Read Matthew 5:14 -16
The world population in 1 AD is estimated at about 150 Million people. Published estimates for the 1st century ("AD 1") suggest uncertainty of the order of 50% (estimates range between 150 and 330 million). Who would have believed then that a movement that started with 12 people, would include 1/3rd of world population in 2021 or 2.38 Billion people?
This kind of growth is not possible to sustain unless we, as followers, become that light on the hill that Christ talked about. We need to be active points of dissemination of God's word through our attitudes, behaviors and lifestyle, and lastly His witnesses. We need to become living witnesses to the word. So how do we do that? I think a four dimensional change and practice is needed in each of us.
1. Change our attitude towards fellow men. It matters not that our theology maybe perfect yet our attitude is negative to others, within and outside the immediate circle or family. We need to show compassion to fellow men, as our Lord did. Compassion is not only what you may think but it literally means “to suffer together, in thought word and deed. Its not what you do behind the curtains for someone, like praying for them, but also how we treat people around us. Its a great temptation to put people down around us - so that we stand tall and we all do it, some more and some less. . But it is not what Christ did. Contrary to what we do, He humbled Himself to His followers among whom He was anyway standing tall.
2. Practice what we preach, otherwise we are liars - and untrustworthy and no one looks up to an untrustworthy person. . The way one can do this is strengthen the mind and the day with the scripture. Take it as God's word for the day. The Old Testament teaches us what not to do while Christ taught us what to do. We can cover ourselves with the Word. On top of that, pray for the day, for challenges, for fellow men and women, for careers, for family etc. Pray for strength to do what God tells us to do. Remember, It took Jesus great courage and sweat of blood to do what He was asked by God the Father to do. Religiously practice the two commandments Christ gave us - "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. ' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Now lets ask ourselves - would I do that to me?
3. Maintain a stable mind. What causes instability of mind leading to sinfulness? Simply our thoughts and actions, brought on by perceptions and fear. Both of these are FUDs (we have talked about this earlier). But Prayer is what can provide the even keel. "If your right eye has caused you to sin, gouge it out". Kill thoughts of temptations, sins, anger, revenge. How? By prayer. Prayer is the key. Fear is another source of instability - and can only be fought through scripture and prayer.
4. Hope. Our life on this earth is to create hope. Hope and faith go hand in hand. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope Our Christian life is based on these two. Do we spread hope? Do we spread faith in that hope? Of are we consistent pessimists, discouraged and discouraging.
These are the four basic needs of anyone to look up and follow us. For us to become that light on the Hill. If we can demonstrate these four attributes, which Christ Jesus did and taught us as well, we will be that lamp which is kept high on the stand to illuminate others. I know one can say I practice the first and the second, but am weak in the three. Well, we need to be strong in all four to be effective.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place".
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