Pleasant Surprise

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV


I always appreciate a little encouragement along the way, and somehow I don’t think I am alone in that, because we all need to be encouraged from time to time. Where do you find your support, or does it fall by surprise into your lap? It can be either or both!


Only after reading and applying the Word of God from the Bible which must always come first, if you are like me you might use some online devotionals from well known, reliable and respected church leaders. There are so many out there, but not all you find are good for you. Some peddle error, especially for the younger mind.


Imagine my surprise to come across a young teenager whose thoughts are set out in a clear, Bible based, sincere manner. For me it was an even more pleasant surprise because it transpires that I know this young Christian, but what I didn’t know was just how well she passes on the Word of God in her own simple, yet profound way. Now I watch for her next posting. I won’t embarrass her by giving her name, but once again I am reminded of the truth of our verse today. Just because you are young does NOT mean your thoughts are less important or profound than any other person of more mature years, and I place myself in the ‘more mature years’ category.


We are each given gifts, and I am glad to see this particular gift being used for the Kingdom. You know who you are, and I for one want to publicly thank, and encourage you to carry on. I hope your friends, family, and even those you don’t know (yet) will find you and be encouraged by your heart. After all, it’s important to ‘spreadthegdnews’!

Accustomed to Darkness

"We don't hate sin enough to get upset at the wickedness and godlessness around us. Bombarded as we are by so much media evil and violence, we've gotten accustomed to the darkness" – C S Lewis

If you were at our church last Sunday, you will have heard Pastor deliver a thought provoking message. As part of his material, he used the quote above by C S Lewis. (You can hear this message by clicking on the link on the Welcome Page until the end of this week!) C S Lewis was at his height of writing in the 1950's, and if he was worried about our concept of sin then, it stands to reason as Christians, we have more cause to worry now.

Our world is bombarded by sin, and sinful lifestyles. We only have to cast our minds back a few years to note the difference in things which affect us most. Things like, movie content, explicit song lyrics, TV shows and yes even before the so called watershed time of 9pm, Newspapers with page 3 as their main selling point, pornographic magazines on open display in newsagents, the pop video which is now almost wholly based on sex, the rampant rise of HIV/STDs/morning after pill. I'm sure you can add to this list. The age group most likely to be influenced and affected in all of these areas are, yes you've guessed it, the young! Next question is, who has been responsible for putting young minds in harms way? Answer, the older generation who have sleep walked into their slow acceptance of sin and sinful lifestyle as being ok, and doing no harm!

I think we face a crossroads in our churches and in our nation, in that order. The responsibility of morality, and the law of right and wrong, lies with our churches. If we cannot trust them to preach and teach the gospel of Christ, something is far wrong. We should lead by example, and if that light is hidden, we have no right or ability to show sin for what it is. There is no doubt that some of our mainstream churches are having to face up to real challenges of morality. Some will fail. The chickens have come home to roost. We have let the rot go deep. I think we either lie down to the idea of sin being a serious problem to deal with and do nothing, or we each take some kind of responsibility to make a difference in our own lives, and those we influence. We all influence some others, be it among a large number of friends, or to a small family group. I wonder what others see us as? I wonder what they think of our tolerance of sin? Lastly, I wonder if we care enough? 

Dissimulation

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:9-10 (KJV)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10 (NIV)

I like the language and sentiment of the King James version of these verses, although the NIV says it better in today's language. The unmistakeable theme is sincerity. The idea of true sincerity (NIV) being likened to the simulation of sincerity (KJV) cannot have missed you. I took the time to look up the word in the original text, and the word 'hypocrisy' jumped out at me. I detest that word, and the implications it conveys. This word is almost exclusively reserved for Christians, as seen through the eyes of the skeptic or unbeliever, so it has a real barb for those of who are serious about living the best life we can for the Lord. It is a description we should try to avoid at all costs, as it can do untold damage to the growth of God's Kingdom here on this earth!

I remember the first time I heard these verses, or at least the first time they stuck with me, and they were given in the King James language. “Don't let your (brotherly) love be a sham, or an embarrassment” was the way it was preached, and the concept took hold. I will be the first to own up to missing the mark so very often, but I have become more aware of its importance, in me and my fellow Christians, as time has passed. I think it is easier, much easier, so see this insincerity in others, than in ourselves. So, that's where a good friend comes in. One that can tell you what they see, but without either of you being offended, or embarrassed. Such friends are few, but essential. I pray you and I, have at least one!