Pastor Vince’s message this week centred on authenticity in our Christian walk. Within his message he brought in the idea that our lives need to be in harmony with Him who we serve. We are to be in tune with our God and His purposes. I would like to share some reflections on this myself.
Second Corinthians 5, expands this idea: “that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (19-21 NIV).”
“Become the righteousness of God.” Be like He is, be the worldly embodiment of Him – His ambassadors. His vicars (here I use the word in its true meaning – “the image of”), to the world.
If we are reconciled to Him, if we are in harmony with his “image” and His will, we too should be seek that same reconciliation with those around us. Are we seen as the judgmental, intolerant, haters of humanity? Or, are we flawed beings, with our own pasts and struggles, who appreciate that all we are is through his reconciliation with us through Christ’s sacrifice?
Friends, I believe we are the latter, and should be seen as such. “Judge not, lest we be judged.” We should leave the judging to the Father and instead approach our neighbours with love. Yes, with love and forgiveness in our hearts, with the outreaching hand of God and His mercy; and in the end a harmony with both God and our fellow creatures. We can make a difference.
Will you join the chorus today?
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 