I thought I have finished writing the series of “The Mission of God,” so I was going to begin writing a new series.
However, as I listened to “Holy, Holey, Wholly,” one of the online podcast series on Discover the Word, I realised that I should have written about the topic of knowing God from the beginning as it is the most important aspect of the mission of God.
Before we could participate in the mission of God, we have to know God first. The more we know God, the more can we participate. We can participate in something without our knowledge but there are certain limits of participation.
Holy
If we know the Bible really well, we would know that ordinary people could not come to God directly before Jesus Christ arrived on the earth and before He sacrificed His life and came back alive again three days later.
Why? It is probably because people’s standard did not match with God’s. His standard was too high and beyond their standard.
Since we now have been made new in Christ, more specifically by His physical body, we can come to God directly.
Other than requesting Him for any petitions to come true or asking Him for forgiveness, we have to be different from our natural self with spiritual lens and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Two of my natural desires are to watch television and play computer and video games. However, I had to quit games since it is like I am entering into another world. I do not like entering into another world as I would like my identity to be in Christ and keep Him at the centre of my life.
I also don’t like to watch television for a long time because it dissatisfies my spirit and I desire that meditating on Jesus Christ be my peace.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.,” (Colossians chapter 3, verses 1-4)
Holey
Other than doing theological studies, reading devotionals and listening to Christian podcasts or sermons, I realised that I have not filled my life with God’s word.
So, as my new year of 2020 began, I would like my new year resolution to be diving into God’s word daily as well as keep disciplining my spiritual life through those as outlined above.
We will not ever be able to keep holiness perfectly like God, completely separating ourselves from the world and being the Spirit-minded every second of our lives, but it is best to fill our lives with God’s word as much as we can.
Although we are already perfect in God’s eyes, God’s word is there for us to dwell in it, practice it and mature through it continually until the second coming of Jesus Christ (Colossians chapter 1, verses 19-23).
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans chapters 12:1-2)
Wholly
What is the grace of God, then? Isn’t it that God gives us a blessing that we do not deserve so that we can experience freedom? Isn’t it also evidence that God is not judgemental God?
Yes, the grace of God means freedom and proves that He is not a judgemental God. God gives us freedom so that out of our grateful hearts we may serve Him and we may obey Him, do not sin and don’t feel any condemnation.
As Romans chapter 12, verse 1 says, we have to sacrifice our lives, in order to truly live with Him. It does not mean that we purposely have to sacrifice everything. It basically means denying what interrupts our relationship with Jesus.
So, we have to give our 100% devotion to Jesus when we are serving God through faith in Him, instead of putting 50% or 75% into Him.
This is especially important when we are participating in God’s mission.
Good news typically is telling a pleasant or fortunate real-life story to someone. So, when people hear the good news of Jesus Christ, they probably are expecting how it is the good news to the person who is spreading it.
In short, people, who spread the good news of Christ, are to demonstrate it through their faith and their deeds. Therefore, since knowing God is our pre-mission, we must ask ourselves this question: “Am I truly knowing God while I am participating in God’s mission?”
Kevin Park is studying at Carey Baptist College and finds that Christian-writing is his ultimate will of God and his ultimate method to build the kingdom of God. He started to become a Christian writer from 2013. Other than his writing life, Kevin desires to see that each finds everlasting satisfaction in God, the Almighty. You will be able to contact him at kevin.park1991@gmail.com. He loves to encourage others spiritually.
Kevin Park’s previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/kevin-park.html
