One cool breezy evening, I was shown a picture of a lady that was almost bared from toe to her waist. I could not recognize the lady in the picture, until it was explained to me who she was; and that the picture was on Facebook.
Shortly, while going through my WhatsApp messages, I saw the same picture on a Christian group platform; with an explanation that the lady was a christian; and has a parent that is a christian evangelist. Reactions trail the picture for a while, since the discussion on the group had been on dressing.
While some raised concerns about non-compliance to the word of God to be the result of the teaching method employed by the church, some see it to stem from non-enforcement of discipline by the church, some see it as been a result of the parents not showing good examples; while others see it as something that is meant to be.
But, whichever views one may hold, could be wholly or partially correct.
But looking at the picture, I could imagine the number of people that may have seen it on Facebook; who may know who she is, and know that the parents are christian leaders!
The non-believers in the christian faith and the christians (‘weak’ and ‘strong’), will all take some lessons from the picture, and have some take-homes about christianity and the church.
The unbelievers, probably seeing no need for them to become christians, while those term as ‘weak’ christians, may see a reason why they should not hold strong the christian faith; and the so-called ‘strong’ christains may get weaken by the act.
While all of them may be seen to have some tangible reasons for their actions, one should always remember what is stated in the Bible; that anyone who let himself be distracted from the work planned for him is not fit for the kingdom of God.
Jesus Christ, during his earthly life spoke widely about the kingdom of God on earth; which is widely believed to be the church. Matthew 13 gave different illustrations of this kingdom, using parables; among them been the parables of the weed and of the net.
The parable of the weed gave illustration of good seeds planted on a field with the enemy planting weeds beside the good seeds, and the master confirming that both should grow side by side till harvest.
While the parable of the net saw the fishermen throwing a net into the sea, catching all kinds of fish (good, bad and ugly); allowing the net to get filled; drawing the net out of the sea before separating the content.
Both may be seen to be fore-warnings that the kingdom of God on earth (the church) caught all kinds of people (good, bad and ugly), and one is bound to find both good people, and bad people worshiping side by side. And God has allowed it, and will only separate them at the end of time.
Conclusively, we are enjoined to consider those before us that endured hostility and distractions, but were not slowed down. We should keep our hands from been weakened by the actions of others. Let not our heart envy wrong-doers, but continue in the fear of the Lord; fixing our eyes directly forward, and our gaze straight; ignoring all sideshow distractions; pressing on to reach the end of our race!
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