Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Called to be the Light

Philippians 3:7-16

V7 “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

When I was looking around the house, I came across my degrees and plaques that were symbols of my accomplishments.  My name was etched on them, showcasing my achievements for all to see.  But this passage reminds me how foolish I had been.  My earthly pursuits held no value in the eyes of God.

Even within the church, we strive for titles and positions.  Through Sunday School competitions, Diocesan exams, or church positions, we attempt to prove ourselves to others.  However, Christ in His humility shows us a different way.

Instead of amassing possessions, how many of us surrender ourselves to God?  We applaud those who excel in public speaking, but do we lift up the humble amongst us?  Do we seek out those who are suffering in our midst?  We often fail to exemplify this aspect of Christ because there is a cost.  It is uncomfortable.

I often run away from the suffering and pain of this world.  When I promise to pray for others, I pray from afar.  I desire to be like Christ but unwilling to be identified with His humility and suffering.  

We point to the cross but are unwilling to carry our own.  The crosses we choose to carry are fashion accessories around our necks, mere symbols rather than the way of suffering Christ calls us to.  Our faith has been simplified to an intellectual exercise rather than one that directs our thoughts and actions.  

Let us embrace His righteousness.   Let us perish, so that we too may be resurrected in Him.  Let us comprehend that the light we are called to shine is not our own, but the light of Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer
Father God, we thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ.  May the Holy Spirit lead us to recognize our divine calling, to exchange our righteousness for the righteousness of Christ.  Grant us the courage to embrace humility and endure suffering, so that we may identify with Christ and His resurrection.  Let our lives be a testimony to the One who called us.  Amen.

Thought for the Day
Freedom is what we have. Christ has set us free .Stand then as free people and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again  . Gal 5:1

Tom Philip
Redeemer Mar Thoma Church, NJ
            

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more