Contributed by Darren Lim • May 9, 2023
The closing sermon this week by Pastor Mike caused me to ponder and prayerfully reflect on my life as a present day Christian on present day earth. I find myself asking: What does it really mean to be “living in the world but not being of the world”? How do I faithfully live by this imperative since this was Jesus’ prayer for His disciples? Two words came to mind – Devotion and Relevance.
Devotion to God and to His people. Devotion to God includes involving Him in our daily thoughts, words and deeds through seeking Him in daily conversational prayers. Devotion to His people in that we are called to stir up, encourage and build up fellow brothers and sisters in Christ around us in whatever setting, whether family, work, social, church or CG.
It was refreshing to know that I can seek God in prayer as one would share intimate conversations with a dear friend. Sharing the joys and concerns that presses on our hearts – authentic and without reservations. God is ever welcoming and ever ready to listen to my heart as I come to discover His heart for me, others and His Creation. I do not need to make a formal appointment nor come prepared with a script.
However, it will take me some time to adjust towards this new perspective of prayer. It was drummed into me from young to never lightly approach the throne of God. For we know from Scripture that even the heavenly hosts worship HIm with reverence: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty…”. Although I have been made holy by putting on Christ, I can’t help but approach Him with fear and trepidation for I know too well all my imperfections and sinful nature. One way I believe to reconcile this is to realise that, while God is our friend, He is first and foremost our Heavenly Father. He is a friend who is all-knowing, all-powerful – He is perfect, always right, just and righteous. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! He deserves the highest respect and reverence we can accord a perfect Father and a dear friend.
Relevance in the world we live in. How do we bring more of Christ to the world? We are to participate in the world. Being salt and light. Bringing hope and the joy of Christ to others who are struggling and beaten by the brokenness and sinful atrocities of this world. We point others to Jesus when they see Christ in us as we obediently become a force for good in the world.
The past three years of pandemic have conditioned me and my family to focus inwardly and less on the world. The current state of affairs in our country has left me disillusioned and disengaged to the point of feeling numb. So much so that I no longer watch the local news. I keep telling myself that this is the season to get my own matters in order before venturing to get involved in those of others. I sense the Holy Spirit impressing upon my heart to stop doing things by my own strength but to depend on Him. The LORD Almighty’s words to Zerubabel echo in the background – “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit”.
No big plans of my own from here on out. For now, I am resolved to start tomorrow wishing the Holy Spirit “Good morning” and asking Him “What would you have me do today?”.
