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About Jesus Steve Sweetman The Cutting Edge Over the last 30 years in various Christian circles I have heard the phrase "cutting edge" used many times. I have used it myself until a few years ago when I felt it was not appropriate. I would hear one group say that they were on the "cutting edge". Then I’d hear another group claim the same. It seemed many groups thought they were on the "cutting edge". Why have I stopped using this term and other phrases like it? In my thinking, as soon as you say that we are on the "cutting edge", it automatically implies that other groups are not on the "cutting edge". The implication comes down to thinking that we are better, farther along, more mature or exciting than others. I don‘t think we should be making such comparative statements. We should be humble in our attitude and let our actions do the speaking. Unless I have missed something, I cannot see such comparative statements in Scripture. I do see words like "humble yourself" (Phil. 2:5-8). Romans 12:3 says, "do not think of yourself more higher than you ought...". I don’t think that Paul promoted himself as being on the "cutting edge", although if anyone could have, it would have been him. He certainly did not want to boast of his many accomplishments. (2 Cor. 11:12-18) In 1 Cor. 1:10-18 Paul appeals to the Corinthians not to be followers of him, or of Apollos, or of Peter, but of Christ. It is the idea of comparing one group to another that Paul didn‘t like. Paul said that we all follow Christ. He even said that some preach Christ out of improper motives, "but what does it matter, Christ is preached" (Phil. 1:17-18) . If he ever had a chance to boast of being on the "cutting edge", it was then. Paul was too busy doing the will of God to think of himself as being better than the rest. If we need to use this phrase and compare ourselves with others, think of the church in China. In light of Chinese Christians suffering for their faith, I wander if we are really on the "cutting edge"? This is only my thinking. As Paul told Timothy, "consider what I say and the Lord give you the understanding in all things". (2 Tim. 2:7) So think about what I have said in case there is some validity in it. I leave you with 2 Cor. 10:12, "We do not dare to classify and compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves, they are not wise."
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