Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Christian Participation in Nation Building
St.Matthew 5: 13-16Vs 16: "In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your father in heaven".
The word "Christian" is derived from the Greek word "Christianos" which is a compilation of two Greek words 'Christ' and 'Tian'. Christ means the 'anointed one' and Tian means the 'little' while the Greek word ''Christianos'' means the 'Little anointed ones". The word “Christian” used in Biblical history was in the Book of Acts 11: 26, "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch". The above verse means the followers, believers or the disciples of Christ were called “Christians.” This raises a question in front of us. Are we Christians? If yes, are we following Christ's righteous path? Being Christians we have a responsibility towards our nation. Are we fulfilling them responsibly?
Vs. 13-15 "You are like salt for all mankind. But if the salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead, he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house". The above two different verses deliver the same theme viz. "SAY YES TO GOD'S CALL". Salt has the inborn talent to transform any cuisine of the world into tasty and delicious. Similarly, light has the inborn talent to transform any dark place bright. If the salt and light stop contributing their talents to the world, their life becomes worthless. Christian life is just like salt and light. God has created each one of us with a unique mission and, in order to fulfill it, God has blessed us with unique abilities and talents viz. singing, dancing, teaching, reading, writing, listening, cooking, preaching, praying, painting, creating and innovating things e.t.c.
Talents should not be perceived as a platform of Self-Glorification instead it should be perceived as a platform for exalting the name of God the creator. Talents should never be underestimated as just a talent, instead it should be perceived as God's Call. Being a Christian we must be able to Say Yes to God's call. Talents are the medium through which we can fulfill God's mission and if we don't do it or try to hide it then our life on earth becomes worthless. Now, it's time to introspect in our lives:
As Christians, are we able to contribute our talents for the service of the Lord and His people wholeheartedly? If yes, was the intention behind exposing our talents to exalt the name of the Lord, for the sake of self-glorification?
Vs. 16 "In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your father in heaven". This verse signifies another beautiful theme that is needed in Christian life i.e. "BE THE LIVING GOSPEL AND THE LIVING TESTIMONY OF LORD FOR THE NATION". As a Christian we must inculcate the replica of Christ's personality and His exemplary life. There is a famous quote by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, "My Life is my Message". As Christians, we must share the spiritual wisdom, strength, and experiences that Lord enables us to witness in life, with the nation. We should be able to say, "My Life is my Message" and when we do that the whole nation will be able to see the replica of Christ in us and through us, the whole nation will know about the true and unconditional love of Jesus Christ and be saved. Thus a great transformation will be witnessed worldwide. Now, the choice is in our hands, whether we wish to build our nation in faith while becoming the living gospel and testimonies of Christ or living a life satisfying one's own Self-gratifications.
Vs. 13-15 "You are like salt for all mankind. But if the salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it. You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead, he puts it on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house". The above two different verses deliver the same theme viz. "SAY YES TO GOD'S CALL". Salt has the inborn talent to transform any cuisine of the world into tasty and delicious. Similarly, light has the inborn talent to transform any dark place bright. If the salt and light stop contributing their talents to the world, their life becomes worthless. Christian life is just like salt and light. God has created each one of us with a unique mission and, in order to fulfill it, God has blessed us with unique abilities and talents viz. singing, dancing, teaching, reading, writing, listening, cooking, preaching, praying, painting, creating and innovating things e.t.c.
Talents should not be perceived as a platform of Self-Glorification instead it should be perceived as a platform for exalting the name of God the creator. Talents should never be underestimated as just a talent, instead it should be perceived as God's Call. Being a Christian we must be able to Say Yes to God's call. Talents are the medium through which we can fulfill God's mission and if we don't do it or try to hide it then our life on earth becomes worthless. Now, it's time to introspect in our lives:
As Christians, are we able to contribute our talents for the service of the Lord and His people wholeheartedly? If yes, was the intention behind exposing our talents to exalt the name of the Lord, for the sake of self-glorification?
Vs. 16 "In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your father in heaven". This verse signifies another beautiful theme that is needed in Christian life i.e. "BE THE LIVING GOSPEL AND THE LIVING TESTIMONY OF LORD FOR THE NATION". As a Christian we must inculcate the replica of Christ's personality and His exemplary life. There is a famous quote by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, "My Life is my Message". As Christians, we must share the spiritual wisdom, strength, and experiences that Lord enables us to witness in life, with the nation. We should be able to say, "My Life is my Message" and when we do that the whole nation will be able to see the replica of Christ in us and through us, the whole nation will know about the true and unconditional love of Jesus Christ and be saved. Thus a great transformation will be witnessed worldwide. Now, the choice is in our hands, whether we wish to build our nation in faith while becoming the living gospel and testimonies of Christ or living a life satisfying one's own Self-gratifications.
Prayer
Lord thank your for this beautiful life. Thank you for blessing each one of us with amazing and unique talents. Lord strengthen us to say yes to your calling and help us to become your living gospel and testimony for this nation so that through us your name will be highly exalted. Amen
Thought for the Day
Life is God's gift. Preserve it with utmost wisdom and care. Once you lose it, you will lose it forever. So use it wisely.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Dr. Nisha George
W/o Rev. Josemon John
Marthoma Church of Perth, Australia