Set Apart

https://odb.org/MY/2021/10/26/set-apart-2

Paul is called to be an apostle and to be set apart for the Gospel, which is the Good News of the death and resurrection of Christ which paves the way for every person who accepts Christ as Lord to receive the gift of salvation, by the grace of God. The Good News needs to be told and shared because it has a most profound effect on every person, here on earth and thereafter. It sets the tone and direction of our lives, whether to be lived once only or for eternity too. It also puts into perspective our priorities in acquiring skills, knowledge, wealth, possessions and experience – are we only preparing for our future here on earth or are we also, in parallel, storing up riches in heaven where moths and rust do not destroy? Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). There is the temporal as well as the permanent. There is the natural and the spiritual. We need both to work together for the good of the Kingdom of God. As much as we look forward to heaven, we need to still live on this earth for the years to come.

Today’s ODB mentions the tuk tuk as a mission field. Indeed it is. Wherever we are is a mission field. Wherever God places us is our promised land where the promises of God are realised and will come to pass. Wherever God places us shall be our land flowing with milk and honey. The glory of God resides in us and the presence of God is with us wherever we are as we obey His Word and reach out to those around us, whether in person or virtually or via social media. Connectivity is such nowadays that we can reach out to anywhere in the world with reciprocal connectivity through voice, video or just written messages. We can play our role and do our part wherever we are. The world had become a smaller place to all those who are connected.

The message that I like to share today is that we can be where we are and still be set apart for the Gospel as we discover and fulfil God’s calling for our lives. I think what’s really necessary is to have a life that is set heavenward towards the goal that Christ has for us. Let our eyes be focused on the things of heaven and yet fully cognisance of the requirements of the natural world we live in. Don’t say we only live once, but say that we live for Christ yesterday, today, tomorrow and for all eternity!