Blog Post from Pastor PK of Hope London

I read this email (also as a blog post) from Pastor PK, who is pastor of our sister church, Hope London. (I've bolded the part that think is particularly relevant to us young working adults.)

The Archbishop Rowan Willaims, Head of the 80m Anglican Communion worldwide, provoked outrage when he suggested on February 7th that the adoption of elements of Islamic sharia law in Britain was "unavoidable". This underminded further his authority in trying to bring unity to the Communion which has been divided over the issue of homosexuality between the liberals and the conservatives in the Communion.

This also weakens the position of the state church which has been seen by the increasingly secular Britain as privileged yet irrelevant. By trying to extend religious rights that Christians enjoy to the Muslims, it actually upsets the secularists further. They are already calling for a smaller official role of the church in Britain. At present 25 bishops sit in the House of Lords.

I personally believe that Christians have to find their voice in society like anyone else, without any advantage over non-Christians. To demonstrate our faith and the greatness of our God, we have to reflect God's greatness in our lives. This means that Christians have to raise the bar in our performance in the classroom or in the workplace, wherever God puts us. There is a greater need for us to shine for Jesus in the world in order to attract people unto Him. Whilst the classroom continues to be a fertile ground for harvest, I believe that the marketplace is where the biggest battle for souls is fought. The challenge is immense; serving God, not money. The key is living out the Gospel with the help of God.

I count myself privileged to be playing this dual role of serving in the church and actively engaging people in the world (in the marketplace). Christians can no longer afford to be marginalised and silenced in the market place. Our voice should become louder and louder based on merits; and actions speak louder than words. When people in the world, who are seeking the truth, see Christians succeeding by living out Jesus' principles, they will be attracted to Jesus. The Word of God in [Prov 29:2] "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice...." will come true. [read more...]

It gave me pause, 'cos given my natural personality, to be honest, I very much prefer to go along with the majority opinion... to lie low if there's public debate and battle among the Christians and the secularists ('cos I've been of the opinion that church and state should be separated.) 'Cos Jesus said to Caesar's representative, "My Kingdom is not of this world..."

But after reading this post, and thinking back to our Sub-D vision again, and remembering one bro's anger at how the (pathetic) movie "The Mist" portrayed Christianity in a very ridiculous and untrue light, think I understand better now. It's really about character in the marketplace... and godly character will bring about God's success God's way. Our role is simply to be ambassadors for Christ, in word and in deed; let His light shine off us, into the world around us.

Still thinking how I can apply this here in my own life.