Week 2

Monday, 27 May 2013 10:23 p.m.

Worry I believe this is one of the main contributing factors that that drives our postmodern world. Its effects are prominent in areas that many Christians overlook and do not consider it to be hazardous spiritually. People are afraid of failure, which contributes to restlessness in their personal life hence drives them into indulging more into the "business" of life. There were days when people actually spent time with their children but now they pay day care teachers or nannies to perform the role of parents. Because they are worried that they might not be able to make ends meet. Presence of worry is vividly manifested by the lack of faith in the life of a believer. Consider a person with strong faith in God, who knows He is in control and the issues of life are like the waves of the sea which are directly proportional to the intensity of the wind in the sail, leading to him being propelled forward. On the other hand, a constantly worried person is anxious whenever he considers the ifs and buts of life. Personally, I think Do not worry is positive command that we have to adhere and uphold alongside the Decalogue. Worry can also be classed as failing to see Gods provision and plan for our lives. Most times we force ourselves behind the steering wheel and Christ becomes a passenger in the back seat. The problem then appears to be bigger than the God who can solve it. The morale of the Kingdom of God is more on the lines of righteousness, peace and joy; whereas a self-made kingdom of the world is drenched in anxiety, restlessness and worry. Thats why I think Christ emphasises that we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Presently, most Christians are trying to aim at a moving target in terms of the priorities of life. Whenever they find they are close to the ultimate bliss of life the goal post shifts. For some reason they think that the house they spent years to pay for seems smaller, hence a new urgent need for a bigger and more expensive house arises! But being part of Gods Kingdom is different, where schedules and priorities are addressed in accordance with the kingdom of God, hence resulting in peace and joy! Worry leads us to doubt God, but Matthew takes this concern to the nth degree when he compares the narrative with the birds of the air and grass of the field; that if God is faithful to them out of His providence then how much more for us! To worry could really mean either that we are foolish and naive or we do not know this Great God For worrying is unnecessary and is well illustrated by Sir Winston Churchill in the following quote: When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened. Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16) I love spicy foods. But actual edge in the spiciness is heavily dependant on the correct amount of added salt. I remember my grandfather getting upset if my grandmother did not get the salt spot- on. He would often say that the dogs wont even find the meat tasty without the perfect balance of salt! Sometimes I think that he was rather harsh on grandmother but his descriptive illustration helps me better understand Christs analogy of Christians with salt. What good is salt without its saltiness? What good is light when placed under the basket? Just like spot on saltiness says a lot about the dish, so does a salty Christian about Christ. Since we are His ambassadors, His representatives we are basically His tangible body amongst the unbelievers. They will taste us and know about Christ. His saltiness has to be evident in our lives. He is the Light of the world (John 8:2). We are the smaller lights that depict His radiance. When people see the light in us, they should see Christ as the source of it. Now if this light in placed in under the basket then of what use is it? (Matt 5:15) This is the major collapse of our culture 21st century where we find Christians have ejected themselves from the political arena. I am not saying to have a state religion but I believe that we have to have a say. It is our democratic right! If all Christians stand up and voice out a lot of things can be done in this world. Where are Christians when the militant liberals are pushing through agendas mainly related homosexuality, euthanasia, redefinition of marriage, abortion etc? If all Christians in America had voted, Obama wouldnt be the president! Just like Christ said, that, a lamp put under a basket is of no use. It basically becomes non-reproductive because the light cannot be multiplied across the room so people can find their way. Unless Christians go out to where the heavy decisions are made on public polices and where morality becomes an unknown commodity, the consideration of an Absolute Moral will only remain in religious books. So if Christians run with the light in them, straight to the front line we will show this world where their scotoma lies. Without maintaining an arena where pre evangelism has a solid ground, it will be difficult to unleash the full saltiness Gospel of Christ. For once we switch on the light in a room, not only do we see what we were looking for but everything else becomes visible as well

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