Heralds Digest

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6 NKJV) A careful man will suspend the celebration of the start of a worthwhile project until its completion. Experience often teach the reality of human limitation and the futility of its prowess in the face of principality. However, engagement in every work that is initiated by God comes with confidence that completion is guaranteed. Such was the evidence of grace in the life of the Philippians, among whom Apostle Paul had laboured before his incarceration. Whether physically in chain or pain, we can experience real joy based on the evidence of God's grace - the real good work - in all affairs of life.

"Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." (Romans 16:17 NKJV) There is a virtue and a deposit of grace upon every redeemed soul that cannot be replicated with rubies or the riches of this world. This is the virtue of love that covers multiple of sins (offenses). While diversity in the demonstration of human attributes among brethren is expected, it is the self-centered nature of the heart that prevents anyone from abiding in the doctrine of love. When the relevance of self is not focused, the riches of the work of grace in the life of all the creatures of God become evident. Unfortunately, the promotion of division among brethren, by belittling the contributions of others, is the consistent attempt to place relevance at the centre of self. Only wise followers of Christ accept the call to the doctrine of love, and refuse the temptation to follow self-centered promoters.

"...that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints." (Romans 15:31 NKJV) It is natural to expect appreciation from every good gesture; but consistent sowing of good seeds will be impossible with uncertain wind of appreciation. If Apostle Paul could offer prayer for security in service to sinners, and a petition for acceptance in service to saints, it is obvious that he needed no motivation in order to serve the Lord. Rather than the reward-seeking dedication of service, free-flowing service cherishes the opportunity of laying aside a little out of the remnant of a wasted life in sin, prior to catching a glimpse of the mercy of God. After all, a free-flowing service is an evidence of a fresh-glowing grace in the heart of man.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NKJV) The only thing that readily excite self is the pleasurable happenings, and not the unending hoping. Hope defers breed boredom, especially when self's desires are unfulfilled. However, when we look a little deeper than self's glorious expectation from all engagements in life, heart's restlessness become outdated. We all need the grace of God to pass self and its unreasonable demands.

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (Romans 14:19 NKJV) Ascension into the presence of God is the priority of all who love the Lord. Yet, the demand for clean hands and pure hearts often invite the diverse interpretation of the faithful. Although it is logical to adopt a separatist lifestyle in order to avoid contamination, the pursuit of clean hands before God is impossible without the practice of peace with fellow men. It is not the accommodation of people's understanding about the circumstances of life that defiles the heart. Hearts are disconnected when education is given priority over edification. The pursuit of peace, especially with people who are called within the same neighbourhood with us, is the priority of fellowship in the love of God.

"He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks." (Romans 14:6 NKJV) Dominion over time and space on earth is designed as inherent responsibility of man, and not an accidental privilege within his existence. When the focus of all of man's engagements is God, the detail of the embodied activities cannot deviate from the worship of the Lord. The secret of a life of total dominion is open to those who acknowledges that their secret motives are open to God. Therefore, it makes no sense to argue on every motion in life, when acquaintance with the God of heaven, who rules over motives behind the motion, is compromised. Unlike religious motions, dominion lifestyle is patterned by righteous motives and the worship of God as the only essence of its existence.

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:14 NKJV) Provision of the flesh includes attractive decorations with regalia that command dignity and respect. The only problem is that the pressure to provide these decorations often expose the heart to danger. Whether intentioned or provoked, every engagement in unrighteousness underscores the practice of evil. While others may be careless about rules, believers are called to walk properly, in holiness and righteousness. Unless we accept to be fully covered by Jesus Christ, we cannot be free from all appearance of evil and attractions to unrighteousness.