Other people’s business

https://odb.org/2024/11/07/other-peoples-business

Philippians 4:2-3 NIV I plead with Euodia, and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

I was away for the past weekend attending a conference on the Second Coming of Christ in Ipoh during the Diwali break. Although I live in Seremban and Petaling Jaya now, I was born in Ipoh. I never did live long in Ipoh as I grew up elsewhere, but I carry 05 as my birthplace in my NRIC. Ipoh is the city of my parents and forefathers, so it holds a special place in my heart. When I was growing up, we used to go back once a year during the year-end holidays or for Chinese New Year.

On the Second Coming, there are pre, mid, and post tribulation assertions. But the key takeaway from the conference is to be prepared in our hearts and faith as many will be led astray and many will fall away. Persecution is very much in church history, right from its inception as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Yet the church never fell away! There was always a remnant who prevailed throughout the ages. So it shall be if we have to go through the great tribulation if, for example, the rapture of the church actually occurs post tribulation! God will protect His people and keep us safe, but if martyrdom is our calling, it is a gift of God.

Matthew 24 ESV 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation  and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another

Coming back to the topic at hand, the usual stance of Christians in Malaysia, especially those of Malaysian Chinese, is to mind our own business. We seldom interfere or intervene in other people’s quarrels. However, if it is within the body of Christ and it has an impact on the faith of the body, we will have no choice as responsible leaders and elders to help resolve the issue. In the case of Paul, he intervened in the dispute between Euodia and Syntyche despite his incarceration. He pleaded with the two women to have the same mind in the Lord as their names are written in the Book of Life.

The message this morning is that if our ancestors were originally migrants in a foreign land, we may have been brought up to avoid trouble by minding our own business. There may, however, be times when we may be compelled to intervene in other people’s disputes for the sake of the Lord. Act as we may be prompted by the Holy Spirit. In all situations, by prayer and supplication, so that the peace that transcends all understanding will be upon us! Amen!