An anomaly is that which deviates from what is normal or expected. Some examples might include: “Snow in Johannesburg in November is an anomaly,” “Bafana, Bafana in the World Cup is an anomaly,” or “Doug preaching short is an anomaly.” And so it goes. But last Sunday night, while Anton was preaching, I was reminded of another anomaly.

Anton taught us that the Christian’s responsibility to exercise self-control (1 Timothy 3:2) is a uniquely Christian responsibility. That is, this expected self-control requires the power of Christ. This self-control is not merely some autonomous response or responsibility. Christians are not called upon to stoically take themselves in hand with self-generated wilfulness. Rather, under the lordship of Jesus, leaning upon him, we are to do what he commands.

The word autonomous or autonomy literally means “self-rule.” For example, when we speak of a nation that has secured its “autonomy,” we mean that they are self-governing. When we speak of an employee having autonomy concerning their work hours we are saying that they have personal freedom to work when they want to. Autonomy is not necessarily a bad thing. But when it comes to the Christian life, it is usually a very bad thing. In fact, an autonomous Christian is a glaring anomaly.

As Anton spoke about the characteristic of self-control in the life of the maturing Christian, I began to muse about the so-called “autonomous Christian.” The Christian who seeks to live his or her life answering only to him- or herself is directly contradicting the gospel and, for this reason, such a display of autonomy is an anomaly. It is like snow in Johannesburg in December. It just ain’t going to happen. Yet, sadly, too many professing Christians attempt an autonomous approach to the Christian life. They might gather for corporate worship, yet they have their own agenda about what is preached and about the way their local church should function. Such autonomy also reveals itself in never building relationships in the church, coming to corporate worship but never coming to Communion, asking for prayers but never pitching up for a prayer meeting, heading straight to the car after the service, correcting the Bible rather than letting it correct us. In countless other ways we can become guilty of an autonomous approach to the Christian life. But such attitudes and actions are antithetical to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ who came to seek and serve with a view to saving autonomous sinners like you and me (see Luke 19:10). We need to see that the sins for which Jesus died have their origin in the self-absorbed, God-defying quest for autonomy.

Eve was tempted when she began to think about how life would supposedly be so much better if she did not need to obey God’s rules. If she could make the rules, then surely she would be wise; if she was in charge of her life, then how much greater would life be in the Garden. Tragically, she chose self-rule over God’s rule. She chose independence over dependence on God and the rest is a very messy history with an ever-present chaos. To defy God’s perfect order, and to defy his perfectly wise orders, in the midst of Paradise was the ultimate anomaly of autonomy. A destructive and damning anomaly. And we continue to emulate it.

I recently heard a pastor say that no Christian can live for Christ on their own and therefore the Lord has given to us the local church with whom we can join, literally, for the purpose of discipling one another. He said that there can be no “lone ranger Christians.” He then paused and said thoughtfully, “Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!” We all laughed but, in fact, how true! Every Christian needs Tontos. We need partners for the journey of faith as we seek to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

As we walk alongside other Christians, meaningfully engaging with fellow church members, singing truth together, speaking God’s truth to one another, expressing gratitude to God beside one another, and submitting to one another, we strike at the heart of self-absorbed, Christ-dishonouring, church-discouraging, soul-destroying autonomy (see Ephesians 5:18-21).

The thing about an anomaly is that it stands out. If I preached a five-minute sermon on Sunday morning most would want to know why. And they might legitimately question, “Is Doug okay?” The same goes for church members who stand out because they have checked out. Is everything okay? Is something troubling them? Or do they just need a friend?

When we detect the anomaly of autonomy, we should care enough to pray for an opportunity to come alongside and perhaps offer to be a Tonto. And if, in your own soul, you detect the post-fall Edenic temptation to self-centred independence, then run from the serpent into the arms of the Saviour. I’m sure he will then point you and connect you to his Body. That is no anomaly.

Doug