SS Thoughts #39: Beauty out of Mud?

It is interesting that many persons indulge in mud masks and mud baths for beauty enhancement, and to feel rejuvenated. Made me think about the lotus flower—which grows in the muddy swamp. It is said that the deeper the mud, the more beautiful the lotus blooms!

The lotus flower was very important in the religion of ancient Egyptians. It was thought to symbolize the sun—because at nightfall it closes and goes beneath the water, and at dawn it climbs up above the water and reopens. Though some other water plants bloom above the water, it is only the lotus, with its strong stem, that regularly rises 8-12 inches above the water. This flower is also one of the most well known symbols of Buddhism—where it is believed that the pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

Hmmm…….. Not quite our theology, but perhaps we can learn a lesson from the lotus…….

We may indeed be mired in the swamp of sin, but we need not remain buried in it. Our trials, and our daily overcoming of them, should make us stronger—so we can rise up and allow some good to emanate from us. Thus we create beauty and happiness wherever we’re planted. And by God’s grace we may draw others towards the One we serve. Draw ME nearer dear Lord, I pray.

[Listen to the words of the Hymn "Draw me nearer", written by Fanny J. Crosby, at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLjuW2Y9G9g

SS Thoughts #38: Rich or Poor? (Developed out of SS remarks 17/10/2015)

A Gallup Poll was once done to find out how much money people thought they needed to earn to consider themselves rich. Everyone had a different number. For example:

Salary	Magic Number
$30,000	$60,000
$50,000	$100,000
$100,000	$200,000

           

Got the picture? The magic number was invariably twice what the person was earning.

What’s the problem? The problem is that “RICH” is a moving target, and no matter how much money we have or make, we will probably NEVER consider ourselves rich.

But consider this…. The internet reports that the top 20% of the global population earns an estimated US $54000 a year, compared to the bottom 20% with just $8500 a year. Not too bad, except if we consider that the global median income is just $1225 a year. Hmmm….

Now consider these examples of ‘rich people’ problems:

·      Can’t decide where to go on vacation

·      Slow internet; computer crashed

·      There’s no signal in this place – my cell phone shows only 1 bar!!

If you’ve had these problems then you are richer than you thought! But categorizing yourself as poor might not be bad, for we are reminded that the love of money is the root of all evil, (1 Tim. 6:10). Consider also the story of the rich young ruler who could not give up his riches for a chance at eternal life, (Matt. 19:16-23)—a good reminder that where your treasure is, your heart will be also, (Matt. 6:21).

What about you? Are you willing to choose Christ over riches? Are YOU willing to give up everything for YOUR chance at eternal life?

Listen to the Aeolians sing “It Pays to Serve Jesus” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnTvwvyi2Tc

How apt is the refrain of this song:

“It pays to serve Jesus, it pays every day,
It pays every step of the way,
Though the pathway to glory may sometimes be drear,
You’ll be happy each step of the way”.

           

                        Frank C. Huston (1909). Copyright: Public Domain

An Addendum: (something interesting I read this morning about the gifts we have been given)

"If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully" (Romans 12:8). 

Ahhhhhhhh.......

SS Thoughts #37: Evangelism: Whose role? (Adapted from SS Remarks – Sept. 19^th 2015)

I asked a pastor and a church elder for their personal definition of evangelism, and this is what I got:

o   Sharing Christ

o   Sharing the good news of the Bible

o   A heavenly commission rooted in Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor”; and further passed on to us in Matthew 28:18-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

So now I’m thinking……

·      Does the responsibility for evangelism rest solely on the pastor? What if there’s a huge evangelistic campaign with a charismatic preacher? Is it only the preacher evangelizing the crowd of attendees? What about the faithful choir director, choir members and ushers? What about persons behind the scene, e.g. the campaign organizers, technical personnel, bible workers, or persons who tirelessly pray for the success of the effort (even from their homes)?

·      Is it possible to influence others for Christ by our life living, or our conduct at the workplace? What if I share with a neighbor (a non-believer), how good God has been to me? What if a young person WhatsApp’s a missing member of their Bible class and encourages them in lesson study? Is this evangelism?

Simply put, evangelism is multifaceted and wide-ranging. And the job is yours and mine! As a pastor reminded me on a post, our mandate is to “preach Christ, and if necessary use words", (quote from Francis of Assisi). Won’t you accept the challenge? Won't you help to make sure the good news of the gospel is shared in every part of the world - thereby hastening the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?