20140706

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” (1 Pet. 2:12)

Man is a gregarious person by nature. The numerous groups and associations he forms based on certain similar traits, behaviour and other idiosyncrasies are living testimonies. Modern-age religious affiliations and cults are no different. How do the friends, relatives and acquaintances of Christians view their personal faith in Jesus? The world may not accept their faith and beliefs but generally Christians are characterized as good and obedient people. How did this perception come about?

This has its origin from the beginning of creation. God chose Jesus as the cornerstone which could serve as a foundation for Christians who believe in Jesus to place their faith and hope in. Once they accepted Christ, they discover in the deep sense, a new identity when the Holy Spirit indwells within them. Christians can always come to God through Christ – the Living Stone. It becomes natural for a Christian to live in true righteousness and holiness. They see themselves as living stones built upon the teachings and commands of Christ. The Church which is the spiritual house of God centres on Jesus as the Head. As an analogy, in any building construction, in the laying of the foundation the builder must always look to the cornerstone and measure the placement of other stones by it.

Jesus’ love, compassion and mercy must be patterned by Christians who choose to follow Him. Throughout their lives they should always be looking to and measure themselves by this cornerstone to make sure they live good, straight and truthful lives. Total obedience to the strict standards may be demanding but faithful following will strengthen their spirituality in a world that exists in many ways, contrary to what Christians believe in. Christians are in the family of God and the important thing they have to do is to lovingly encourage everyone to live holy lives that are exemplary. This foundation of holy living was aptly and initially laid down by the Prophets and Apostles. Are you living examples of holy lives today as God’s chosen people?

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone” (Eph. 2:19,20).