Above Your Master? The Sin of Winsomeness

We live in a time of tumult, not stability. It should not surprise us, as critical theory (i.e., leftism) aims at deconstructing everything. It can be hard for Christians in general, and pastors in specific, to know how to respond to the never-ending barrage of controversy. Should we engage more? Less? Should we seek to transform culture through the gospel (the evangelical ethic) or wholly withdraw (the fundamentalist impulse)? As a pastor, I can see that most seminaries did not equip their students for such a time as this. I know it’s asking a lot, but many of these seminaries don’t even equip their students to interpret Scripture sufficiently. 

As those on the deranged left increase in their vile hatred for all things good, the backlash directed at Christians increases. Lies about a totalitarian Christian theocracy are spewed out by the talking heads on the mainstream media, and thus the handwringing begins for Christians. The world doesn’t like us—what should we do? 

That’s the underlying question that informs so much of the evangelical response, at least from our leaders—how do we regain a seat at the table? How do we get the world to dislike us less? If that’s the question, the answer comes as talking less about things that the world disagrees with us about. We must be winsome or they’ll get angry. Thus, when we get backlash for talking about marriage, sexuality, and abortion, then clearly we’ve done something wrong. Perhaps we should have said it better?

The underlying assumption is this—that it’s a sign of failure if the world hates us.  Our seminaries, conferences, and leaders have failed us terribly for this moment. Consider Christ’s words from John 15:20–21:

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.  But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

Christ says, if you are his servant, they will persecute and hate you. That backlash and cultural derision from those who hate God is actually a sign of faithfulness. Of course, such persecution must come in the cause of righteousness (1 Pet. 3:13–17), but it is to be expected. Too many evangelicals today fancy themselves above their master as they shun cultural persecution. Too many think they have surpassed Christ as they seek a seat at a table where Christ is hated.

This is displayed in the pursuit of being viewed as “winsome.” Whatever that means.

The Sin of Winsomeness

Now, I need to be clear, being winsome is not sinful in itself. We should always be ready to give a defense, and we should be salt and light. Sin enters the equation when we make winsomeness the standard, especially when we define it by how the world responds to us. Why would we expect those under the power of the evil one to represent us accurately or to find us appealing? Again, to some, we are the aroma of life, and others of death (2 Cor. 2:16). Christians cannot allow the sensibilities of those with hard hearts to be the standard of winsomeness or success. To do so is to fall into idolatry and it elevates us servants over our master. 

What do I mean by that? First, I am not endorsing those who think the only way to practice cultural engagement is to be a jerk for Jesus. Such an overcorrection is just as unbiblical as seeking cultural approval. Yet, the current obsession with being winsome is driven by the standard of a morally bankrupt world. What is the standard we measure everything by? 

Christ, as ever, should be our model. He often spoke kindly to the deplorables of his day, and fiercely to others, sometimes even to his own disciples. The example of Christ shows that Christians must, at times, say intentionally provocative, blinding, and even culturally offensive things. If you don’t have room for that, then you think you are better than your master.

Take these examples for our master’s life. First, Jesus tells a crowd of Jews they are not sons of Abraham! Jesus says they are not really Jews. He takes what was most dear to them and destroys it. If that’s not culturally insensitive enough, he then calls them sons of the Devil (John 8:39–44)! Not very winsome, Jesus. 

Second, Jesus has a long back and forth with a crowd who claims to believe in him. What were they arguing about? Jesus tells them they need to “eat” his flesh and “drink” his blood. The crowd keeps offering chance after chance for Jesus to take it back (cannibalism and blood consumption were culturally offensive), but he refuses. The result is everyone but the twelve leaves Christ (John 6:22–71). Again, if being winsome is the measure of success, Christ failed. 

Third, don’t forget about the time Jesus was pronouncing woes on the Pharisees and a lawyer protested, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” What do you suppose a winsome preacher would say? Maybe try to explain how he was misunderstood? Sprinkle in some nuance? What about Christ? He replied, “Woe to you lawyers also!” (Lk. 11:42–46). Jesus thanks the lawyer for the reminder and turns to ‘insult’ his group as well.

Surely, some are thinking, “But what about the parables, those were winsome?” Were they? Why did Jesus teach in stories? He tells us, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matt. 13:13). Christ told parables to conceal and harden people—not very winsome. Christ’s philosophy of ministry was not winsomeness. It was based on truth. 

If your desire for being winsome makes you cringe at these sayings of Christ, or to think Christians can’t speak like their master, then you think you know better than God the Son. You think, at some level, that you’re above your master. If you prefer winsome lies to hard truths, you’re part of the problem. If a winsome error is more pleasing to your heart than a harsh truth then you are flirting with the father of lies (John 8:44) and not following the one who is the truth (John 14:6). Check yourself, and repent. 

Pastor Levi Secord

Christ Bible Church