The world wide natural calamities, including the Tsunami and the hurricanes, have led several to ‘decipher’ the causes behind these furies. Some have alluded these to God’s wrath, others believe these to be the spiritual consequences of sins, and many believe that it is our environmental irresponsibility or a combination of these and many other factors that caused these destructions. I have not always struggled with trying to understand the reasons behind these destructive natural calamities. In stead, there is another question that always looms in front of me during such times. I find myself asking, “What does it mean to be a true Christian? What should be my response, as a member of His body, be?”
This question has been once again piercing my soul as I have been hearing, reading and watching pictures of the major sufferings being caused by the devastating floods in Bihar and Orissa,
The pictures of wide brown eyes, victims of the flooding Kosi river in
I feel guilty because as our brothers and sisters undergo intense suffering, I am sitting in a comfortable chair and ‘theologizing’ about justice and peace. Nothing wrong with that in itself, but then I wonder if that is all to being a true Christian? I have tried to find tons of excuses to push away the piercing voices in my spirit. Some of my reasons are really good and many of them ‘theologically accurate.” Many of them are wise reasons, almost perfect to soothe my mind and heart. But, then the restlessness in my heart does not go away. I even try to fulfill my ‘duty’ by praying for these victims. Well, as we always say, “praying is the least we can do”. But, then is that true? Should mere prayers, particularly when I can do much more, be my minimum standards? Something tells me that prayer is to be my starting point and never the end. Moreover, can my prayers uttered without a sincere and compelling compassion be true? Importantly, can we limit ourselves to merely a prayer without subsequent action?
Today I once again ask myself, “What should I, as His follower, be doing?” The more I think about it, the more I realize that there are general calls and specific calls. The general calls are necessary and meant for all. The ten commandment is a general call for all Christians at all times. The responsibility to be part of fulfilling the Great Commission is another general call, meant for all Christians at all times. It is not sufficient to theologically understand or believe in these calls (faith) and stop at praying for the lost once in a while! In this world of multi-specialties we have often compartmentalized our Christian walk. I believe that I cannot separate my understanding of the Word (theology) from my belief (faith) and actions! They should all—the knowledge, the faith, and the actions—cohere.
I believe that the Great Commandment, to love our neighbors as ourselves, is one such general call, meant for all. Many merely understand and believe this to be true. But, even the demons often believe in what is theologically correct. (You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19). God calls us to understand truth, believe in it and then also act, particularly if it is in our power to act (Proverbs 3:27). If we are true followers of Jesus Christ then our faith and works should ultimately merge.
The Bible is very clear that salvation is by faith alone. Let us never corrupt this Good News! However, a faith without resulting works is dead. For, “what good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? … Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17). Should not true faith lead to actions? Is that not true integrity—integrating our belief (faith) and actions?
Today, the Word of God was screaming at me: "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern." (Proverbs 29:7). "Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." (Isaiah 1:17). "All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." (Galatians 2:10).
And, here is the one that hit me the most, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:17-18).
During the current devastating floods in north
At the same time I have found the Christian world to be almost apathetic at large. Recently I travelled to many churches and none seemed to care. The best I have seen is, “Let us pray for our suffering brothers and sisters!” Even the secular apartment complex where my parents live has a donation box kept outside to gather clothes and money for the victims. And, I throw the first stone at myself. I once again ask myself, “What do I do about my faith? What does my Lord expect me to do, as a member of His body?”
Well, I have made my choice. I hope that God’s Spirit will always bombard my heart to grow to be a whole Christian than merely a thinking Christian. And, I pray with you that may we be true followers of Jesus Christ than compartmentalized, self-focused Christians. May I live for His glory and not necessarily for my comfort. After all He calls us to obey Him, entirely!
Sincerely,
KVG
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