Disclaimer: This is a sketch of the thoughts forming in my head regarding christians and their purpose in life.I have to apologise that I havent got any Bible verses for referencing or back-up, but ill just attempt to use what I understand. These are my thoughts, not to be confused with authoritative teachings of the Bible.
Q: Does that mean that if we're somewhat unproductive; not doing any ministry, not really trying to glorify God much, we might as well die? Is it only because you can do good to others (the way Paul could in Phillipians) that we shouldnt suicide?
My simple thought is, we were chosen not because we were the greatest of nations, rather we were the least. It was only because of God's mercy and grace. Unproductivity seems irrelevant in the bigger scheme of things.
The extended thought :
Firstly I understand that God is love, and that He has always been in a relationship (with the Son and the Holy SPirit i.e. the Trinity Relationship Circle, TRC). And He wants to extend this relationship to us. So one of the reasons He created us is to be in relationship with Him. As a christian, Jesus lives in us and we in Him. Plus, we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms. Also, we are given the Holy Spirit which means we're pretty much in the TRC. Of course we need to actively seek to be in relationship with God as well, but its quite hard to be a non-nominal christian and not have a degree of relationship with God. If we are in relationship with Him, then we are fulfilling one of our purposes thus all is not completely lost.
Now I understand from Unit 1 of theMoore
However, if ministry really weighs on your mind, the (faith - deeds = dead faith) equation is ringing in your head and you're not convinced that just by being a christian is glorifying God, then read Ephesians 2:4-10:
Q: Does that mean that if we're somewhat unproductive; not doing any ministry, not really trying to glorify God much, we might as well die? Is it only because you can do good to others (the way Paul could in Phillipians) that we shouldnt suicide?
My simple thought is, we were chosen not because we were the greatest of nations, rather we were the least. It was only because of God's mercy and grace. Unproductivity seems irrelevant in the bigger scheme of things.
The extended thought :
Firstly I understand that God is love, and that He has always been in a relationship (with the Son and the Holy SPirit i.e. the Trinity Relationship Circle, TRC). And He wants to extend this relationship to us. So one of the reasons He created us is to be in relationship with Him. As a christian, Jesus lives in us and we in Him. Plus, we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms. Also, we are given the Holy Spirit which means we're pretty much in the TRC. Of course we need to actively seek to be in relationship with God as well, but its quite hard to be a non-nominal christian and not have a degree of relationship with God. If we are in relationship with Him, then we are fulfilling one of our purposes thus all is not completely lost.
Now I understand from Unit 1 of the
However, if ministry really weighs on your mind, the (faith - deeds = dead faith) equation is ringing in your head and you're not convinced that just by being a christian is glorifying God, then read Ephesians 2:4-10:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
1) It is by grace we have been saved (not by works)
2) we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (relationship)
3) God has prepared in advance good works for us to do (read: God's word may grind slowly but it grinds finely. What He has ordained will happen, and you will do good works whether you see it or not)
I think what I'm trying to say is that, there is no good reason for christians to think they should die just because they dont seem to be doing enough for God. You can never do enough for Him, and its not like He needs us to do things for Him. Rather, He delights in letting us work alongside with Him. And it is a privilege, as tiring as it gets.
2) we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (relationship)
3) God has prepared in advance good works for us to do (read: God's word may grind slowly but it grinds finely. What He has ordained will happen, and you will do good works whether you see it or not)
I think what I'm trying to say is that, there is no good reason for christians to think they should die just because they dont seem to be doing enough for God. You can never do enough for Him, and its not like He needs us to do things for Him. Rather, He delights in letting us work alongside with Him. And it is a privilege, as tiring as it gets.
For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:7-8
3 comments:
don't we also have God's creation to enjoy and tend to?
yeh :P
sally ann!! :D *hearts*
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