2 May 2017: Assignment

What is our assignment as Christians? What is our calling as a God's people?

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Let's start from the beginning. Turn to Genesis 2:27-29 with me.

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27 In the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them.

28 Then God blessed them and said "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.

29 .."I have given you ... everything that has life."

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We can already identify one key aspect of our assignment - to "reign over...everything that has life." Such formulation can also be found in Romans 5:17: "to reign in life through...Jesus Christ." Now, what exactly does it mean to reign? The word reign in greek means to "exercise kingly power or the highest influence." Reigning in life is not about financial, academic, moral, or professional excellence; contrary to popular belief. It is about ruling this earth.

The question then arises of how to reign in life. 

As Christians, since we are made in the image of God and he gave us the earth that we might exercise "exercise kingly authority over it: and that this rulership might be a mirror reflection of His rule over us, over earth and heaven, and ultimately, over all things. God's intent, as expressed in the passage above, was not to have us control and rule independently of Him (this is actually how sin began: when Adam and Eve decided that after knowing the difference between right and wrong they were now apt to live indecently of God and His rulership). His intent was for Him to rule through us: that we might partake in His glory (Hebrews 2:7 says "You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honour and placed everything under his feet). So basically, how we control and run things on earth should look like how God is running things in heaven. 

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This might seem far removed, or you may have trouble relating to it. Allow me to explain and relativize to things that are familiar. To put it simply, your assignment as a Christian, the way you live your life, run and control things in every aspect of your life, must not only honour God but it must also reflect Him, His values and rulership. This means living as Christ would live if He were living your life. He sets the bar high - being perfect and all. But get this, it is attainable! Your starting point? -> The Bible! After you get more acquainted with the gospels (Matthew to John), begin to pray and ask God to guide you and actually help you live according to His will. 

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Two points I will place emphasis on this week: 

1. Priorities: Set your priorities straight. You must decide which is more important: God or the world (& your job, school, boyfriend/girlfriend & family, life, etc..*Insert anything accordingly*)? If it is God then do all things (whether you're at school;whether you're studying; spending time with friends; when you're at work; at home with your family; etc..) with God in mind. Jesus always worked with a goal in mind. What is yours? Focus is key! Reigning does not just come by itself. You must set objectives, work hard to achieve them. (For some keys from Jesus on how to rule in life check out the beatitudes). You must not forget to keep working on your relationship with God - your source for everything.Reference point? -> "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God"-1 Corinthians 10:31. 

2. Serve: We are called to serve; to serve one another. A leader serves! Reigning in life involves service. How can you serve? Serve in your church community, help the poor and the widows (not just prayer but materially too), and in your every day life give yourself by helping those around you in any manner that you can. Be there for your friends, family and colleagues, as a source of support; of encouragement, and as a shoulder to lean on.