25 April 2010
The curse of the modern world is that of wanting everything quick, fast and easy.
We have instant coffee, instant dinner and instant photographs.
From instant face lift to easy 1-2-3 diet, advertisers entice us with guaranteed formulas to meet all our needs and desires.
With little effort and almost no wait-time, we are accustomed to a culture that focuses on results and cares not for the process.
Christians are buying into this instant culture without realising it.
We want quick church growth, fast methods of evangelism and easy discipleship. But this quick, fast and easy way is contrary to Christian concepts of growth.
God doesn’t cut corners when He comes to pruning His child. Like a craftsman cutting a diamond, God patiently roughs off the edges; taking His time to ensure that the light and brilliance is shining through the angle before deciding on His next action. God takes His time and He is in no hurry as He sets His mind to perfect us.
Christianity is for those who have decided to go for the long haul. Those going for the long haul will put in the hard work, wait for the outcome and stay till the end.
Those who desire instant quick-fix and results need not apply.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
18 April, 2010
What does it mean to be Christians in this imperfect world? Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ”
Our faith is public – there is no way to cover up our identities as believers. Try covering up a city on a hill – impossible! We are the light, matter-of-fact and in the present tense. Period.
Our faith is intentional – where we put the light speaks of deliberation. Putting a light under a bowl extinguishes the flame due to lack of oxygen. To put the light on a stand strategically lights up the entire place.
Our faith is geographical – from being the light of the world, to a city on a hill and illuminating the entire house. Where we are called to, we display God’s light and speak to God’s character.
Our faith discriminates against no one. Light simply shines and does its work. As light, our faith cannot but shine. It gives hope to people hoping for light and irritates those who are in darkness.
Our faith is influential – it points to God who is the Source of Light. God gets the glory just by us being who we are, being the light of the world.
So SHINE.
What does it mean to be Christians in this imperfect world? Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16,
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ”
Our faith is public – there is no way to cover up our identities as believers. Try covering up a city on a hill – impossible! We are the light, matter-of-fact and in the present tense. Period.
Our faith is intentional – where we put the light speaks of deliberation. Putting a light under a bowl extinguishes the flame due to lack of oxygen. To put the light on a stand strategically lights up the entire place.
Our faith is geographical – from being the light of the world, to a city on a hill and illuminating the entire house. Where we are called to, we display God’s light and speak to God’s character.
Our faith discriminates against no one. Light simply shines and does its work. As light, our faith cannot but shine. It gives hope to people hoping for light and irritates those who are in darkness.
Our faith is influential – it points to God who is the Source of Light. God gets the glory just by us being who we are, being the light of the world.
So SHINE.
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