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RE-EXAMINING OUR PRACTICE OF CHRISTIANITY

SCRIPTURE READINGS
DEUTERONOMY 4:1-2, 6-9
JAMES 1:17-27
MARK 7:9-16

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Re-examining our practice of Christianity” To Re-examine means to critically reflect or think about something from another perspective, especially because of an expected outcome or end. Re-examining our practice of Christianity means critically reflecting on our application of Christian principles or Biblical teachings to ascertain its impactfulness on our lives and that of society. In other words, we want to embark on an enquiry and measurement of the application of our Christian principles or teaching and its effect or impact on society. In re-examining our practice of Christianity, we shall reflect on the following points.
1. The impactful practice of Christianity is founded on obedience to the Word of God, and obedience produces wisdom and understanding.
2. The impactful practice of Christianity must be holistic.

Firstly, in re-examining our practice of Christianity, we must ask the question of whether or not our practice of Christianity is founded on obedience to the Word of God. The practice of Christianity is impactful when it is founded on the principle of obedience. When we obey the Word of God we grow in wisdom and understanding. For this reason, Moses admonished the Israelites “Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you…Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” (Deuteronomy 4:1,6). Again, James also reiterated obedience to the Word of God when he wrote, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22). Let us not be like the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who knew the law but failed to obey it but rather established deceitful and self-centred traditions against the law and Word of God. Jesus said to them , “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” Mark 7:9,13) Humanly established traditions are opposed to the Word of God. The world continues to promote all manner of abominable acts, which are in sharp contrast to the Word of God. How can we practice Christianity that will make us wise and understanding to overcome the world’s temptations to lead many to Christian enlightenment or the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? The answer is studying and obeying the Word of God in Scripture and the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and not Church traditions and worldly standards. One of the instructions Jesus gave to the disciples in the Great Commission was “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). As we obey the Word of God and become wise and understanding, we shall become the light and salt of the world, and our practice of Christianity shall be impactful as found in Matthew 5:13-16.

Secondly, when we successfully obey the Word of God in gaining wisdom and understanding, our practice of Christianity will be impactful and holistic. Through the application of wisdom and understanding in obeying and practising the Word of God we shall holistically be productive as found in James 1:17-27. For instance, a Christian whose wisdom and understanding come from the knowledge and obedience of the Word of God would be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in him or her (James 1: 19, 21) Again, as a result of our faithful obedience to the Word of God, our impactful and holistic practice of Christianity, we must be productive in controlling our tongues and in our generosity to the poor and vulnerable in society thus, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:26-27) Beloved in the Lord, are people filled with joy and hope when they communicate with us. Do the less privileged and poor feel blessed by our act of generosity? Practical Christianity must be reflected in our communication and good works in society.

In summary, we have learned that the impactful practice of Christianity is founded on obedience to the Word of God, and obedience produces wisdom and understanding. Again, the impactful practice of Christianity must be holistic. May the Holy Spirit empower you to live an impactful practical Christian life through obedience to the Word of God. Amen.