize your relationship with God through prayer, scripture reading, worship, and fellowship, seeking His guidance and strength to live out your mission each day.

Wrapping Up

The significance of having a personal mission statement cannot be overstated, as it provides clarity, direction, and motivation for faithful living; guiding us toward a life of meaningful impact. As we conclude, we encourage you to share your mission statement or insights about the process of crafting your statement in the comments. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ