Following Christ’s Example

Imitating Christ

 

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. (1 Peter 2:21) “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1) Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example. (Phil 3:17) “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Jesus stated many times that He came as an example and the New Testament uses some tense of the phrase “follow me”, “follow Him” or “followers of Christ.” The word “followers” can be traced back to the Greek word “mimos” which means “to imitate.” From the word “mimos”, we can easily see from where the English word “mimic” is derived.

Scripture is loaded with examples revealing how and what one must do in order to be an imitator of Christ. Love your enemies. Forgive those who have sinned against you. Heal the sick. Make disciples. Visit the infirmed and feed the hungry.

Sometimes we have a feeling that the job should be left for someone more qualified to do and that it is not for us. Whether it is preaching, reaching out or attending to the needy, some Christians feel disqualified. But we know that Christ strengthens us (Phil4:13) just as the apostles who were unlearned were able to speak with boldness and clarity.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13).

When Jesus said, “come follow me,” he called men from vastly different backgrounds. None of these men identified with the top echelons of society or the political and religious elites. Peter was a fisherman; Matthew a tax collector, one of those men in a profession hated by everyone.

When the Scribes and Pharisees heard the apostles spoke with boldness and conviction, they soon discovered the reason for this boldness. It was not a result of their vast education, for Peter and John had no education except in the craft of fishing and seafaring. Their boldness was not from the self-sufficiency of knowledge but from God. Today we observe our leaders without formal lessons in the bible but displaying similar zeal and boldness when preaching Christ. Some have attended short lectures but much of their knowledge comes from self-study and personal research.

Charles Spurgeon wrote: “A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. …written out in the words and actions of his people. If we were what we professed to be; if the Spirit of the Lord were in the heart of all his children, as we could desire; and if we were all possessors of that vital grace, we should be pictures of Christ, that the world would exclaim, “He has been taught of him; he is like him; and he expands it out into his very life and every day actions...”

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 2:15)

The “smell” some people ever have of Jesus is the “smell” our faith, godliness, and compassion produce. If we are a bad spiritual odor, that odour will make Jesus “stink” to some people. If we are a godly aroma or fragrance, that aroma will be a sweet smelling memory. Someday that aroma may bring them to life’s saving fragrance, Jesus.

Smell evokes a memory response. The next time you smell something familiar, try to recall what is the very first thing which pops into your mind. Does that smell evoke a memorable (pleasant or unpleasant) event that happened in the past?

What does God think of when He smells us? Do we smell like sin and death which remind God of rebellious Satan? Or do we smell like Christ and cause God to remember His precious Son? (Ephesians 5:2.)

The Christian life should be characterized by the virtues taught in the Word of God. Such was the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. During His tenure on this earth, He exemplified the love of God, and by His own example, faced the same difficulties of life which we face (yet to a far more intense degree, Heb.4:15). He gave us a pattern to model ourselves after, by which if we should follow, along the straight road will lead us to a victorious life, well-pleasing to God (1Pet.2:21-25; cf. Matt.16:24; Jn.13:15).

We are commanded to love one another as He has loved us, and He lay down His life for us. Jn 15:12-13. Loving one another is easier said than done. Often we have certain values, prejudices and responses. Some people are easily liked whereas others have a way of putting us off. The command of love is across nationalities, colour and background. Some of us have this inhibition to approach others that we are not familiar with, perhaps because of shyness. Then there is the lack of flair in starting a conversation. We hide behind our own reluctance and go about being busy with other things like chatting with brethren. Love means that we make others feel welcome. We emphatise with their plight if they are suffering and assist in any way we can. Jesus asked us to provide food and water for our enemies. The preaching of Christ and the apostles contains lots of instructions on the importance of love and the displaying of such character. Jesus as an example showed that he loved us so much that he gave his life for us. How do we express our love for brethren and others? Do we respond positively when others ask for help eg. a sister needs you to take over her bible class, or a preacher needs transport to the airport, or a visiting brethren needs accommodation in a home? Who will be the first to be asked to render some help? Do you think that you will ever be asked?

This topic encourages all of us irrespective of our standing and training to be brave and to venture outside our comfort zone. Sometimes, we need to be pushed. Other times we need to be reminded or reprimanded. The best is for us to challenge ourselves when the odds are against us to do better. Christ did not only instruct, he gave us many examples and he led the way.

So, where is it that we should be imitators of Christ? Everywhere, in the workplace, in the homeplace, in the schoolplace, in the locker room, in the restaurant, etc. Live the life of Christ and make a public spectacle of the love affair we are having with God! Jesus said, “When they’ve seen Me they’ve seen the Father,” we can say, “It is no longer I that live, but Christ that liveth in me.”

Presented at Richard Lee’s Residence 27th June 2009

Why Life is so unfair?

Why is Life so Unfair?

 

All of us have our ups and downs; times of ups for enjoyment and downs for reflection and strengthening our resolve. If the period of downs is protracted, sometimes it can sap one’s energy and confidence leading to depression. It is especially so when the downs are caused by external forces and not self-inflicted. Bitterness, sense of despair, loss, afflictions, these are some of the challenges of life that often people view as being victims of unfairness. Why does it happen to them and others get a better life? We may dismiss it as comparing one’s position with the more blessed and not the less; looking at material things and life on earth; the consequences of man’s actions which are allowed by God’s liberty.

But to the victim, it may be more than that. “Where is justice?” he asked after the person that killed his son is allowed to walk free for some reasons. The criminals and the oppressor get away with so much and they enjoy themselves despite overwhelming evidence of their misdeeds. Leaders are corrupt and they allow wrongs to be perpetrated and do not defend the wronged. Why do bad things happen to good people?

It is a hard question to answer. Often we are quite lost for words. God never promised us a bed of roses, and even if there is one, it may not last or is not as good as we think it should be because with it comes thorns and the flowers wilt. It is hard when someone becomes the recipient of numerous hardships and just don’t understand why life is so much more unfair to them.

To the aggrieved, life is likened to being on the fast track to hell. He feels its going to get worse. He just doesn’t know what to do anymore. He can’t take anything else that life wants to throw at him. Meanwhile, he looks at others, and understands that everyone has problems, but some people have it so easy!

Yes, there are injustices. Guiltless people are sent to prison. Terrorists strike at innocent citizens. Scholarship awards and entry into universities are presented for political reasons instead of merit. To rise up and fight against these and other forms of inequity is often beyond an individual.

Where can we find answers in a world that seems so unfair? What can we say to the person who is suffering? Or even to ourselves? These are some of the questions that haunt those who think about unfairness, injustice or inequalities.

Before we go into the bible for answers, let us take a look at  Nick Vujicic’s video which is a source of inspiration to many. It is an apt illustration of how one person overcame adverse physical handicap and is today completely at peace with his condition:

 

Nick is today  a spokesman for God.  Jn 9. James 1:3ff, Rom 8:28.

 PSALMS 73

Those who are familiar with the bible would have read of the sufferings of Job and how he overcame his condition. Lesser known but equally significant is Psalms Chapter 73 which expresses the anger, fear, and frustration of Asaph during times of affliction and then finding a new perspective when he focused on God.

Asaph was disappointed with the goings about him and he experienced a crisis of faith. He felt betrayed not only by life but by God. He assumed that the justice of God would be meted out in his time and is the only explanation for life’s present circumstances.

He struggled. His words and emotions have a pained, focused intensity. In a way, Asaph was speaking for some of us. He believed in God and goodness and justice, but his experience didn’t match up with his convictions. He needed answers.

FEELING OF DESPAIR

As Asaph recounted his experience, he began to expose his heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped (v.2). He recounted his thoughts with honesty. He was envious of the boastful; when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (v.3). His painful self-admission challenges us to be authentic and honest with ourselves—and with God.

Asaph’s belief system told him that if he trusted God everything would turn out right—eventually. But eventually seems far away when you are in the midst of suffering and you must watch as others seem to benefit from their wrongdoing.

THE INEQUITY OF LIFE

Asaph struggled over the unfairness he saw all around him. People who had no time for God prospered while people of faith suffered. That’s still true today, isn’t it?

4For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. 6Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. 7Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. 8They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. 9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.

The unprincipled mocked not only those who value character but God in whom they put their trust.

They say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” (v.11). They behave as if God does not know and is powerless, that this life is all there is. We see that happening today, when those entrusted with responsibility abused the trust placed upon them and despite overwhelming evidences, continued to behave as if many wrongs could become right and many lies become truth.

ASAPH’S DISCOURAGING CONCLUSION

Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches (v.12). The ungodly were prospering, apparently immune to the normal problems of life.

Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. Asaph was questioning the value of his trust in God. He practiced integrity and was faithful. But now, in his despair, he wondered if his pursuit had been worthless.

He was ready to give up and desert. Doubts can make one confused and want to give up.

For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning (v.14). His response was understandable—“It doesn’t make sense, so why bother?”

ASAPH’S FEAR

If I had said, “I will speak thus,” behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children (v.15). He wanted to declare his disapproval of God’s handling of life but he stopped short. As he contemplated this dangerous position, something slowly began to reel him back in.

As David’s chief musician, he was a man of spiritual influence. Such a position carried with it a great responsibility. He saw the negative impact such a choice would have on those around him.

 ASAPH’S SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Asaph’s realization serves as a reminder to us as well, for we too must be discerning. With whom do we share our angry concerns, fears, doubts, and crises? We all have a responsibility to one another, and it is that sense of responsibility for others that can provide restraint and self-control as we work through our own anger and sense of betrayal.
When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me (v.16). Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood . . . (v.17).

The word sanctuary appears in the Old Testament refers to the tabernacle, the place of worship for Israel. Sometimes the word sanctuary refers to abiding in the presence of God (Isa. 8:14). Christ Himself moved away from the crowds, the work, and the disciples and went to a mountain alone to spend time with His Father.

Sanctuary suggests being in private for spiritual rest and renewal, being one with God. A time spent meditating on God’s words and allowing the scripture to speak to us.

ASAPH’S SANCTUARY

Asaph found restoration. In verse 17, he found new perspective and understanding. In the presence of his God, everything changed despite his circumstances. It was as if his eyesight had been corrected. In the sanctuary, he saw how different those same inequities should be viewed when God judges.

When God is at the center of our vision, we see things as they really are.

THE END OF THE REBEL

17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. 18Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.”

He could finally see as God sees, and understand what was in store for the wicked was not a pretty sight.

These individuals seemed completely safe. But they were on shaky ground and headed for destruction. When Asaph saw them as they would be on the day of judgment, he stopped envying them. Not only were these “prosperous wicked” headed for judgment, they didn’t see it coming. When God moves against them, His judgment will be without remedy.

His anger softened. Now, instead of pointing his finger at those who seemed to be escaping the justice of God, he began looking at himself.

THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You (vv.21-22).

In the place of worship, Asaph discovered that the real problem had been with himself. He was pierced within. He changed his perspective and found himself filled with overflowing gratefulness and confidence in God. There is no greater source of courage than the knowledge that God will never leave nor forsake us. This is the same assurance that Christ would later give His disciples when He said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).

God’s presence, strength, and wisdom will never end. Asaph knew that when life had run its course, God would fulfill His promise of a home with Him forever.

In the closing verses of Psalm 73, Asaph recounted what he learned from his struggle.

God Is More Important Than Anything Else In Life.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You (v.25). Asaph realized that God was ultimately all he had and all he needed. He could rest in God’s care and have the confidence that nothing else deserved to be compared to his Lord.

God Is All The Strength We Need.

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (v.26). From those moments when Asaph would be tempted to rely on his own strength or his own solutions, he now discovered that only in God could he find the unending strength he needed.

God Will Be As Fair As He Is Merciful.

For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry (v.27). Asaph acknowledged that those matters must be entrusted to God. As Abraham said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). Asaph trust that the Lord, in His own timing and wisdom, would deal mercifully but justly with all the inequities of life.

God Draws Near To Those Who Draw Near To Him.

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works (v.28). Asaph’s responsibility was not to justify everything or try to manipulate justice out of injustice. He learned that his responsibility in all of life was, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas. 4:8).

CONCLUSION

The reality is God, in goodness and omnipotence, is in control—even when we suffer and don’t know why. He ended up with a deep, tested, personal conviction of the confession he alluded to as he began his story:

Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart (v.1). At the end of his season of struggle with doubt, he realized that God does bless the “pure in heart.”

The Bible doesn’t promise us a life free of pain, difficulty, or loss. Christians are not exempt from struggle, heartache, or disappointment. And sometimes we’ll find that in the midst of periods of joy and blessing will come episodes when we desperately need a renewed perspective.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6).

 Presented on 23rd Aug 2009

New Work In Kota Kemuning

New Work in Kota Kemuning

 

There is something to be said about church work. James says, show me your faith without your work and I will show you my faith by my work. Without work faith is dead (James 2:14-26). Work is important; we are not justified by faith alone. In work, faith is made perfect.

The book of Revelations (Chapter 2 and 3) describes Jesus’ vision concerning the seven churches in Asia Minor. He revealed that God knew the works of the churches. Many of these churches met with God’s displeasure. Some were luke warm whilst others have lost their first love. What was this first love that Christ spoke about? Is it loving God as He loved us and if so how do we exhibit that love? Was it building up each other’s faith? Or is it in defending the truth? All of which I must say are important and part of the duties of the church, the pillar of truth.

But there is something about that first love that is found in new converts the day they were baptized that God said was missing. Remember the time when we were reborn as new babe in Christ. How delighted, earnest we were and we went about telling others of this new found love for God and preaching to friends and relatives that they too can enjoy this hope of salvation. What did Andrew do when he first discovered the Lord – John 1:41? Similarly what did Philip first do when he discovered the Lord”? John 1:45; What did the Samaritan woman in John 4 first do when she discovered the Jesus? John 4:28,29. What did Matthew do? Matt. 9:9. What did Paul first do? Gal 1:17-22, etc It is that first love that we must return to. The woman at the well went about proclaiming of the Messiah that she met, the Ethiopian eunuch went about rejoicing, the early Christians sharing everything that they have in common and they met daily exhorting one another. That love that they had went cold. And our God said that He will spew them out or have the candle stick removed. Evangelism and missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church. The Ephesians had left their first love for God. Although they still maintained the doctrines of religion, and opposed the advocates of error, they showed less ardour of affection towards him directly than they had formerly done.

Likewise, we must not allow what happened to the Ephesians to affect us and seek to revive and recover that first zeal, tenderness, and seriousness, and pray earnestly, and watch diligently, as we did when we first became new babes in Christ. The Ephesians church became complacent and lethargic, leaving their first love. Loving God requires every part of us to return to that love from which we are loved by God. How is our first love? Is it still burning hot and strong, proclaiming to the world that we are Christians and we have the word of God to share? Are we still active in saving souls or is our oil running out? If our flame of love for Him is flickering, there is a need to discover a way to rekindle that fire and the love we have left.

Individually we too have instructions to go forth into the world to preach, baptizing them into Christ and teaching them to observe all that were taught. This is Christ’s parting words to his disciples, these words are critical to how we serve in his Kingdom. Matt 28: 18-20 is well understood as Christ’s Great Commission. Perhaps we may lost focus and are too preoccupied with matters of administrative nature (housekeeping as it is usually termed) than to do the will of God. Like the early apostles we should not be pre-occupied with serving tables alone? (Acts 6:2-4 or Luke 10:40-42 concerning Martha’s preoccupation with serving).

Having added the new babes in Christ upon their obedience to the gospel, we have to teach and minister to the new babes. John 21: 15-17, Christ pulled aside Peter, and painstakingly repeated three times to his chief disciple, “Feed & Tend my sheep”. The call to the leaders is clear; the children of God need to be tended to. Their spiritual and physical needs must be identified and attended and it is best looked into when there is a local church to minister to such needs and elders are appointed to such tasks.

Additionally, we are asked to cloth and feed the least of them in the kingdom (Matt 25:34-40) and to preach in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:2). The call to preach and teach to all nations is a call to evangelise, to save as many whose hearts are touched and who respond. The labourers are few and the field is ripe unto harvest. It is incumbent upon each of us to do our part and not to leave it to others or the full time workers. The apostles went to the field and they helped in the formation of many churches in the cities that they visited beginning with the church in Antioch.

When asked upon to serve, the brethren in K Kemuning and Shah Alam did not hesitate. Like the prophet in Isaiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Here I am! my co-workers in the faith resounded. They did so when they pledged to serve, when they gave so liberally and when they did not hesitate to be a part of this new work. This collective decision to start a new work in KK is the first step forward. Having decided, the plans are currently being placed into action.

Is there a need to start a new church?

This work is not starting because the founding members are displeased with their current congregation or leadership, it is not because they are seeking honour or have nothing better to do, it is not because they have been pushed into it, or that they are power crazy. Why start a new work you may ask and reduce the numbers in the respective congregations? Allow me to suggest that bigger is not necessarily better. Small and medium size churches have their place in the Kingdom of God. We must not think that only the larger churches are truly “successful”. As a matter of fact, studies in the States showed what many of us sense intuitively, that the small and midsize churches are often healthier and more effective in such things as evangelism, ministry, community life, and members’ participation in church activities than large and mega churches. There is certainly an important place for larger churches! But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that only the larger church is healthy and successful. We should see the landscape of the country dotted with many churches of 50 as well as some of 100 or 500 or even 1,000.

Perhaps one of the motivations in starting a new work is to make it convenient for the lost to hear the word of God. If there is a local congregation in their neighbourhood, then the visibility and presence may make it easier to reach out to them. This effort can take the form of local tract distribution, invitation to neighbours, or drop-ins. When the word is preached and obeyed, the new babe in Christ is added to the church. Now if there is a congregation nearby then the new babe can attend services there. Yes, with modern transportation, the distance one has to travel is less of an issue, but for many who cannot travel the distance or have higher inertia, the closeness of the place of assembly helps.

Another motivation is the push factor. If we are not pushed to do the extra, we may not grow as fast. SJ is an example. Today SJ has more than 70 members including school going teenagers but excluding young children. Had the previous members stayed on in their respective congregations, there may be no congregation in SJ and the numbers in their previous congregation may not be much higher because of limitation of space.

Teaching the new converts. Churches are platform to teach and to observe all that our Lord commanded. The great commission requires us to teach the new converts to observe all things. The church is entrusted with the responsibility to teach, strengthen and to encourage one another. When travelling becomes a problem, new converts may use that as an excuse to look for another closer to home. At this point they are young in faith and easily swayed by friends and relatives. Once they have informed their friends that they have just become Christians, everyone seems to have a say on the matter. And they can return to their old ways or to another congregation thinking that all churches are the same.

The Biblical Example. We read in Acts that there are local churches in each city that the disciples visited. Whether it is in a home or a meeting place, the church exists when there gathered two or more Christians.

Contending for the faith. Do we let other churches proliferate or must we do our part to teach the truth? ….because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” I John 4:1 …..and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unnoticed. Jude 3, 4a How effective are we if we do not start a work? Jesus not only promised He would build His Church, but He instruct that the church do its part and to preach and to teach and for disciples to observe all things taught as “. . . the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15)

New churches challenge other churches to self-examination. The “success” of new churches often challenges older congregations in general to evaluate themselves in substantial ways. Sometimes it is only in contrast with a new church that older churches can finally define their own vision, specialties, and identity. Often the growth of the new congregation gives the older churches hope that ‘it can be done’, and may even bring about greater enthusiasm and positive attitude. Example when we read of conversions in numbers among those working in Batu Pahat, Yong Peng, Kuching or Kuantan. Such encourages us and reminds us that we are on the right track.

The Work in KK

 When K Kemuning started as a home fellowship 5 years ago, we were supported by many Klang brethren, most of whom have stayed until this day. As a home fellowship the emphasis is on building closer rapport with each other and visitors. Over the years we have various guests but few were converted. There are limitations of using home meetings as an outreach esp if such home is far from the places of worship. It is well and easy for us to stay this way and enjoy the great fellowship and food that the wives prepare each meeting. The question posed was, do we stay the same or do better? The evangelism seminar and the meeting among the leaders this year (2009) became an opportune time for us to reflect. Cheras started with a small number and they did not wait too long before they launched into full evening service. Kepong as an outreach started with even less members, most of whom came from outside Kepong. On the other hand, KK has 5 or more families and the township is ripe unto harvest, yet we remained status quo.

I am happy to find comrade in service in the person of the founding members, their dedication and enthusiasm despite the odds. Not just work to be done but sacrifices to be made. I am encouraged by the support of these brethren; they readily take up responsibilities and give so generously. Like the Macedonians, they gave liberally. Five families and over RM30K pledged for a new work. The brethren were willing to offer their services, to relocate away from a congregation they grow up with, where they were so well established with so many friends and relatives, comfortable and well accepted in the current congregation to a new challenge and into uncharted territory. I am sure it was not an easy decision for all despite willingness of the spirit.

We are starting small. Everyone has a role and a duty to perform. A Protem committee has been set up.

PRAYER – We seek after God’s guidance and enabling, for God to open doors and generate contacts in the community, for God to raise up the church and for God to use this work to bring glory to His name, to bring the Gospel to the lost, to “build his church” (Matthew 16:18). Right from the beginning prayer of this nature affirms that this is all about GOD and what HE wants to do. Unless the LORD builds the house, They labour in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Ps 127:1

Building a house and watching over a city cannot succeed (according to divine standards of success) if God is not included in man’s plans and efforts. We are reminded of the planting of God to bring forth fruit to His glory. 1 Cor. 3:10 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 

 Do keep us in your prayers and that our work will withstand the test of fire.

10th August 2009

Bottomline

 

Bottomline

 

The things that matter, that occupy most of our time are often about the issues of life, financial security and material possession. These are the things of the world, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes (1 Jn 2:15-16). We labour for our sustenance, to satisfy the flesh and after that we accumulate wealth to satisfy our desire to have more. Our demands start from a young age often pressuring us to excel in our studies. We study hard to prepare for a better future. At work we struggle to make an impression on our employers hoping to get a better increment, bonus or a promotion. In business we look at the profits earned each year – the bottomline. The decisions we make to maximize profits and to enhance return on capital employed are all for the sake of bottomline. The author of motivational books says begin with the end in mind. Consider the bottomline and then set your strategies towards achieving that end result.

For many people life is a continued struggle; so many bills to pay. Some in trying to catch up with the Jones ended up in debt and thus having to work harder to meet their debt obligations. It’s always the demands of the flesh and what we can do to satisfy its needs. We seek after recognition, material gains and status in life. We hope the hard work will translate into results and onwards to financial gains. We are in such a rat race today, building our barns and storing our treasures always believing that life will go on… and on. But the reality is that our efforts can only take us a certain distance. To help us reflect upon what should matter most, let us examine a tragedy that shook the world, a reminder that at the end of the day, the thing that matters is not our possessions but something else.

Lesson from The Titanic

Slightly less than a century ago in 1912, the world heralded the launch of the transatlantic crossing by the largest vessel built ‘The Titanic’. The ship was the largest movable object built with the latest safety technology. It was about 3 times the length of a soccer field and weighed 46,328 tons. The portion above the water stood taller than any of the tallest buildings of that time. A double-hull of one inch thick steel plate was constructed together with a system of 16 water-tight compartments sealed by massive doors. Titanic was proudly declared as the “Unsinkable Ship”. Titanic carried the cream of British nobility, American industrialists and the best of New York and Philadelphia society. Many of them probably wanted to be a part of history in the making, speculating about the headlines that Titanic would make when it reaches the other shore of Atlantic – Another milestone in the history of sea travel. Yet Titanic was on her way to make a different headline.

Early warnings of peril

Titanic received several warnings of ice in her path. But the speed of the ship increased. Just before midnight on the 14th April 1912, one of the men in the crows nest saw a black object ahead. He struck the bell three times. Actions were taken but by then it was too late. Less than 40 sec after the bridge had been warned, the ship hit the iceberg. It was not a direct hit but the starboard side stroke along the berg. Plates were buckled, rivets torn and the first of 5 water tight compartments damaged. Within less than 3 hours of the collision, the ‘unsinkable’ broke into two massive pieces and went down the water. Some of us who saw the show shed tears of sadness as we saw the passengers struggling and fighting to get on board the few lifeboats.

If you were on board the Titanic…..

The warning about the presence of icebergs in the waters nearby was ignored. Perhaps this warning was ignored in the wave of overconfidence. We now know that big does not equate to security. In the dead night of 14th April 1912, when the icy water rushed into the ship through the slits on the body caused by the collision, the passengers were awakened to an unavoidable reality of human life – death and beyond. On that tragic night, the chill of death seemed to be more terrifying than the freezing waters of the Atlantic. Many who cannot get on board the life boats jumped into the dark waters! When the strains of ‘Nearer my God to thee’ echoed on board, there was nothing else but eternity to be faced.

Reflections

Today the same warning bells are ringing telling us about impending danger if we do not take heed of the teachings in the Bible. The Bible says that it is accounted of man to die once and then the judgement (Heb 9:27). Every one of us will have to say farewell to this temporal world. God has given us many warnings of the need to be saved of the consequences of sin and eternal punishment. What does it take to be saved? Render obedience to His words, be baptized for the remission of your sins, and stay faithful. But do you listen in disbelieve, like the crew because things are going on well and you do not want to change course. Dying moments What were the thoughts of the people on board the sinking ship? Survival instinct could do nothing. They sink with the ship in total surrender. Did God figure in their minds? Perhaps they did and realized that they had heard the gospel but did not obey. If you were on Titanic what would have been your thoughts at those last moments? Money… Possessions… Pleasure…. Or the fear death? Obviously not about your possessions – your mind races through the recent events played out as in the movie, about your family and what’s going to become of them (the living) when you are gone and eventually what’s going to become of you. The paradox is that many, for the most of their lives seek after things which have no value in the final moments of life and thereafter. Jesus asked in Matt 16:26, “What profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?”

The World Trade Centre

The Titanic may have happened too long ago for it to have a serious impact upon us. Let us take a look at an event closer to our time, where vivid memory of the incident still haunts us. Back in 2001, when terrorists flew the two planes into the WTC on the dreadful day of Sept 11, many who were hanging on to the windows of the building to escape the intense heat and smoke, fearing their imminent deaths, knowing they could not hang on for long, what went through their mind? Probably the same as those on the Titanic. These people were working for prestigious companies dealing in mega dollar deals. They were most likely successful, thinking that things have been working out for them. That morning, many would be hoping to strike new deals, sign contracts and planning for their future. They would not have expected that two planes will come crashing into their buildings. When the first struck, the people in the other tower must have looked with disbelief the scene before their eyes. The warning of danger was clear, but how many ran out/left the building? All in all, excluding the 19 hijackers, 2,974 died on that day. Today the same warning rings in our ears – a different danger but the same consequence – death. Heb 9:27 says “It is appointed of man to die once and then the judgement”. We will surely die, but when we do not know – it could be sooner than later. We still have time to make amends, to repent of our sins and be savecd. Will we heed the warning? Many people still ask for a sign. What other signs do we need? The Tsunami and the earthquakes that struck Sichuan province showed little or no sign. Perhaps you may think that these two events are remote in Malaysia. What about accidents on the road, the Highland Tower and Bkt Antarabangsa landslide, the Nipah virus, the SARS, H1N1 and May 13?

The Bottomline

Bottomline, are you saved? Are you saved from everlasting pain in hell? Are you saved from the consequences of sin? Do you know of heaven; and if so, do you want to be in heaven. Will you not care enough for your soul as to where it will be headed? The scripture tells us that the soul survives physical death and is fully conscious and can feel pain and sufferings. Remember the account of Lazarus and the rich man; the rich man died and was tormented in Hades. (Luke 16:19-31) If you are not saved what must you do to be saved?

Consider the Parable of the Rich Fool as told by Jesus, “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” This is how it will be for anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” — Luke 12:16-21. Bottomline, a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions. When shall be our day? Is it going to take place when we are in-door? Will it take place when we are on the road going home? Or when we go on holiday? When will our Lord return to take us home? Of that day we do not know. It could come as a thief in the night when we are fast asleep. [2 Peter 3:10 ,1 Thess 5:2.]

How do we prepare for eternal salvation?

Eccl 12:13, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. The conclusion of the whole matter is the true bottom line. In the field of accounting the bottom line is reached when all expenses have been subtracted from all income. Understanding the actions required in achieving a desired end is important. You may ask, “How will I be regarded in life?” To have a good reputation is wonderful, but it must be rooted in reality. The Pharisees had a reputation of being godly but according to Jesus, they were not. Our Lord referred to them as “whitewashed tombs.” They were concerned about cleaning the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they were filthy. They had “a form of godliness but denied its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5a). Reputation is what people think about you, but character is what matters to God. “The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b). We can base our reputation on deception or on truth. There are some that go about “deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). We should ask, “How will I be received in eternity?” Will you receive retribution in hell or reward in heaven? Jesus will say to some religious gurus, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:21-23) The apostle Peter exhorts believers, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:10-11). Will you be approved or ashamed “before Him at His coming.” (1 John 2:28)? If you are a faithful Christian, you will hear Jesus say, “Well, done good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21a).

Solomon presents the true bottom line. “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Bottomline, only Christ can save us from eternal damnation. All our bad deeds and evil thoughts will be brought into judgement; and we have our fair share of such. Only through Christ can we have our sins forgiven. Two of the most remarkable statements by Jesus are found in one verse. a. “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” b. “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – Jn 14:6 The world says that Jesus is a good man. A good man does not lie. Jesus claimed to be the only way to salvation. I hope that this message will help convince you to reflect upon the destination of your soul. Are you saved? We will all end up dead whether we are rich or poor and whether we are high in the society or low in the workplace. There is no partiality in death. It is the great equalizer. Give thoughts to where you are heading and make your election sure.

19th July 2009

Blessed are the peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

 

Matthew chapter 5 lists down 8 beatitudes. These are qualities that Christ taught we must have in order to receive blessedness/happiness. The beatitudes are taught in progression. The Beatitude in verse 8 was ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God’ – and it would be natural, to think that those who allow God’s righteousness to rule in their hearts would be peacemakers and could be called the children of God.

Almost everyone in the world seeks peace. But it’s not easy to have or to promote. We see instead violence around us even in this civilised time and peace eludes us. There is strife and unrest, family disputes, contentions, and even in churches disagreements are common. But peacemaking is paramount if we want to be called sons of God.

Although the least contentious Beatitude, peacemaking is so hard to practice and peace so hard to achieve. Over 4000 years of recorded history; only 300 years have been without a major war, where there was comparative peace. Some writers have been quoted as saying this: ‘Peace is that brief glorious, moment in history when everyone stops to reload their weapons’.

In Genesis 6:11, we read that the earth was filled with violence. David in Psalm 55 says: ‘I have seen violence and strife in the city’. Asaph in Psalm 73 says that violence covers the wicked like a garment. In Ezekiel 7:23 the scripture says ‘The land is full of bloody crimes’! It’s described as the clothing of our world, a land being covered in bloody crimes having violence as their daily meat and drink. We are what we eat. When we eat violence, when we feast with our eyes on violence, be it on movies, videos or cartoons, we may become what we feast upon! Seventy times in the Old Testament Scriptures this word ‘violence’ is used. During the 400 years interim period between the end of the Old Testament and the start of the New Testament there were five bloody wars for the city of Jerusalem. Peace is so hard to have.

Understanding PEACE

The Greek word for “peace” is “eirene”. It calls to mind specific mental images. It means tranquility and is likened to a boat sailing on a calm sea. It is like a song in which all notes and cords blend in perfect harmony. And it conveys the absence of strife, calling to mind two people walking hand-in-hand along the road. The Hebrew equivalent is the word “shalom.” This word is also rich in meaning and was for the Jew, the common word of greeting. It means all of what the above Greek word means, yet adds another aspect. Not only does shalom convey the negative — the absence of strife and evil — but also the positive, the presence of all good things. To wish shalom on another was in essence to say, “I wish for you not only the absence of all that may harm, but also the presence of everything that makes for a person’s good.”

There are some things that peace does not mean:

a) Peace is not truce. “Truce” is “a suspension of fighting for a duration by agreement of opposing forces”. The hostility still existed; the hatred was still present. When there is peace, the issues have been dealt with; the hostilities cease; the war is over.

b) Pursuing peace does not mean evading issues. Some see peace as simply ignoring that which causes the hostilities among us. True peace never evades the issues, but rather deals with them, building the right bridges and moving through the pain until harmony is established.

c) Peace is not sought at the expense of truth. People want to avoid needless strife, but there are times when standing for the truth is needed. Sometimes the way to lasting peace includes addressing issues which will be painful to work through. Truth and righteousness are just as important as peace, and these factors cannot be compromised.  Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.” Paul admits that there will be times that standing for the truth will make having peace impossible.

d) Peace is not the essence of the Gospel. Peace needs to be seen as a vital part of the Gospel message, but it must be given its rightful place. It is a fruit of the Gospel – a result of experiencing the grace of God (see Romans 5: and Galatians 5:22-23) – not the Gospel itself.

 

WHO ARE THE PEACEMAKERS?

 

“Peacemaking” is an action word, implying that the Christian is to be busy making peace in this world. Passivity is not the answer; activity is. There are many who love peace and few who work for it. The Scriptures teach that the hostilities which exist in the world are results of the strife between God’s creation and God. Man lust after things of the world – the lust of the eyes, the flesh and the pride of life. These lead us to sin which separated us from God. Gen 6:5 says, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”.

Christians lead others into a peaceful relationship with God their Father. This is the basis for peace without which no lasting harmony can be found. Peacemaker works to establish harmonious relationships between individuals and their neighbors, based on their spiritual relationship with Christ, the Prince of Peace. Christians live in peaceful co-existence. We must love peace and work for peace. We must pray for your enemies, and do good to them, and greet them, and long for the barriers to be overcome. But never abandon our allegiance to God and His word, no matter how much animosity it brings down on our head.

 

HOW ARE THE PEACEMAKERS BLESSED?

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” What does it mean to be a son of God? Consider theses verses:

John 1:12 – But as many as received him, (Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name.

Galatians 3:26 says, “For in Christ we are all sons of God through faith. Gal.4:5-6 – To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Rom.8:16-17 – The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him,] that we may be also glorified together.

Peacemakers are blessed with the title “Sons of God,” for they are adopted as son and joint-inheritors with Christ. This promise to be called “a son of God” is perhaps the most significant of all. Sure it is good to be promised the Kingdom of heaven, comfort, inheritance, satisfaction, mercy, and a glimpse of God (as all of the other Beatitudes pledge). But to be adopted as son of God, that is the highest compliment and blessing of all.

 

The wickedness of the heart

Gen 6:5 introduces God’s description of wickedness as coming from the heart of man. The heart is continually evil, it conceives murders, and adulteries, and fornication, and strife. It’s not what goes into the body that makes a man defiled, but it’s what comes out of it – that which comes from the heart. James chapter 4 describes further the problem. Verse 1, Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 … You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. - he’s asking the question: ‘Where is all this strife, where is all this contention, where is all the battling and the bloodshed and war coming from? What motivates it? ‘It comes from inside you’, James says. He uses this word your ‘desires’: ‘Ye lust’, verse 2, ‘ ye kill, and desire to have’ – your desires, your wants, your lusts, your aspirations, that is the problem – the heart!

 

The Cry of the Beatitudes: Get a New Heart

The beatitudes tell us that the blessings of eternity will be given to those who have become new creatures. If we don’t obtain mercy, we receive judgment. If we don’t see God, we are not in heaven. If we aren’t called the sons of God, we are outside the family. In other words these are all descriptions of salvation. And it is promised only to the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers.

Seek after His righteousness. Be in Christ – be a new creature. It is crystal clear that every individual must become a new creature if you are to have eternal life. Have a new heart. Without a merciful, pure, peacemaking heart we cannot be called son of God at the judgment day.

God is a peace-loving God, and a peacemaking God.

James 3:17 says “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable.” – First pure, then peaceable and not the other way around. And that is the order we have in the beatitudes (verses 8 and 9). Purity takes precedence over peace. Purity is the basis of biblical peace. Purity may not be compromised in order to make peace.

Peacemakers are active in settling conflicts and reconciling man to God. It is a direct progression along the path towards heaven, towards inheritance of eternal life. But a peacemaker in this world has a difficult task, because it requires bringing the truth to a world that loves falsehood. Biblical peacemakers are not quiet, easygoing people who do not want to make waves. A Biblical peacemaker will not preserve the status quo at the expense of truth. He will not accept something that is wrong so that things can be “peaceful.” Biblical peacemakers seek to resolve a problem with the truth and righteousness.

You can’t be a peacemaker until the first six Beatitudes characterize your life. That means you must start with the attitude of a beggar in your approach to God because of your sin (Matt. 5:3). Next you must mourn over your sinfulness (Matt. 5:4). That will produce meekness toward God in the light of His sovereignty and holiness (Matt. 5:5). As a result, you will hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:6), and God will extend to you His mercy (Matt. 5:7). When you’ve received His mercy, you become pure in heart (Matt. 5:8). Only the pure in heart can be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9).

“…let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another”, Romans 14:19. May you enjoy His peace which surpasses understanding and be blessed in His special ways.

 

 

HANDLING LIFE’S DIFFICULTIES 2

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

This is a very powerful verse for every single person who has fallen into a trial or will be anytime in the near future. The condition is we must love God. In other words, it is for those who have established a good personal relationship with Him.
If you are walking in full surrender with the Lord and have established a very good personal relationship with Him, then expect God to eventually work out all things for the best, no matter how bad and how hopeless some things may appear to you. The story of Job is one such example of how things turned out for him at the end of the trial.
When you are in the middle of some of these fiery trials, sometimes you can’t see far ahead. This is when you have to totally trust God to work everything out in His time frame and in His way. And when you look back on everything at a later date, you will then be able to see how God eventually worked out everything for good.

God Is With You During the Trial
No matter how long the trials God will be with you from the very beginning of the trial to the very end of it. He will be by your side no matter what goes down and no matter how ugly things may get from time to time, through thick and thin..
If your trial is going to have any considerable length to it, these verses will help you stay the course to the very end of it.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.” (Psalm 57:1)
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:9)
God will also be our refuge as we bide our time waiting for the trial to end.

Waiting on the Lord
There may be times that the only thing left for us to do after we have done all is to simply wait for it to end.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25)
“For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more …” (Psalm 37:9)
You may start the trial up with tears and mourning, but eventually you will end up reaping joy in the morning if you hold fast to the Lord and wait for His deliverance.
God Will Eventually Deliver You
If you are thrown into any type of waiting mode with the Lord while going through a trial, the one thing you will have to hang onto is that the Lord can and will eventually deliver you if you continue to put all of your faith and trust in Him to do so – and hold that faith and trust in Him to the very end of the trial.
“For with God nothing is impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
Absolutely nothing is too impossible for God to deal with or handle – no matter how grave, no matter how hopeless and no matter how severe your present set of circumstances may be.

Suffering for Christ
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? “ (Romans 8:35)
Each of us should develop the mindset that if Jesus Himself was willing to come down to our earth to undergo the most extreme and brutal form of physical punishment known to mankind at the time – we should also be willing to do the same thing for Him if the call or need ever dictates that we face a certain amount of difficulties.
“…. rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy … Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter … therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:12,16,19)
Sometimes we will suffer as a result of the will of God, and when it does happen, we are not to be ashamed of it. We should continue to try and do good with our lives and stay fully committed and loyal to the Lord – no matter how trying and severe the trial or tribulation may become.
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
God wants to make us holy. He wants to transform us into the express image of His Son Jesus Christ. He wants to set us apart unto Himself.
He is the Potter and we are the clay. He wants to mould, shape and transform us into godly, righteous and holy saints. But this shaping, moulding and transformation process can be a very painful process at times. And at times, a certain amount of adversity and conflict is what God will use to help transform us.
All of the suffering we may have to undergo in this life will never compare with the glory that God has in store for all of us on the other side!

Thru’ The Valley
What God wanted us to realise is that victory comes thru’ the valleys. Valley life can lead to victorious life when biblical principles are applied. God says to every valley dwellers, “Trust me.” Today’s valley is tomorrow’s victory. Phillipians 4:4.
Perhaps you are in the valley today. Your mind is racing with questions of uncertainties. You are not sure which way to turn. Say a prayer to thank God and Praise Him, for doctors, radiologist, equipment, new hope, directions, etc. The Valley of uncertainties is sometimes more severe. A cancer patient undergoing therapy may have throats burn, inability to salivate, swallow…But regardless of the depth or width of the valley, all valleys provide the child of God the opportunity of bringing the most glory to God. It is in the valleys that growth takes place, mountain tops are often barren. Mountain top experience is good but valley is where we grow. The valleys deepen our root of faith.

Lessening the Load
We can call on several strategies to lessen the load. Here are a few effective steps:

 

 

• Learn from trials and suffering. They can help us learn new skills. Jesus Christ learned by His difficult circumstances and experiences (Hebrews 5:8), and so can we.
• Count your blessings. When we focus on pain, we often forget how good life has been to us. Paul said we should always be thankful (Philippians 4:6). He also explained that the result of giving thanks is a “peace which surpasses all understanding” (verse 7).
• Don’t be a prisoner of your suffering. Severe trials can cause emotional paralysis. We need to remain active because inactivity further devastates morale. Look for activities that will fully absorb you, either mentally or physically.
• Find someone with whom you can share your load. Many people undergoing severe trials make the mistake of trying to handle them alone. Without question, those who reach out to others in times of need benefit from doing so. We need human contact. “Two are better than one … But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
• Break the trial into bite-sized bits. When your difficulty or workload is daunting, divide it into manageable chores.
• Take life one day at a time. People battling depression, emotional struggles and difficulties in general often share a self-defeating mind-set. Their emotions tell them their trial will never end. In such times we need an attitude that realizes that this trial, too, shall pass-as most difficulties indeed do. Adopt the psalmist’s perspective: “This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24), in spite of our difficulties.
• Don’t be frustrated by trifling issues. Learn to put minor problems behind you and make decisions of lesser importance with a minimum of stress and worry.
• Eat a balanced, nourishing diet. Our bodies and minds are much less able to deal with stress and other difficulties if we do not provide them with the nutrients they need.
• Exercise regularly. Proper exercise relieves stress, provides a feeling of well-being and helps us sleep better-all of which are important for our contentment and mental stability.
• Provide yourself regular rest and relaxation. God provided a rest day every week. We also need relaxing time on a daily basis.
• Make a change. We cannot avoid some distressful situations. To opt out of them would be wrong. But don’t be a glutton for punishment. If you can escape a trial without being irresponsible, take steps to do so (see Proverbs 22:3).
• Develop your sense of humor. A cheerful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22, NIV). Humor helps us rise above stresses. Laughter truly is effective medicine.
• Realize that ultimately all things are in God’s able hands. Jesus points us to God: “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit” (Luke 23:46). David urges us to “commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him …” (Psalm 37:5).
• Praise God. “Praise the Lord, God is good.” The deeper the valley the greater the amount of glory and praise God gets. Psm 30:5, “Weeping may endure for a night , but joy comes in the morning.” This is what praise does, it sets prisoners free, free of uncertainties, free of fear, fear of the future.
• Be Still. When bad things happen, we have a tendency to get emotional. That’s okay; God gave us emotions for a reason. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, disappointed, or whatever other emotions crop up. Just realize it isn’t a good time to react while your emotions are on overdrive. When you react out of your emotions you will usually end up attempting to do things in your own strength, which is exactly the opposite of how things work in the Kingdom of God. The bible says in Psalm 37:7 to “Cease striving and know” that He is God. Let your emotions run their course, but don’t act based on how you feel.

Conclusion

Suffering of any kind, whether it be mental, emotional or physical, is not something that most people would easily gravitate towards.
We simply have to develop the mindset that we have to learn how to become good, brave and courageous soldiers of Jesus Christ.
All of the above Scripture verses are as plain and as clear as day. They give us perfect knowledge and perfect revelation as to why things are the way they are, and why every one of us will have to fight and engage with a certain amount of storm clouds in this life before we can finally depart to be with our Lord and Savior for the rest of all eternity.
And until that day comes, put on the whole armor of our God – and take on your enemies, your trials and your tribulations as a good and mighty soldier of Jesus Christ.

HANDLING LIFE’S DIFFICULTIES 1

James 1:2-5, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. KJV

Whether we like it or not, every one of us will have to face a certain amount of life’s difficulties- with absolutely no exceptions. They may take the form of financial hardship, adversity, conflict, mishaps, trials and tribulations.
God is all-powerful and could prevent these trials if He chooses to do so. Yet, He often does not. Therefore, there must be some purpose for them, some divine reason for not sparing us these hardships. Once we begin to understand God’s purpose for these things, we will be able to stand strong through any storm of life.
All of us will face trials/temptations of many kinds. James leaves no room for doubt; he alludes to “when you encounter various trials,” which indicates the inevitability of such ordeals.
He instructs us to “count it all joy” whenever hardships assault our lives. Trial and joy; going together? Tears, discouragement, disillusionment, despair . . . these are the things that we associate with trials. But joy? In James 1:5, in the midst of a discussion on trials, James changes the subject mid-stream. He has just explained how trials produce spiritual endurance and maturity, and then he says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God . . . and it will be given to him.”
In order for us to be able to “count it all joy” in the face of trials, we must view the matter from God’s perspective. This is what wisdom does. And when we need it we just have to pray; follow by application of that wisdom. We then become more able to evaluate people and circumstances and are thus better prepared to make sound decisions.Why God Allows Trials?
There are reasons as to why God Himself “allows” a certain amount of adversity to come our way in this life. We can learn much by studying the lives of some of the greatest saints in the Bible, and look at the severe adversity that each one of them had to personally face in their lives.

1. The Disobedience of Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve represented all of mankind that would come after them when they were tested in the Garden of Eden, and when the both of them could not obey God’s direct command to stay off the one fruit. As a result of their disobedience, man is separated from God. We are left to fend for ourselves. We have to labour and toil and with it the adversities of life. The ground is cursed. Satan continues to tempt and to cause problems and this world is no longer peaceful.
Some of us can end up being at the wrong place at the wrong time and thus end up being the possible victim of a crime or natural accident or disaster. Our bodies are not going to stop ageing. We can still catch different types of illnesses and diseases.

2. For Our Sanctification in the Lord
Trials have a way of putting pressure on us bringing hidden sins, bad habits, and areas of neglect to the surface. These things must be dealt with in order to become the mature Christians God wants us to be. God allow all different kinds of adversities, trials and tribulations to come our way for our own sanctification in Him.
“….that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4)
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3)
“…. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor 4:16)
Adversity has a real way of humbling us. Once we see how powerless we are against the real severe storm clouds of this life, we then depend on God to make it through this life. It is when we are weak that we are strong in Him (2 Cor 12:9).
Some people make their greatest strides in spiritual development and personal growth in the middle of the severe storm clouds. There is something about severe adversity that will either cause us to spiritually grow and mature in our walk with the Lord very quickly or it will cause us to quit.

3. The Testing of Our Faith in the Lord
James 1:3, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” The word “testing” here means to be tested and found proven; that is, God is testing our faith in order to prove its strength.
Unproven, untried faith is practically worthless. How do we know what we can face in life if our faith has not been tested? It’s very easy to have high levels of faith in the Lord when everything is going good and great, but when severe adversity come knocking at our doors, the high levels of faith in God may then be tested.
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ … receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6,9)
Endurance enables us to withstand any assault, no matter what form the trials take. Being tested by God strengthens us so that we can face trial after trial and still endure.
“But the Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.” (Psalm 11:5) He will have nothing to do with the unrighteous.
“But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10) We too must be confident that the Lord will know the way we are taking.
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10)
From great trials come great faiths. In other words, we develop great faith in the Lord when we have had our faith tested.
God has promised us that He will not allow us to be tested beyond that which we are able.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Our faith and belief levels are our lifelines to the Lord. Our personal relationship with God is only as good as our faith in Him. The stronger our faith levels are in the Lord, the better and deeper our personal relationship will become with Him.

With the grace, power, guidance and help from the Lord we can make it. Not only can God bring eventual freedom, victory and deliverance if we are willing to hold fast to Him to the very end of it, He can also help keep us properly preserved during it so that we can make it out in one piece.
He will make sure to keep us properly supported, uplifted and protected during the trial. Rest assured we will have what it takes to be able to make it all the way through.

 

4. Our trials give God an opportunity to demonstrate His Glory and sustaining power for His children in tough times.
This is an amazing testimony to unbelievers, who may witness us going through a horribly difficult situation while still maintaining the peace that surpasses understanding.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
” … strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

5. A major purpose for our trials is to produce Christ-like character within us.
Our trials reveal to us that we cannot live the Christian life apart from Him. This requires our total surrender to His will, so that our reactions to stress, trial, and suffering are actually reactions molded from His teaching.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
We must learn how to put our faith into action to become eventual victors and overcomers in Him, and eventually gain deliverance and whatever blessings and rewards God will bestow upon us for making through it.
Looking unto Christ as the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb 12:2)

6. Trials equip us for service in the kingdom of God for the sake of others.
II Corinthians 1:4 makes this point clear, “[God] comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Therefore, God is using our trials to make us more useful in helping others.
By fully understanding and identifying with someone else’s pain, we will be able to reach out to them in a way in which someone else may be unprepared for. The key to this type of service is knowing first hand what the other person is going through. If we have been through it ourselves, we will have an intimate understanding of what the hurting individual needs.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith
One of the ways God will test our faith in these trials and tribulations is to see if we will hold on to our faith in Him to the very end.
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called …” (1 Timothy 6:12)
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)

I Believe, Help My Unbelief

“And when they came back to the disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. And immediately, when the entire crowd saw Him, they were amazed, and began running up to greet Him. And He asked them, ‘What are you discussing with them?’ And one of the crowd answered Him, ‘Teacher, I brought You my son, possessed with a spirit which makes him mute; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and stiffens out. And I told Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it.’” Mark 9:14-29

The first thing Jesus encounter here was human insufficiency. The failure of His own disciples to deal with a demon-possessed boy. A large crowd had gathered around His disciples and the scribes were arguing with them. No doubt, the scribes were giving the disciples a hard time.
Jesus asked the crowd to explain what the discussion was about and one man spoke up. In his answer we sense the anguish of a father as he says in verse 22, “Take pity on us and help us.”
This man was not condemning the disciples. He was pleading his case.

 

An Exhortation To Dependency on Prayers

“And He answered them and said, ‘O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me!’ (v. 19ff)

Unbelief on the part of the people around! Even Jesus in such a situation will not perform miracles. In Mark 6:4-6, But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
Jesus has the power to do anything, so His “lack of ability” to do miracles in His hometown is on account of unworthiness of the potential recipients of these miracles, and therefore is due to God’s self-imposed policy restraint, and not to any lack of inherent ability. For example, Christ could have turned the stones into bread at the devil’s behest, but He did not because it would have been a violation of the testing which He had been led by the Spirit to endure (Matt.4).

“But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!’ And Jesus said to him, ‘“If You can!” All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying, ‘I do believe; help me in my unbelief.’” (vv. 22b-24)
Understandably the father in his request to Jesus contained an element of the doubt: “if you are able”. Now the centurion (Matt.8:13), and the Syro-Phoenecian woman (Matt.15:28) were commended for recognizing that our Lord was able, if only He were willing (Mk.7:24-30; 8:13). And on many, many occasions, Jesus tells the recipient of His miracles “your faith has saved you”.

Then the man spoke the prayer that is the central text: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Was he trying to say, “I do believe that you care, that you can help. But there is so much that I don’t believe. I’m so much more acquainted with the struggle than I am with the victory. I have so much more evidence of demonic success than I have of divine intervention. Help my unbelief.” This short prayer is wise because it acknowledges connection and calls for help. This man cried, “Help me in my unbelief. Only you can give me faith where I have no faith.” He was calling for help rather than walking away in despair.

Through the exercise of this father’s faith, Jesus would act to heal his son.

“And when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, ‘You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.’ And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, ‘He is dead!’ But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up.” (vv. 25-27)

 

Why did the disciples fail?

“And when He had come into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, ‘Why is it that we could not cast it out?’ And He said to them, ‘This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.’” (vv. 28-29)

What was so different in what Jesus had done? The disciples had tried the same thing. They had earlier gone about performing miracles.

The disciples had attempted to exorcise this demon by relying on their own experience rather than in the power of God as the scripture says there was unbelief on the part of the apostles. Jesus said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” What Jesus was revealing was the place of prayer as central to any true ministry. Only as they ministered out of that close fellowship with God could they have the power to do effective ministry.

The same is true for us. If we are not “prayerful,” we do not allow God to work with us when we attempt to do His work. We may roll up our sleeves and work hard, but we may fail. The work of God must be done according to His will, or we will not succeed. Prayer is central to tapping into the blessings of God.

 

Dependence on God There is futility in human effort without God in the picture. Man’s dependence on God is illustrated by reference to basic human endeavors.
Unless the LORD builds the house, They labour in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. Ps 127:1
Building a house and watching over a city cannot succeed (according to divine standards of success) if God is not included in man’s plans and efforts. Even the diligent man who works from early morning until late evening cannot hope for success without God’s blessings and sanction.

 

Depending on Our Own strength

Independence, Self-reliance, Competence, all of these words are used to describe the ideal man — total self-sufficiency. But it is this self-sufficiency that ultimately leads to destruction. In Job 8:14-15 Bildad speaks of the result of those who forget God, “Whose confidence shall be cut off, And whose trust is a spider’s web. He leans on his house, but it does not stand. He holds it fast, but it does not endure.”

Depending on our own strength rather than God’s is as foolish as leaning on a spider web for support.

It is right to depend on God. It is not shameful to trust God and depend on His presence as our refuge, our glory, and strength. Paul says, 2 Cor 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,”

 

Self -Will vs God Dependence

 

Each of us has a will. The will exerts conscious control over actions, exercises choice between alternatives, applies practical reason, and brings one to act. It is also a power, and as such, a facet of the self. The will consciously guides the person towards self-actualization and esteem.
Self-will is part of our human nature and always strives to make self the centre of its own universe. In this manner, our self-will is selfish and it desires to pull away from God and deny others justice and mercy to advance its own ambition.

 Self-will conforms to the world and its beliefs; God’s will does not.

Clearly, we should do, not our will, but God’s. Apart from His will, we are like the undisciplined child—nervous, unstable, and blown about by the winds of whim because we really do not know what we ought to want. In due time, our continuance in doing the will of God will grant us the ultimate benefit: of entrance into His glorious Kingdom!

 

Help My Unbelief

Life is sometimes filled with disappointments and shattered dreams which create great pain; there are times we lose it all. Sometimes we ask of God only to have no patience in waiting for His answer. Often we start to think like the father of the demon possessed child having doubt and wondering if God is there for us. This is when the father’s prayer is relevant to us! When we have learned to be content and let God have control; then we’ll have gained that which will bring, peace and contentment to heart and soul!

Lord, Help me in my unbelief! Truly that could be the cry of each one of us. Almost every Christian has experienced unbelief and doubt. We do believe God can work, but sometimes it’s hard to believe that He can work in our situation. We must never be afraid to confess our sense of inadequacy, our struggle with faith. As we humbly come to God, He will bless the little faith we do have and increase that faith. After all, it only takes faith the size of a small mustard seed to move mountains. Jesus will reward any size of our faith if we will but put it in Him.

Revival Camp – Pantai Hills

On the 1st and 2nd Oct 2008, a group of 34 brethren and 4 visitors went for an overnight camp at Bro Charlie’s orchard farm in Pantai Hills, Negri Sembilan. It was intended to be a revival retreat with lots of fellowshipping among brethren and friends. Over time, the retreat transformed into a “Win the World to Jesus Christ” Camp with lots of lessons, discussions and healthy family outing, thanks to the committed organisation skills of our Chairman, bro Charlie, ably supported by his dear wife Sis Katherine.
We arrived in groups from about 10.00am onwards and by 11.30am we were ready for the first lesson by Bro Edward Low. His topic, I will make you fishers of men covered our duties as evangelists for God. Indeed we are all commanded to love our fellow men and to be soul winners. The deliberation after the 30 min delivery was led by Charlie and it solicited ideas from participants how we can be better soul winners. Notes were written on the white board how we can reach out to others. These points were recorded by Kelly to be converted into minutes for distribution.
We were then served a hearty meal that was prepared by the ladies led by Sis Lillian Chan. What a delicious spread of mee hoon, dishes of meat, vegetables, cakes, fruits and refreshments.
The weather in the afternoon was fine and we decided to go for an early outing. For the adventurous (18 ) among us, we went for jungle trekking to be closer to the wonders of God’s creation. A 2-hour journey into the interior which was landscaped with waterfalls and many kinds of jungle trees and plants took us to a rest area were we played with the clear water in the rapids. Along the way we met giant millipedes, and not forgetting the blood sucking leeches. It was an experience that will stay in our memory for a long time. From the youngest to the older of us, from first time trekkers to seasoned King scouts, the return to Mother Nature was a good respite from city living and the pressures of work and studies.
The return journey (1 hour) was faster as we were by now experts of the terrain and wanted to get back to dry land to avoid the leeches.
After washing up and comparing notes of how many leech bites each has and our anglers returning back with their catches, we settled down for another discussion led by bro Eng. The topic, on “How to make cell groups more effective in soul winning” gave some suggestions on ways to improve our current format. We reviewed how lessons should be facilitated and visitors made welcome. There were more ideas contributed during bro Richard’s session on being conquerors through Christ. The participants were divided into 3 groups and discussions on weaknesses in our current cell meetings were jotted down for presentation by the leader of the group.
After the evening session some of the participants had to leave the camp. And so with a slight tinge of disappointment, we waved goodbye to seven cars making their way with their passengers back home. It was past 10.00pm and so the remnants took an early rest.
The next morning we were woken by the sounds of birds chirping and the cheerfulness of well rested early risers. The air was cool and fresh and we could see the KL skyline in the distance. Yes, it was so clear that the silhouette lines of the KL highest towers were visible from about 100km away. Bro Yeow Kong came early to share his highly motivated lessons on “Counting your blessings”. Indeed the sharing brought tears to some of the participants who were touched by the warm support and acts of love by wonderful friends and brethren.
After lunch, we parted ways with lots of wonderful memories of the time we shared together as a family of God and promised ourselves to return next year for another time of togetherness.

7th Oct 2008

ONE BODY, MANY MEMBERS

The Role of Members in the Church
1 Cor 12:12-27, For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free–and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

The human body is an amazing creation of God. It is marvelously complex yet unified, with unparalleled harmony and interrelatedness. When the members of the human body do not function in harmony it is due to an injury or disease. Without unity we are as productive for Christ as a human body that has a disease that makes the head incapable of coordinating proper bodily function.

The scripture above tells us there are many members to the body. There are many different parts but only one body. So also is the church, the body of Christ. The church is a body with many members, with Christ as its head. We are one with Christ. We became one with Christ through the baptism into Christ.

Paul imagines parts of the human body talking to each other. The members are feeling discontented. They feel inferior. Their gift was not prominent and therefore they were discontented, they felt insignificant. They may have wanted the gift of exhortation instead of labour. Or maybe it was the quality of their gift; they may have the gift of teaching, but there were others in the churches that were more gifted at teaching.

This attitude of inferiority is not one of humility. In fact it is a selfish, self-centered attitude that feels that you are not needed because you don’t have a more prominent gift. There are no insignificant members in the body. The work of the church is also to be Christlike; to do what Christ did when he was here! He taught large crowds on occasion but for the most part he spent his time ministering to individuals, caring for people, one on one. We too can minister to individuals. To encourage, strengthen and help people, to teach them the truth of God’s word, to transform them. The church does not just function on Sunday morning. It goes on out there all week. We come to church to worship God and thereafter continue to live for Christ. That is what Paul is arguing here. We are only kidding ourselves if we say that because we cannot lead, or teach, or preach, we are not a part of the body and do not have a function within it. This is an important word of encouragement for all of us. We are all needed.

Every part of your body, no matter how insignificant or inferior it may seem, has a distinctive and important function to fulfill. It would be a ridiculous body if every member did the same thing. Each has received some gifts or talents on which the others depend. Your talents are useful! Paul goes on to encourage them even further by saying that every member has their place in the church.

The eye does not decide that it is going to see, God gives it that ability. The ear does not develop its own ability to hear, it was given that ability by God and placed on the side of the head to function in that position.

Exodus 4:11 So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?

God has placed the members in the body as it has pleased Him. He is the one who gives us our abilities and positions. We are who we are, and where we are because of the talents and gifts God has endowed us with. Questioning our gifts is like questioning God.

Rom 9:20-21 … who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honourable use, and another for common use? NKJV

God not only gave you the talent you have but he also added you to his church.
It should forever settle the question of feeling insignificant as part of the body.

There is another side of the issue – the attitude of pride, an independent spirit. (verse 21) They were considering others of little value. So Paul gives them some principles of body life to rebuke their attitude of arrogance.

Individualism is appealing because the natural man does not like depending on or obeying others. The philosophy that we are basically self-sufficient and do not need anyone else is the opposite of God’s will for man. In a body the greater members are dependant upon the lesser members. This is a great principle to learn because it makes us appreciative of those who are working with us in the ministry.

What happens to a member if you remove it from the body? It dies. What happens to the body if you remove a member? It is either crippled or it dies depending on which member you remove. When some of the members don’t do their part others have to compensate for them. The body can compensate for the members that do not function properly but it will never function to its full potential without every member doing their part.

Paul talks about giving honour to those parts of the body by clothing them. The more you cloth a body and adorn a body the more honor you give it. There is this inbuilt tendency in human life to try to augment those parts that are less honorable. Notice how the Apostle puts it, “parts we think less honorable.” They are not, really. It is just our idea of them that makes them appear that way.

The “but” in the middle of verse 24 brings the argument back to God’s sovereign purpose. By saying that God “has given greater honour to the part which lacks it.” Paul seems to be saying that God has caused us to protect our unpresentable parts from exploitation by properly covering them. It is normal and natural for the body to look out for its weaker parts, to protect and care for them.

When we begin to understand what the church is, as God sees it to be, this will be the result. You will begin to have the same care for one another. You will stop saying that teachers and leaders are all-important. You will see that God works the whole body together in a beautifully articulated and coordinated way.

In Ephesians 4:11-16, Paul wrote, “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love”.

There is a common goal in the Body of Christ. The goal is the growth of the body. As we do our individual part, this causes the growth of the body. The Body is responsible for the building up of itself in love as it ministers to each member.

God has chosen for this growth to occur in the church. He has chosen to put us together in a spiritual body of believers where we can learn to be like Him. He has given gifted leaders to equip us for ministry. He has called us to attain a unity of the faith. He has called us to become mature, to be like Christ. He has called us to speak the truth in love to one another, and thus grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.

Concern for one another ought to be the hallmark of the Christian community. This is certainly true of the physical body. All the members work together to protect and care for one another. If you try to punch me in the face my arm will respond and attempt to stop you, because my arm cares about what happens to my face. If my arm is unable to stop the punch my whole body will weep with my face.

We belong together and we suffer together. Individually and collectively, we are Christ’s very body, the church for whom he died. Every church is fully equipped to serve the Lord, to carry on the ministry he began. There is no place in the body for discontentment, or envy, or jealousy. And there is no place in the body for pride or arrogance. The sovereign God has given us the gift he wants us to have and placed us where he wants us to use it.

We all need to serve the Lord effectively but if those members don’t work in harmony with the head or if they simply refuse to work the body is crippled and frustrated.