Kingdom Response II: THINGS I

Kingdom Response to Things  I

Genesis 1:28 

God put rich deposits of natural resources on earth. People use the natural resources  to make goods and services that  meet their needs for survival, fulfillment and worship.   This message refers to the natural resources and the goods, experiences and services from them as THINGS. 

Why talk about THINGS instead of just helping people with their souls. The fact is what you do with things affects your soul. People easily are attached to things because in them  they see answers to their needs.  THINGS are not blessings unless accompanied with ability to use them responsibly. Things become resources to one with resourcefulness to put them to benefit. People relate with things in three ways, notably, things shared in a community, things in private possession and things in wishes and dreams. It is vital for believers to learn how to respond to things at these three levels in a godly way. The manner in which believers respond to things has a bearing on their spiritual and general well-being.  Unhealthy attitudes or responses to things possessed or desired provide landing and lodging for evil strongholds in life.  Curses that came on Adam rode on his attachment to things. He was attracted through the desire to satisfy his senses of sight, pleasure and pride.  In the end, he chose things to obeying God (Genesis 3). This diversion from obedience to things is what Jesus came to reverse. Jesus came to bring God back into the picture and correctly project him as the answer to all human  needs. When  attached to God nothing else can stick on you and nothing else is worth sticking to. Jesus’ message is if you let me set you free from attachment to things, you will be free indeed.    As long as you are not detached from things, you are not free to direct things towards the glory of God. Instead, they pull you away from glorifying him.

Money is a means to acquire things or a proxy for things. It is therefore sought after so passionately that the bible gives a caution (1 Timothy 6:10).  It is futile to attempt to solve the problem of money without addressing the issue of love for things because people do not eat, drive or live in money but love it for what it can afford.  Like money, things are good but loving things is the root of evil.  After God created things, he evaluated and saw that they were good (Genesis 1:31).

God is the owner of things (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8; Colossians 1:16, 17).  God spoke natural things found on earth into being. In the same way, he can direct things to meeting your needs. What God says does not only communicate a message but carries self-fulfilling power.  He created them in their variety of  forms, abundance and renewability.  He created light, water, atmosphere, seas, sea creatures, land, minerals, rivers, vegetation, time, and birds, animals and birds with ability to reproduce  (Genesis 1:3-20).

He then created and placed Adam and Eve over what he had created to Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion  (Genesis 1:28; 2:15).  He gave them responsibility, rights/freedoms  and power over what remained his.  Their mandate was to:

-          To reproduce/multiply. What God gave was a beginning and a nucleus with ability to multiply. The instruction to Adam was to increase in number and to share all God given things and responsibilities. The increased numbers would need to be organized. This was therefore also a mandate to  develop social order.

-          To replenish.  What God gave was seed to be grown, cared for, and sustained. God gives seed and people are his multipliers. Adam was to maintain the original purpose for which things were created. He was to take care of the things.  God has interest in how people look after their environment and things they own. God instructed Adam do not let things go down and put in him ability to make things become better than when he found them.

-          To subdue / have dominion.  Adam and Eve were to bring out the potential benefit in things and combination of things. Natural resources are often not forms that meet all human needs. They were invited to go on a journey of discovering how to make their lives better. Everything God made presented an opportunity to find out the treasure hidden in it. God gave them wisdom, creativity and authority to make secondary forms of things. He gave them ability to understand the laws of nature and science and know how to produce what would meet human needs for survival and service to him. Dominion therefore is living without fear, working and taking care of things God has put under your personal and corporate care (Genesis 2, 15).

-          To enjoy and acknowledge God. All the things God created and gives so richly are to be enjoyed (1 Timothy 6:17b). 

Creation reveals God’s attributes such as:

His glory. All creation was made for the purpose of show the power and wonderfulness of God. They find their proper use in serving the purpose of God. Any other use is abuse.  By abusing things humanity created enmity between things and God but Jesus came to reconcile all things back to God (Colossians 1:20). God created the whole earth and its fullness to point to himself and bring people closer to him. Through things as seeing through a lens people ought to see God. As with a lens if all you see and are drawn to is the lens then the lens or your sight has gone dirty (Psalm 91:1-3).

His love/generosity.  All natural and other resources point to the providence/generosity of the giver. He gave it all for people to use. He must be a loving and caring God. 

His grace. He is also a gracious God because even after the fall he lets both the righteous and the unrighteous access his provisions (Luke 6:35).

His riches/abundance. God lacks nothing and can do all things. If he is able to give away so much how much more does he have?    

To respond to things in a godly way and fulfill the God given mandate:

1) Think like a manager.

Acknowledge that all things belong to God. He entrusts you with things and gives you power to make them so that you to invest and use them for his profit.  In the parable of the talents (Mathew 25:13-30), a man left talents to his three servants before going to a far country.   He gave them five talents, two talents and one respectively.  He also gave them ability to make profit (Deuteronomy 8:17-19; Job 1:10). On his return, he commended the two who had made profit for him.  Managers at some point give an account to the owners. The job of managers is to make profit for the shareholders. God as the owner of all things expects to receive his profit also when he comes. The profit is insignificant to his already existing wealth but significant to the wealth it brings faithful servant.

The servant who had received one talent thought evil of the master and hid the talent. He was so much afraid of losing the one talent and attached himself to it. He also had such mistrust of the master that most likely, even if he had invested the one talent he would not have presented it to the master suspecting he might just take it away. The master instructed that the one talent be taken away from him and be given to someone who made profit (Mathew 25:28).  Not only that it cost him his soul and landed him in outer darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth (Mathew 25:30). As for those who made and presented profit to the master, they lost nothing. In fact, they were made rulers over many more things (Mathew 25:23).  From the context Mathew 25:29 reads, For unto every one that [has profit] shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has [no profit] shall be taken away even that which he hath.

2) Think like a farmer.

A farmer understands the principle of faith, sowing and reaping. To raise his level of harvest he knows he must work on his level of sowing. In handling things, you also need to know that raising standard of giving comes from raising standard of giving.  Giving is like sowing. It brings a harvest. Sowing is releasing something from you for the cause of the gospel and your provision. Attachment to things is broken by giving. What you receive from God is seed. God gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. The farmer is willing to put seed he could have eaten into the ground. He is willing to trust the weather will be favorable. He is willing to work and wait patiently through the process of cultivation.  Cultivation is a miracle happening over time through prayer, obedience, faith, investment, trade, work, relationships, etc. When you give therefore, be prepared to be patient and hold fast to your profession of faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23). When you murmur and complain about your past ‘unfruitful’ giving or the delayed harvest, you dig out the seed and destroy the harvest.

The abundance in heaven is waiting for something to come from you to escort it to you. When you release your little God releases his much. Sowing is exchanging one thing for something better. When God wants to increase what you have, he talks to you about giving. If you sow sparingly, you will also reap sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6).  If you sow bountifully God is able to make ALL grace abound to you so that ALL the time you will have ALL sufficiency in ALL things and abound in ALL good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Being enriched in ALL things to ALL bountifulness (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Two basic ways to give to God’s work are tithes and offerings.   Tithe is the first, best and complete 10% of what God gives you, which belongs to him and ought to be returned.  Offering is any other giving to God’s work. Tithing is a Biblical principle from which Christians benefit immensely. Tithing was there before the law of Moses (Genesis 14:17-29; 28:22). Tithing was there under the law (Leviticus 14:17-20; 2 Chronicles 31:5; Malachi 3:8-12; Proverbs 3:9, 10).  Tithing is also there after the law (Mathew 5:17).  The reasons for which it was given in Old testament still apply – the church has financial needs. The principle of Gods work supported by the giving of God’s people still holds.  In addition, if under the law 10% was expected, under grace everything is expected. So tithe is only the minimum we should give to God’s work (Mark 12:43-44; Acts 5:3-4. Mathew 23:23).

Harvest is what you spend on your self and seed is what you give in obedience to God. The enemy wants you to think you have nothing. It is a lie. Everyone has seed. There cannot be a harvest when there has not been sowing.

      

3) Think like an stranger/alien/Ambassador.

This world is not your home and you do not have much time. You will leave all things behind. You however have the option to invest for eternal returns by giving especially to God’s work.  When billionaire John D.  Rockefeller died, many were curious to know the amount he had left behind.  When asked the accountant’s answer was, ‘He left all of it’.   Things are not yours. Naked you came naked you will go.  During the time of David, people gave generously and willingly for the temple of the Lord (1 Chronicles 29:9-15). Their secret was they acknowledged God, they submitted to him and new they were strangers/sojourners on earth. 

As Jesus taught, lay not for yourselves treasures on earth but in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Mathew 6:19-21).

THINGS will be destroyed. ‘But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night ; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise , and the elements shall melt with fervent heat , the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).’ Use things to build people, please and serve God.  Peter warned that if you were attached to things you would burn with them.

This message is part of a series on how to respond to factors in your environment in a godly way. God wants you to have RESPONSE - ABILITY. The last message was about response to cultures. This message begins looking at response to resources. The response to resources is covered in three messages -  things/money (I and II) and time (III). This is message I.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Kingdom Response I: Cultural Diversity II

Kingdom Response I: Cultural Diversity II

Every believer lives within a culture (s) and has to relate cross culturally. The 21st Century is characterized by high migration and mingling of people with differing cultures.    The challenge of harmonious co-existence of people from different economic, social, ethnic, religious, opinion or educational backgrounds is a reality here to stay.    Believers must therefore learn to shine the light of Christ and share his love to diverse cultures.  Do you struggle with relating to other people especially those unlike you? You are not alone. Many struggle but you have no choice but to win the struggle by developing good interpersonal and cross-cultural relationships.

We have an amazing story to tell that Jesus came to redeem not just individuals but their cultures as well (John 3:16; Revelation 5:8).  He commissioned his people to reach all people groups (Genesis 12:3; Mathew 28:18-20). He also promised that the gospel would be preached to all people groups before the end comes (Mathew 24:14; Revelation 14:6).  The end result will be the gathering of an innumerable multitude made up of all nations, kindreds, peoples and tongues all dressed in white robes worshiping before the throne of God in heaven (Revelation 7:9; Philippians 2:10, 11). The church of Jesus Christ builds bridges between people and cultures.

Culture is shared patterns of learned behavior distinguishing individuals, families, tribes, and ethnicities.  The people share a way of life that includes customs, language, and traditions of politics, economics or religion.  Cultures derive from shared values, beliefs and superstitions about life. The values influence how people view factors such as the existence of God, identity, origins, purpose, destiny, power, time, relationships, work and risk. For example, some cultures more readily believe in the supernatural than others do.  When a cow talks they listen to what it has to say than argue about whether cows can talk or not.  Other differences include that some cultures associate owls with witchcraft while others associate the bird with wisdom.  In some cultures, not looking someone in the eye is being respectful while to other cultures it is a sign of being a shy person.  Some remove shoes when they go into houses others do not have to.  The list of citable examples is endless.

The following are ways in which cultures affect faith practice and how believers can respond. 

In General - Follow the example of our Lord Jesus (Refer to http://wordoers.blogspot.com/2014/05/kingdom-response-i-cultural-diversity.html )

Adopt a positive attitude to the differences of people around you. Difference does not mean deficiency but the beginning of synergy.  Jesus broke down cultural barriers to reach down to humanity (Philippians 2:4-11).  You are called to share the love of God that transcends all cultures (Ephesians 4:15). 

In Witnessing – Draw lessons from the example of Paul when he preached in Athens to people of a culture different from his (Acts 17:22-34).  Jesus came to redeem sinners and their cultures. He reconciled people back to God and gave them the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18; Mathew 5:9).  Paul recognized this role and in response to God’s commission preached the good news of the cross and repentance in the power of the Holy Spirit and in contextually relevant ways (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 9:22).  He viewed culture as a vehicle/tool for communicating the gospel.  Often the main barrier to effective communication of the gospel is the use of cultural forms that do not fit the culture of the intended audience.

Paul had just escaped danger to his life in Thessalonica and Berea. He found himself in Athens where he waited for his companions to join him. While there, he studied the culture. He observed carefully the norms and symbols of the Athenians. He learnt the city was home to renowned brilliant thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Sophocles. The people had an appetite for new ideas and had places and avenues to communicate and debate ideas. Athens was given to idolatry and immorality. Some say it was easier to find an idol than a person in Athens.  Unlike Yahweh, who is present everywhere presence of idols has to be improvised by producing many and placing them everywhere. 

Paul could have written his companions, Timothy and Silas to say, ‘Don't bother coming here. I am finding my way back because there are only idols in Athens.’ Instead, he sought opportunity to make the difference. Instead, he looked for bridges to connect with the Athenians. His interest was drawn to an inscription on one of their altars -  TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. He saw in the inscription a clue on how to reach the Athenians with the gospel. He announced that he shared the same God with them (Acts 17:23). The only difference was that the God was unknown to them and he was pleased to present him.  It may not have solved all his problems but it certainly got their attention and facilitated communication.  The witness for Christ is responsible for gospel clarity not the response of people watching or listening.

LESSON: The communication keys to solving the challenges of relating with a culture are found from within the culture. Similarly, the keys to solving relational challenges with a person different from you in any way is found in finding what in their life can bring a common understanding or ground. To relate cross culturally you need to be  a student of the cultures you interact with. Also, realize that key aspects of culture are language and leaders.  If you are foreign in a predominant culture, therefore, learn the language and raise leaders of the local culture. In fishing the correct bait is determined by knowledge of what the fish like not what the fisher likes.  To begin with, any form of appreciation, love, wisdom and service to the people will help to form common ground with them (Mathew 5:16; Luke 10:25-28).

In Faith Practice – Draw lessons from the example of Gideon in dealing with challenges from your own culture (Judges 6:22-27).   Believers have to deal with their culture in practicing their faith in Jesus Christ.  Some specific cultural issues are encountered at important junctures of life such as birth, passage to adulthood, marriage, and death.

On one hand, some throw away every semblance of their culture in search of a new godly culture. By doing so, they only end up embracing a culture from elsewhere such as the western culture instead of theirs.  They fail to realize that the gospel is seed to be expressed/grown in soil of any culture. That is why for example there is no ‘Christian Africans’ but ‘African Christians’. The sinful nature of humanity mars all human cultures.  Every culture is therefore tainted with sin and no cultures or people groups are superior to others.

On the other hand,  people hold on to everything from their cultures and profess to be Christians, but underneath they are still idol-worshippers who for example rely on ancestral spirits, traditional rituals, or charms for protection.  In the end, they are compromised. They lose the essence of both the new life in Christ and the old life in traditional worship forms. 

Therefore, while some go too far others fail to go far enough in embracing their cultures.  In order for Gideon to follow God’s plan for his life he had to do two things.

1) He was to destroy his father’s altars. These altars represented aspects in his culture that directed worship away from Yahweh.  He obeyed and had to face hostility from his own people for doing so.   Every culture has aspects that demand that believers take a stand for the truth in God’s word with boldness, humility  and love. Jude 3 instructs believers to earnestly contend for  the faith.  God gives wisdom and covering whenever you take a stand for the truth of his word. Be gracious when you are misunderstood.

2) He was to employ ashera poles from his father’s altar in making a new altar to the living God (Judges 6:26).   These poles represent features of a culture that are not inconsistent with God’s word and should be retained or redeemed. Such cultural practices are redeemed when their purpose is redirected towards worshiping God and serving his purposes. You can live differently while culturally you look similar.  Ashera poles take the form of clothing, Music forms and instruments, dance, drums, customs, etc

Every culture has both positive and negative features. God therefore expects his people to learn the errors in their cultures as judged by the word of God and avoid them while redeeming the other aspects of culture. It is important to focus on key issues of direction of worship and allow everything else to be a vehicle for worshiping and communicating Christ. Learn to appreciate those aspects of a culture that do not violate scripture.

Culture being learned behavior is  dynamic. Culture shapes people but  people also shape cultures. For example, some cultures had the practice of killing albino babies but with better knowledge, they stopped the practice.   If Christians do not influence the evolution of cultures, some other philosophy or religion will do so.     Unredeemed cultures make it hard to practice a redeemed life style. The converse is true, unredeemed lifestyles find it hard to redeem cultures.

In Fellowship among Believers -   Draw lessons from the teachings of Paul (Ephesians 4:1-6; Galatians 3:26-29).  Acknowledge your  cultural uniqueness but allow the love of Christ and the new identity in him to be stronger in bringing us together in our diversity. Being able to do so is a test of true faith in a shared identity in God, faith and destiny.   The kingdom of God operates on the principle of unity-in-diversity, or harmony not uniformity.

 I therefore , the prisoner of the Lord , beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called ,   With all lowliness and meekness , with longsuffering , forbearing one another in love ;  Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace .   There is one body , and one Spirit , even as ye are called in one hope of your calling ;  One Lord , one faith , one baptism ,   One God and Father of all , who is above all , and through all , and in you all .  Ephesians 4:1-6

 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.   For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ .  There is neither Jew nor Greek , there is neither bond nor free , there is neither male nor female : for ye are all one in Christ Jesus .   And if ye be Christ’s , then are ye Abraham’s seed , and heirs according to the promise . Galatians 3:26-29

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.    Philippians 2:3-4 

Exercise (For Cells)

1)         Think of a cross-cultural experience and come up with ways the experience could be used as a witnessing opportunity.

2)         Think of a situation when there was conflict between your own traditional culture and your faith. How did you or could you have handled the situation in a godly way.

3)         How has today’s multicultural composition of communities affected church life and mission?

4)         Make a comparison between the African worldview and cultural practices and the Western culture.  Mention specific perspectives and practices.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Kingdom Response I: Cultural Diversity I

Kingdom Response: Cultural Diversity

Philippians 2:4-11

This message is first in a series on how to respond well (Response – ability) to situations around you as a believer. Every person has to deal with other people, cultures, resources, needs, obstacles, and authority structures.  The series begins by drawing lessons from the example of Christ on the appropriate kingdom of God response to cultural diversity.

The gospel of our Lord Jesus is for all cultures (Revelation 7:9; Mathew 28:19). God came down to reign in the hearts of his people. His kingdom accommodates more than just one culture. For God loved all people so much that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). His kingdom is the realm where his will prevails. His kingdom is within reach and obedience to his word is experiencing his kingdom. His kingdom will not pass away and is not just words but power.

Creation clearly reflects a God of diversity and variety. Creativity is purposeful variation. Can you imagine what a world it would be with one species, one mineral or one color?  I imagine that a world with just grey color for example would be miserable. You can talk of favorite colors because many colors to choose from exist. Beauty is only possible in a context with variety. The world is richer and holds unlimited potential because earth has many different colors, materials, animals and cultures.

Globalization through advanced transport, communication, and international trade and migration systems has increased global awareness and brought cultures close to each other but has not always taught how they can relate positively. As a result, in some cases the proximity of cultures has produced intensified hostilities and violence. Acquiring cross-cultural competence is no longer a nuisance or luxury. You do not need cross cultural skills when planning to travel around the world because wherever you are the world has travelled to your neighborhood, market place and school.

The degree of cultural difference faced in relationships varies. It begins with difference in personalities that two people have and spans to affect relationships between distant ethnical cultures.  The moment a person relates with another, they have to cross a cultural line. It could be of a gender, personality, age, urban-rural, religion, family, profession or some other culture.  Relational skills reach their best when effectively applied across the most difficult cultural barriers. Difficult barriers only amplify what is already required in any kind of relationships.

It is interesting that long before globalization and the increased multicultural society of our day the Bible was already presenting a culturally inclusive community.  Christ came to bring cultures together. He came to break down cultural barriers. His mission was to reconcile all peoples to God and to one another.  Jesus demonstrated what it takes to be able to reach out to another culture.  He gives the example, wisdom and ability to relate to any culture.  Paul exhorted the Philippians church to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and learn to relate well with people in their different roles, responsibilities, and identities.

Lessons from Philippians 2:4-11

No one can cross a cultural gulf bigger than that Jesus crossed from heaven to earth in order to establish a relationship with humanity. How did he manage to do it?

-           He was selfless – He did not look only on his own things, but also on the things of others (verse 4).  Relating across cultures requires ability to appreciate things of others.

-           He knew who he was. He was God (verse 6).   If you do not know who you are, you will struggle to relate with others and they will not know how to relate to you.  Being selfless does not mean having no self worth and identity but means not being preoccupied with your identity to the detriment of your relationships.

-           He chose to identify with humanity (verse 7-8). He showed interest by deciding to engage with humanity. He was willing to sacrifice. It took putting off the glory of his heavenly culture, humbling himself and being available to serve. He could have presented himself as a super human but instead he was able to identify with the lowest as well as the highest.  He did not speak to people with a heavenly language, did not dress in heaven’s attire nor did he bring heavenly supplies such as bottled water. He knew people respond to care and solutions, so he came loving and serving.

-           He was highly exalted. Because of selflessly identifying with humanity to the point of giving his life for them, God the Father highly exalted him, and gave him a name, which is above every name (verse 9-11).  God reserves a special blessing for those who like Christ will sacrificially reach out across cultures.

Implications

To relate well cross culturally:

1)         Deal with your own feelings of inadequacy and insecurity (How you view yourself).  Christ knew he was and that no one could change the fact about him being God. God making himself a servant remains God. Cross-cultural hostility often comes from fears and suspicions coming from an unsettled estimation of oneself. Such people operate on a zero sum basis where whatever another gains is perceived as a loss to them.  Believers will relate best from knowing who they are and who holds their ability and security.  Even what you consider a limitation God can use it to your advantage (Judges 3:12-29).  God’s major hurdle in sending Moses was in having him accept himself and realize his God given capabilities ( Exodus 13,14; Judges 3:1-7, 31)).  If you cannot accept yourself as God has accepted you, it will be hard for you to accept others as God has accepted them.  `If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, the old things have past away and all things are made new. (II Corinthians 5:17)’

2)         Deal with your own prejudices (How you view others). Be selfless like Christ. Prejudice is unreasonably viewing others negatively. A dictionary defined prejudice as an adverse judgment or opinion of others formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.  Often people of one culture stereotype by brushing everyone in a culture the same. Every culture has its rotten apples and many who are not rotten. Also, avoid associating a past negative experience with the present and projecting it into the future. Just because someone hurt you, does not mean you will always be hurt.  Always respond according to your identity not as reacting to what others do or say.  That is what Jesus did (1 Peter 2:23). When you criticize others, you create a log more worrying to God than the speck in the other people’s eyes (Mathew 7:1, 2). 

3)         Deal with relational tensions (How you view personal differences).  Cultural differences by nature create tensions.  The tensions can be productive or dysfunctional depending on the perspective parties involved adopt. When the tensions are resolved, they produce synergy because difference is the beginning of synergy. In other words, a thousand people who are the same cannot achieve the same quality of ideas as a few who are different but able to work together.  However when tensions are unresolved they can lead to worse results due to dysfunctional conflict.   Therefore, celebrate differences and be a bridge builder (Mathew 5:9). Be a student through reading, listening and observing. Learn what is necessary for effective collaboration and cooperation. Accommodate failures of those who offend you and learn to forgive them as Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:28-32).  Always seek opportunities to serve through finding common ground and goals.  Cultures have a lot in common by way of food, language, dress, sport, education, faith, etc. Grow the common spaces, focus on the positive and achieve synergy through peaceful coexistence and dialogue. 

Practically, be humble and seek to serve. Avoid speaking and acting in ways that mock or put other cultures down. Recognize and show respect to other people and their histories.  Be observant and learn the cultural norms and customs of the other people to understand them better.  Identify with them by adopting their dress, and life-styles as much as is consistent with the word of God.   Ask the Lord for a friend from the other culture to inform you about the dos and do nots of their culture.    Express your faith in ways that respects and preserves cultural identities.  Be seen to be making an effort to identify with the people.  You will find that the people often appreciate such effort.  Where possible live among the people and eat their food, dance like them, join their conversation speak their language, dress like them, hang out where they are. Bear in mind like as Christ did, it will not always be according to your comfort and convenience but relating appropriately and productively as Christ would do. 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

Apple of God's Eye

Apple of God's Eye

Isaiah 49:13-16 - Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.  But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.  

This message closes a seven part series[1] on the power and principles for soaring through focusing on God (Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 12:1-2).  A story is told - a young man committed an offense for which he was to be killed. However, on second thought the king gave him a test to pass in order to avert execution.   The test was to carry a glass full of water from the palace on a hill to the market place below. The king arranged two rows of people by the two sides of the street. The people on one side were praising him while the ones on the other side were criticizing and abusing him. He successfully carried the water to the market. When they asked the secret of his success. He said, “I did not care about the praises or the abuses. I just concentrated on the water because I knew my life depended on it.” That is how to overcome faith distractions. Simply remember your life is dependent on maintaining focus on God. You can focus on something so much until it becomes a part of your life. A rural person visiting the city will be more aware of noises by crickets and other insects in the hustle and bustle of city life. Whereas people in the city with a different preoccupation are better tuned to the sound of a coin that drops on the pavement. Similarly, despite all the voices scrambling for your attention you can still hear the still small voice of God if you can make focusing on him and spending time in his presence a priority (Hebrews 12:1-2; Colossians 1:3-6; 2:6-10).

Whatever God has asked you to do He has done for you. The purpose of this message is a reminder He focused on you first.  The Bible presents a loving God whose center of focus is his people. Even angelic beings wonder why he is so mindful of people (Psalms 8:4). Making God center of your focus is an appropriate response. The problem is often believers are ignorant or forgetful of what God has done.

>> Isaiah 49:13-16 on one hand, exhorts the heavens, earth including mountains to break into song for what the Lord has done for his people. He has comforted them and will have mercy.   On the other hand is a sad picture of the people for whom the rest of creation is celebrating. They are mourning that the Lord has forsaken and forgotten them.  God however reassures his people, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, and that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” Is it not encouraging that your life and interest are before God’s eyes.    The Lord will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake (1 Samuel 12:22). 

>> Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to looking unto Jesus because he gives and perfects faith. From what the saints ought to do, it mentions what the Lord has done. He was so focused on his people and their welfare that it became his source of joy for which he endured the cross, despising its shame.   Isaiah 53:11 prophesied that He would reflect on the travail of his soul, and be satisfied that it was worth it all. The truth is God loves you unconditionally and no one can do anything about it.    God is passionate about His people. God is emotionally involved with His people.  It excites Him, it delights Him, it is what He has always wanted—to live in and be among His people (1 Peter 2:9).

>>Zechariah 2:8 says the LORD who rules over all has said of his people - anyone who touches you touches the pupil of his eye.   No wonder the Psalmist prayed, keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings (Psalm 17:18). The LORD’S portion is his people everything else he allots to them and protects them like the apple of his eye (Deut 32:9-10).  The apple or pupil of the eye is something gentle but precious, something you set attention to and watch over carefully. You do not something you touch carefully and will not let anyone touch. Even when you sleep, the eyes close to protect the pupil. 

Further, even if God had called his people his pets, to be God’s pet would have been great. Yet he preferred to make us a part of him. Not only a part but also a vital part. He chose to see through his people. His goal is that you see as he sees.  You cant see your eye pupil except in a mirror or on your image. The lens through which God sees us is his word and the image on which he sees us is his son.  He has chosen to make you indispensable despite your imperfections, otherwise, he would have made a new group of people but instead he died for you. That is how much he treasures and protects you. If you are fond of someone, you talk about them, keep their pictures, wear their label, include them on your budget and time allocation.  God does the same for you. He loves hanging out with you and he dresses up for you. Max Lucado (A Gentle Thunder, 1995) wrote, “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he’ll listen.  He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose your heart… Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you.” 

That is why you can focus on him and surrender to him withholding nothing.

NOTE:  What the Positioned to Soar, Series Covered:

- The power of focus to dominate, shape and attract things to a person.

- How a person empowers what he/she gives attention to – at whose feet do u sit. Eve lost her focus by listening to the serpent,

- The importance of being more aware of and responsive to what helps your values and goals

- Having a single grand attraction that helps you define distractions and overcome them.

- Focusing/concentrating your resources such as time and finances on activities that are important (QII activities)  

- Being sure that the anchor of your faith will hold and you will be unmoved when you go through storms. When your anchor holds you enjoy strong foundation, peace, and stability. Cast your anchor/faith up to the rock of ages.

- Prayer as an appeal worth directing only to God.   He hears prayer and because of this right of appeal, it is never the end of story until his will is done.

 - Focusing access to your life by how you directing your power to say yes or no, to accept or reject. Right of admission into your life is reserved for you. R.O.A.R. (RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED).

The average TV owner spends about three hours watching TV every day. That equals about 52 days of TV watching per year. By the age of 65, the average American will have spent nearly nine years glued to the tube. What would happen if the time were spent differently? Focusing on God is proof that you are experiencing heaven on earth. You cannot be in his presence and see anything else bigger, greater deserving more attention than him. Focus on Christ opens eyes to Gods power, provisions, and promises. It is the heart of worship. Discipline is ability to hold or keep focus by overcoming distractions, delays and disappointments.   

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,   Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa 

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[1] Refer to NOTE at the end