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REFLECTION

“Words that unlock and reveal the Kingdom values” is the theme for our reflection. To unlock and reveal is to enlighten or make a person aware of a hidden fact. Kingdom values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate the attitudes or actions of Christians. Jesus unlocks and reveals five important facts or values that pleases God. We are greatly encouraged to abide by these Kingdom values.

• First, God is not pleased if we become stumbling blocks in the lives of others or cause them to sin against God. “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves. (Luke 17:1-3). In other words, we are being admonished not to become a source of temptation to others. Do not lure others into sin or be a bad example or influence in the lives of others lest you face the wrath of God. Parents must make sure that they do not become bad examples to their children. We should be careful not to lure the younger ones into sexual immorality, drug addiction and other unproductive or destructive acts. Again, an act may not be immoral, yet it may be detrimental to the spiritual formation of other believers. Paul addressed this issue when he wrote to the Christians in Corinth, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. “1 Corinthians 8:9-13) In other words, we must refrain from doing things that will have adverse effect on the spiritual growth or faith of those who look up to us in their Christian or spiritual journey. Again, as parents, church leaders and disciples of Christ, we must be circumspect in our dealings because others are directly or indirectly affected by our actions and inactions.
  
• Second, God is pleased with us if we forgive others and live in love, peace and harmony with them. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” (Luke 17:3-4). We are admonished to follow the perfect example of Christ in forgiving those who offend us. The number of times we are to forgive those who offend us is limitless. It is for this reason Jesus Himself said on the cross “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Paul’s admonishment to the Christians in Ephesus is worth our attention and application when he wrote, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). We are further encouraged by Paul when he wrote to the Christians in Rome, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21) Dear friend, it is time to let go of the grudges of the past, forgive those who have offended you and let God be pleased with you.
  
• Third, Faith is important in our walk with God; with faith, God can empower us to do that which is humanly impossible. The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. (Luke 17:5-6). Again Jesus assures us that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26). We are further emboldened by the words of the writer of Hebrews when he wrote “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). Dear friend in the Lord, let’s not allow doubt, fear or anxiety to render us faithless.
  
• Fourth, our ability to serve God is a privilege and by grace, therefore, we must learn to give all the glory and honour to God and not ourselves, for we are only servants who continue to do that which we have been saved and called by grace to do. It is for this reason, Jesus said “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke 17:10) Our motivation for serving God must come from a deep sense of duty. We must not be discouraged when others fail to acknowledge our good works but be greatly emboldened by the admonishment of Paul to the church of Corinth when he wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
  
• Last but not least, God is pleased with us when we live a life of gratitude. Showing appreciation to God for His grace, mercy, and love is an act of faith that pleases God and also opens doors of deliverance and miracles in our lives. Jesus said to the only foreigner among the ten men who were healed by Him, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19)

Dear friend, if we develop the habit of applying the aforementioned Kingdom values and continue to read and study Scripture daily, we shall live a life that is pleasing to God. Again, we shall live a purpose-driven and fulfilled life to the glory of God. Shalom

PRAYER
Almighty God, may Your will be done in our lives even as we purpose in our hearts to please You all the days of our lives. Amen.