Growth and Development
Growth and development have been on our minds a lot recently and were the basis for a large part of the discussion at last week’s business meeting. As predicted in the book of Revelation, Christianity is under attack. Political Correctness and Health and Safety seem to be designed to thwart it’s spread. Works of the Devil are hidden in seemingly rational thinking and apparently caring attitudes, common sense is manipulated to his purposes. We could just ignore these things but then we would not be following the Biblical instructions to obey the law of the land (Rom. 13:1-7 and Matt. 12:15-22). So how do we fulfil the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:16-20)?
I believe we should show the presence of the Spirit in every atom of our being in everything we do. It should just ooze from us as we go about our daily tasks; it is not something to be switched on and off. I have said before there are no part time Christians and everything we do will reflect on our Father. We know we are sinners and we are not perfect but we must not compound the sin by trying to cover up or talk our way out of it. We need to confess to the Lord and make sure those around us know we are truly contrite but still loved, otherwise we risk being labelled hypocrites and doing more harm than good. We must witness to the wonderful gift of salvation we received through the Blood of Christ, freely given for us.
Our God is not some imperious despot demanding our obedience and punishing us if we do not do his whim, He has felt what we feel and knows temptation, He willingly took on a human form and died an agonising death for us. He did not have to do so, He could have used His power and struck down His accusers, removed Himself from the cross, destroyed those who mocked and abused Him but he did not, He remained fully human and gave his life in a most agonising way, for our salvation.
I was watching a television programme about a man trying to form a choir in an area of social deprivation. Everyone he spoke to agreed something needed to be done but none of them actually did it and most derided him for trying. I feel this is how the churches are at present, no one is willing to make the first change, enthusiasm is at a low ebb.
I have forgotten why Bob M was talking about embryos last Sunday lunchtime but it also made me think. All vertebrate embryos look the same in the very early stages of development but deep within each cell is the DNA that dictates how they will develop. Outside influences such as radiation can affect and damage this process. Any group of people is the same, everyone was created by God and known to Him before birth (Jer. 1:5) but not all accept His Love and some will, therefore, perish. If we can tap into and strengthen that Christian core we will see the renewal and growth for which we long.
Fish were also mentioned, again I know not why, but again they fit the metaphor. Goldfish will grow only as big as their container can support. Take one from a bowl and put it in a pond and it will increase in size. That is what we want to see happen in the church. As Bob is always saying “what happens cannot and will not be contained by four walls”. Let us all concentrate on being constant witnesses to our Lord’s grace and watch His Kingdom grow as we forget our own plans and obey His will.
