Catechesis for the Common Good | Flattening the World
“Catechesis for the Common Good” is a commentary on basic Reformed doctrines and principles for the purpose of informing the ignorant, chastising the cozy or crazy Christian, and possibly helping the Church become One.
WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM
What is the chief and highest end of man?
Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.
How many Americans have their ethical outlook calibrated to celebrities! Baseball players, Disney+ characters, conservative media personalities, megachurch pastors. Their values are infused through videos. Matt said this. Taylor believes this. Ironman did this.
Celebrities are attractive. They look so free and fortunate. They’ve got it all. They can do what they want: like get out of speeding tickets and jail time. There are no speed bumps or stop signs on their street. It’s like they can move mountains.
Celebrity-infatuation has corrupted us beyond Adamic corruption. Not only do we espouse their asinine views, but we believe we can become them. You can do anything you set your mind to, we say. Our world has become flat. Placement and station are hurdles we can overcome.
The predilection to flatten is rampant. Flattening has become a virtue. Heroic and trendsetting, even. He who erases distinctions, undermines authority, and pulls down monuments is a hero. He who is quick to find criticism and doesn't think twice about interrupting is a trendsetter.
If I could just live in California, then . . . If I had been born in the '50s, I would . . . If we would have had just one more kid, then we . . . If my parents would just . . . If the Presbytery would . . . If God would just . . . I could totally do that . . . The whispers of the Flattener.
But the world is not flat. God and the Heavenly Host is up there. We are down here. Man has dominion over animals. Kings have been appointed by God to rule over subjects. Slaves must return to their masters. Children ought not talk back to their parents. We live now, not then.
The Catechism provides an even sharper edge. The human’s job is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Not to enjoy his life and glorify himself. We won’t be fulfilled or fully human if we don’t do what we’re told. Celebrities, you might say, are, quite technically, not fully human.
If I go to school and become an engineer, but I enjoy bridges more than God, I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do. If I become a megachurch pastor, and all the attention and spotlight is on me, I’m failing. If I’ve not improved anyone’s opinion of the Lord, I’m not being human.
This doesn’t mean I’m a loser. It doesn’t mean I’m worthless. It doesn’t mean that I’m any less His image. It just means that I’m not fully imaging Him. Which means I’m being disobedient. Consequently, this means I’m probably not full of joy. To enjoy Him fully is to be full of joy.
Stations and distinctions are part and parcel of God’s glory in this theater we call “creation.” There are chiefs and clans. Those strong in biceps and those strong in compassion. Ranges, levels, degrees, and intensities abound. God delights in distinctions and differences.
Flatteners have no place in the new creation. Only those who accentuate the gulf. Only those who accept and value differences and placement. Only those who hanker for the station they have. Only those who point to the Coming One like John the Baptist.
Our culture rejects hierarchy. Where we live isn’t good enough. Levels are dismantled. Degrees are impugned. Ranges are measured with extreme caution. Intensity is discouraged. Layers are disregarded. Everything is steamrolled and flattened out.
He gave you those parents. He placed you there. He allowed that to happen. He made you that way. See your deficiency and destiny. Don’t permit your ethical outlook to incrementally and intermittently become warped by looking up but not all the way up.
The Lord doesn’t want us to become celebrities. He wants us to be like Him: like a god. To be like the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We cannot afford to value anything that doesn’t return the greatest dividend. Our nature won’t permit us. The Great Designer won’t allow us.
Don’t let celebrity-worship rob you of being godlike. Rise up to His level and be like Him. Accept His ordinances–those for you and those for others. Love the celebrity, but hate the celebritizing.
