Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Reflective Evangelism

The human race is no doubt getting more sophisticated. With information technology breaking new grounds each month, it pushes the borders of communication into an almost infinite dimensions like never before. Marketing brilliance pushes new concepts and ideas to the people at break-neck speeds. People are more well-informed and have myriad of choices at an unprecendented levels like never before. What this also means is that people have moved from the "tell-me" to the "show-me" mentality. Shareholders are no longer satisfied with blueprints, but are more interested in implementation plans that translates into shareholder value. Consumers want to be demonstrated the value and sustainable benefits of whatever they are buying into. Citizens want tangible results from the government that they elect into power.


Likewise, the "show-me" mentality applies to spiritual sphere. Rattling off Bible verses and vocally proclaiming in the streets that "Jesus loves you" is no longer cutting edge. Dangerously enough, the surging of new age teachings with demonstrative results to boast have appealing effects. What are we doing in response for the sake of Christ? You may argue that most of us are no Billy Grahams and the thought of evangelism is quite daunting. But Jesus has called all of us to proclaim the gospel. So, the responsibility does not only lie on full-time workers to be front-runners of the gospel. As everyday Christians, we need to realise that the evangelical powerhouse lies within our own Christians livelihood : 1) lifestyle that you lead and 2) the life message that you bring.

Your livelihood hinges heavily on the fact that you love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and that you love others as you love yourself. When these basics are right in place, it radiates through your lifestyle. Your mannerisms, habits, blessings, financial stewardship, relational skills, and the choices that you make reflect how well you uphold these commandments. Your lifestyle speaks volume louder than mere words. Your lifestyle compels people.

Every borned-again Christian has a story to tell. Some may not be the nicest to tell. Most would agree that life in itself is sometimes not the most pleasant thing to endure. We stumble and make mistakes. But there is always the element of Jesus in each of these stories that gives the aura of difference which compels. That makes up the life message that you bring. People need to know that it is alright to stumble. People need to know there is forgiveness and reconciliation. People need to know there is something worthwhile to look forward to. You live message gives hope to people.

The MSG translation of 1Th 1:18 goes like this : Your lives are echoing the Master's Word...The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore - you're the message! By striving righteous livelihood, we are rendering ourselves as a polished mirror that reflects the glory of Christ. It is a foolproof method of evangelism that defeats the "no-action-talk-only" hypocrisy. It is reflective evangelism.

posted by Mel-Vern @ 2:00 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 13, 2006

Our lives' anology to Joseph

There are 4 main theme in Joseph's life :

1) Immaturity
In Genesis 37, Joseph clearly demonstrated that he had a gift of interpretation by God. However, he was foolish about relating his dreams to his siblings and parents and much to his disadvantage, was plotted against by his brothers to get rid of him.

I believe each of us has a unique gift from God. But that doesn't automatically mean that we are immediately wise. At some point in our lives, we too stumbled with our own foolishness. We may have gifts of articulacy, but wrong application results in a venomous sarcasm that destroys the soul. Some have high degree of intelligence, but render ourselves foolish by not seeking God's wisdom.

It's important to note that we are never too far from the glory of God. Joseph didn't lose his gift of interpretation. Likewise, when we respond to God, He will use the gifts He imparted within us mightily for His purpose.

2) Working in a bottomline world
Genesis 39 continues to describe how Joseph goes around in the bottomline world. If you put yourself in a-day-in-a-life of Joseph, you could probably appreciate the something quite familiar and relevant to ours. He has to run his boss' household. Could you imagine the pressure and stress he experience whenever Potiphar wishes to throw a party where all the high profile personalities of Egypt is invited? In our lives, if you are a plant manager, you need to make sure that we run the plant with maximum efficiency, meeting production plans and keep tab on safety records. If you're in finance or accouting, monthly, quarterly and yearly closings are madhouse rush. Those in sales would know what it means to meet volume and margin targets.

Joseph seeks to glorify God. And the Lord bless him, and Potiphar's household because of him. It was mentioned 3 times in verses 2, 21 and 23 that the Lord was with him. Truly, the Lord is always with us too. Like Joseph, when we seek to glorify God, He will bless the works of our hands and it will become blessings to people around us.

However, there are trying times when we are being challenged to our core belief in Christ. Joseph was tempted multiple times, but notice his response in verse 9. He made a decision to walk away. Sometimes we need to do just that if the situation warrants us to do so.

3) Baptism of fire
The time in prison was a time of preparation by God to hone Joseph into the man he will one day become . It was evident that he matured compared to Genesis 37, judging from his response in Gen 40:8, where he says "Do not interpretations belong to God?". Like diamonds, God knows the exact temperature and pressure and time to exert upon on us in order that we mature in Him and become more and more like Him. Proverb 3:11-12 says : My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves. Time is also of the essence. Joseph spent an additional 2 years because the cupbearer forgotten about him.

4) Growing from glory to glory
In Genesis 41, the Bible describes how Joseph rose to power as the Number 2 man of Egypt when he was just 30 years old. By our current standard, 30 is a very young age to be in a position of prominent. Thus Joseph was very successful by that comparison. More importantly, Joseph has significance in his role before God, that is to prepare Egypt for the influx of the Hebrew people into the fertile land of Egypt.

At this point, it is important to remember that when we are successful in our lives, we need to move into the realm of significance where God beckons us. Many of people are successful by material standards, but that doesn't mean anything. What good is a man if he gains the world but loses his soul? Hence, it is inherent that we always seek the Lord's perspective and move according to the pulse of His Spirit.

All of us have experienced the 4 themes above to a certain degree. I am sure you can associate yourself with it. And there is always Christ in you the hope of glory, and know that God is always able to make the best out of the good, the bad and the ugly of our lives. In all things, God works for good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

posted by Mel-Vern @ 10:13 AM 0 comments