One crucial aspect of the gospel message is how it addresses the social needs of man and the community. These needs include, but not limited to such structural, material and emotional needs expressed and observed within and outside the church community. The social life of the Christian man or woman, namely, our approach and attitude towards others, our social responsibility in building, inspiring and strengthening the faith of others, should speak both to the church and non-church interests about the truth and the thrills of the life of Christ, and not hinder them in any way.
Ye are our epistle …… known and read by all men for as much as ye are manifestly declared (openly recognized) to be …… of Christ (2 Cor. 3:2).
Sometimes, our response to such challenges becomes the only measure to the genuineness and reality of the gospel and the message of love and freedom which we want to convey.
What happens when we leave the church environment? How about social interaction within the church itself: Interpersonal relations among ministers and members of the same church and among pew members themselves; interpersonal relations within the administrative office and other functional areas of the church? Is it not an eyesore what things we see or read about church members every day? All the gossip, hatred, malice, immoral living and double standards!
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Christian workers at middle and low cadres should be warned against the dangers of hypocrisy, pride and the “sacred cow” syndrome, which are predominant in many church Bodies of the day.
Such people systematically raise themselves on a pedestal of prominence. They begin to skip Bible study and prayer meetings, council meetings and what have you. They assume some unusual air that bars others away from them. That office or function becomes their God.
“For the name of God is blasphemed among the gentiles through you…” (Rom. 2:24).
The fact that a chap is conspicuously the Boss’ ‘favorite’ in ministry or within the local assembly doesn’t arrogate to him any authority or superiority over other brethren.
“Neither give place to the devil. Let him steal no more…let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the edifying………..And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God…………” (Eph. 4:27-30).
We must all learn to be tolerant, accommodating and be patient with one another within church, social and other circles, not of course, condoning people's obvious sins and duplicity in the name of inclusivity.
“Let all bitterness (or malice), and wrath (vehement passions like hatred, abhorrence of another) and anger (vengeance, retaliatory spirit), and clamor (agitation, protests and open dissents, and uprisings), and evil speaking, be put away from you…and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving…” (Eph. 4:31,32).
Anything short of this is evil, carnal and un-Christ-like. Many a Christian worker has ignored this charge and lost the glorious virtues engraved in his or her heart by the Holy Ghost, and has put on the face, the heart and the tongue of Jezebel. What a shame!
“Their throat is like an open sepulcher; with their tongues, they have used deceit; the poison of asps (vipers) is under their lips” (Rom. 3:13).
Brother Dakes puts it in a more simplified manner thus: “By malicious and cutting words, they kill and bury the reputation of men. Men of God and women of God; men and women that carry the image of God in their physical frames.”
Our social life should speak both to the church and non-church interests of the truth and thrills of the life of Christ, and not hinder them in any way. For “ye are our epistle …… known and read by all men for as much as ye are manifestly declared (openly recognized) to be …… of Christ” (2 Cor. 3:2).
Many Christians have successfully seared their consciences and given endorsement to several negative lifestyles and interactive activities within our churches and operating environments. We are so comfortable with these things that a ten-day revival meeting with Charles Finny, Morris Cerulo and Benny Hinn put together cannot change many of us.
Free lifestyles and cohabitation have become a common practice just like in the world. And no one sees or knows anything wrong about it. Desperate men and opportunist young women decking themselves as if it is a do-or-die affair, flood our church offices and worship arenas, not with the intent to seek God but to satisfy sensual lusts.
Our young ones, seeming hopes of parents and society, in many cases, are even the worst. Green snakes in green grasses!
“But know thou that in all these things God will bring thee into judgment” (Eccl. 12:9c).
Talk about all the bitterness, the proud looks and evil talks! About the malice, the unforgiving spirit and hate!
“…..God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).
It doesn’t really matter what you think or believe at this very moment about these matter. God is not mocked. Merciful He is, and can forgive, guide and re-direct, if you come to Him in humble prayer!!!
ssues “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption ……” (Gal.6:8).
Thank you for sharing this with us, very relevant information!