Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Christian witness among people of other faith

1 Peter 2: 1-10
Vs 9 But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
 

As a teacher, I have had the opportunity to interact with students and teachers of all faiths. Being a Christian witness in their midst is a situation I face every moment of my life. When we are at church or amidst Christian believers, witnessing as Christians is easy. But the biggest challenge is when we are in the midst of people of other faiths. Even more challenging is when we are in the midst of atheists. They see our Christian values through our actions, words and deeds and hence we need to be mindful of it every moment. When the transformation begins from within us, being a Christian witness is easy. But without the transformation from within, we might be able to act Christian in certain instances whereas in other instances we will fail and the world will notice our failures and transgressions more than our Christian values. Hence Peter is asking us as believers and follower of Christ to undertake three responsibilities:
 
1.      Being true to ourselves and God (1 Peter 2: 1-3): Peter begins the second chapter by stating clearly what we need to rid ourselves off. In that, he includes malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind to be true Christians amidst others. Peter is clearly asking us to be true to ourselves and to others. When we embrace the nature of serving and helping others, all negative thoughts and actions will be removed from our lives. Let’s focus on spreading our positive impact to the people and world around us. He also asks us to focus on the spiritual growth than the worldly pleasures. Even if you gain the whole world, we might still always feel a void and incompleteness within. Earthly pleasures might satisfy the desires of our body and ego but long lasting happiness only comes from spiritual gifts.
 
2.      Building ourselves over Christ’s Foundation (1 Peter 2: 4-8): Peter askes us believers to build our character and life on the foundation stone of Christ. It is Christ’s life and character that needs to be the guiding force in all our actions and thoughts. To be like Christ in a transgressed world might not earn us fame and fortune in this world, but the Word of God assures us that we shall never be put to shame and we will be considered invaluable in the God’s house. Our body, mind and soul must be a sacrifice acceptable to God. We might feel like striking back and cursing those who hurt us, but the Word of God asks us to embrace the nature of Christ so that we never stumble and fall and also help in the transformation of people around us. Let our actions become ripples of change in the lives of people of other faith. They might not change their belief but in their actions we would be able to create Christ like character. Let us build ourselves over Christ’s Foundation.
 
3.      We are the chosen one (1 Peter 2: 9-10): Most of us have been born into Christian families and hence Christian values and practices are a part of our daily life since birth. Some of us have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior during our lifetime. From the day we consciously accept Lord, we become the chosen one because we have a responsibility in this world. We are required to spread the message of Christ to the world around us. The message of Christ is that of love and peace. Every action of ours needs to be embodied in these two values. An act out of love is the most selfless act of all and every action of ours to spread and restore peace is the most divine nature that we can embrace.
 
Being a Christian witness amidst people of other faith is possible if we are true to ourselves, build ourselves on the foundation of Christ and be conscious that we are the chosen ones to spread Christ’s message of love and peace to the world around. May the Lord help us each moment in our journey.

 
PRAYER
Lord, allow us and enable us to be true to ourselves and God, build our life's foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ and shine in this world radiating your exuberance and presence.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
 
Elizabeth Johnson, W/O Rev.Johnson Abraham ,The Mar Thoma Church Staten island
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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