Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Christian Participation in Nation Building
St. Luke 3:7-14
St. Luke 3:7-14
Bear fruits worthy of repentance.
Today we are meditating on the theme: "Christian participation in Nation Building". The selected passage is the message of John the Baptist to the people. John the Baptist was trying to get the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He clearly knows that he was the forerunner and he states that without repentance there will be no transformation. According to him, repentance is not simply a change of the mind; but it is the transformation of the total self into a fruit bearing life. He warns them about the 'wrath to come. He speaks of "the ax" of God's judgments, and of unfruitful trees being cast into "the fire. When the crowd, tax collectors and soldiers asked about what they should do in their life, he very clearly stated three things. When we think about our participation in Nation building, we need to consider these three elements as very essential.
a) Sharing is more important than accumulation.
Accumulation (Hoarding) always makes for economic disparity in the society. It helps the rich to grow richer and the poor poorer. God doesn't show partiality. In His Kingdom we need to focus on sharing rather than accumulating resources.
b) Corruption is a national evil.
Corruption is a major cause and a result of poverty around the world. It occurs at all levels of society, from local and national governments, civil society, judiciary functions, large and small businesses, military and other services and so on. John the Baptist very clearly warns the tax collectors not to collect anything more than prescribed for them. That means he warns against an unjust system that prevailed in the society.
c) Right use of Power.
Soldiers and the army may have the power to control the people. John the Baptist instructed them not to collect money from the people by misusing their power. He also advises the soldiers not to persecute people for their own benefit.
We Christians are called to make transformations in the society. First it demands a repentance which should lead to a transformation within us. And this perfect transformation may help us to lead a Christian life according to the will of God. This transformation needs a sharing attitude, an attitude against corruption and the correct use of power. May God Almighty enable us to participate in the building up of a new community.
a) Sharing is more important than accumulation.
Accumulation (Hoarding) always makes for economic disparity in the society. It helps the rich to grow richer and the poor poorer. God doesn't show partiality. In His Kingdom we need to focus on sharing rather than accumulating resources.
b) Corruption is a national evil.
Corruption is a major cause and a result of poverty around the world. It occurs at all levels of society, from local and national governments, civil society, judiciary functions, large and small businesses, military and other services and so on. John the Baptist very clearly warns the tax collectors not to collect anything more than prescribed for them. That means he warns against an unjust system that prevailed in the society.
c) Right use of Power.
Soldiers and the army may have the power to control the people. John the Baptist instructed them not to collect money from the people by misusing their power. He also advises the soldiers not to persecute people for their own benefit.
We Christians are called to make transformations in the society. First it demands a repentance which should lead to a transformation within us. And this perfect transformation may help us to lead a Christian life according to the will of God. This transformation needs a sharing attitude, an attitude against corruption and the correct use of power. May God Almighty enable us to participate in the building up of a new community.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, author and perfecter of our faith, help us to live with integrity and walk in truthfulness. Help us to use wealth and power according to your will and help us to offer all glory and honor unto you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14