Continuing our Mini-series on what constitutes a SMART Christian. After reflecting on S and M of the acronym S.M.A.R.T , today let’s focus on two more letters of the said acronym:
A-ALERT
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit0 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20)
One Biblical Scholar observed that “Christ’s last commission ought to be our first priority.” Our bold acts of witnessing for Christ laced with love and concern for the unregenerate ones are all part of the Almighty’s grand design to mould us into the image of His Son. Was anyone in the pages of History more bold than Christ when it comes to standing up for the truth (Matt 27:63-66), even as He kept extending loving invitation for the sinners to come out of their World of darkness (John 8:12)? Did He not always hate intensely sin even while loving the sinner with the same intensity? (John 8:9-11). No wonder the Apostle Paul exhorts, “Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them.” (Col 4:5 TLB). We ought to be alert at all times for the opportunities that come our way to share the Good News. While all Christians cannot preach long sermons, what each Christian can certainly do is to share lovingly and graciously (1 Peter 3:15) with his acquaintances what Christ has done in his/her life and back it up with a God-honoring lifestyle. I reiterate more than being preachers, Jesus wants all of us to be witnesses (Acts 1:8) to the life-transforming power He has displayed in our lives besides filling our hearts with His indescribable Heavenly joy (1 Peter 1:8). The desire that an unsaved person should also delight in the joys of the Almighty’s presence (like we are doing) in this World and the World to come should be one of the main driving forces behind a Christian sharing his/her witness to an unregenerate soul. Needless to say, the other reason being none of our acquaintances’ should land up in indescribably horrific hell.
Say Christian, have you shared what Christ has done in your life with all you meet often (your unsaved family members, office colleagues, business partners, co-students etc) and with those you may meet only once in your life-time (a fellow-passenger in a train or bus, whenever you went on a long journey) or patients/people waiting beside you in a hospital waiting room/office reception etc after you have developed a rapport with them (1 Cor 9:19-23) or for that matter have you distributed Gospel tracts along with Christmas cakes during Christmas time to your neighbours, postman, TV Cable boy, vegetable vendor etc who come home…
Boy, recently the good Lord inspired me to share the Gospel lovingly with even “irksome” “unseen” telemarketers’ who give a buzz at unearthly hours. Talk of turning the tables…Nothing stops you too from the doing the same…Hallelujah!!!
R-RICH IN GOOD DEEDS
“Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them.” (1 Tim 6:18)
Though we cannot saved by good works, we are saved for doing them (Eph 2:8-10). Christianity is not merely Christ living in you but living through you (Phil 4:13/Gal 2:20) empowering you all the time to rise above your selfish, vested interests even while demonstrating agape love. Boy, charity ought to be our second nature.
Remember, only things that follow us to Heaven are our good works (Rev 14:13). Salvation is free but Heavenly rewards have to be earned by dint of sincere service to the Master here below on Earth. Hey are you a smart spiritual businessman investing wisely in the Heavenly Bank where no thief can rob nor any moth destroy thy precious “deposits” (Matt 6:19-21)?
Prayer: Father, grant us wisdom always to set our sights on things above, in order we get our Eternal rewards from Thee at the right time. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
J and SM Ministries
(Please click here to access the rest of the S.M.A.R.T series.)