As the dramatic scene of the year 2021 continue to fold up and its door gradually closes, some mind racking questions were thrust upon us in the early hours of this week that ends the year, that is worth meditating over:
What do we value so much in life? Where is our treasure? Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Does our lives line up with what we value and treasure?
Is our choice of treasure worth our time and devotions? Will it stand the test of time and eternity?
How do we react when our prayers seem to have gone unanswered?
How has culture and the expectation of the world around us influenced the realization of those treasures?
How has the culture and the tradition of men influenced the teaching of the words of God?
As we prepare for a fresh chapter of this upcoming year, it is essential that we review the purpose of the Church. In the recent time, the church universal has suffered all kind of ailments, from persecution and confusion to deception and distraction. Yet the world needs the true God of the true Church. Sometimes, when we get used to a system, we begin to lose value for it.
The Church is a place where we bring our burdens and brokenness before God. In return, we receive strength, comfort, and hope as we reference God in the spirit of brokenness. It is not about us being in the Church, but about God working in us to do His will and yield to His way. When we approach God with a sense of I have it all, we will always come back empty-handed. The repetition of that cycle can be very detrimental to our faith. Someone once said “I dont need God for anything. I have never being to church nor asked Him for anything and I have everything I needed”. Only if she could hear the counsel of Christ that: “…a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses” Luke 12:15b. There are more to life.
Obviously, not all churches are God’s churches. So, it’s ok to change church if the church has lost the purpose a church serves. However, it should not be the case that we are looking for a church that accommodates our sins and make us comfortable in the path of destruction.
The Church is not a club for entertainment. It is a place where both sinners and saints come to seek God in the spirit of humility. When we silence the church of God with our influence and traditions, we may be doing ourselves a lot of harm.
In the new year, we can’t afford to put the cart before the horse. We must allow God to take His rightful place in our life and in our various place of worship. We must endeavor to sincerely “seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually” 1Chronicles 16:11.
Things will always happen every year. But those that put their trust in God will not be put to shame. Here is the word of the Lord to His people which we should take with us into the new year: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. ~ Psalm 18:30
Happy New Year in Advance!
LIVING WORDS OF LIFE 