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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Such was the opinion held by John Chrysotom (349-407 A.D.), one of the more eloquent early church fathers, who lamented many of his fellow believers accommodation of worldly practices and attitudes; posing the question – If the world sees no difference in our lives, perceives no benefit in following Christ from our attitudes and actions – regardless of what we say – why should they bother? “We admire wealth equally with (non-Christians), and even more. We have the same horror of death, the same dread of poverty, the same impatience of disease; we are equally fond of glory and rule… How then can they believe?”1
How attractive is the gospel according to you? What do people see and sense in your life? The profound growth of the early church was powered by word-of-mouth testimony and the shared life experiences of its adherents. There were no slick radio or television campaigns, no newspaper editorials, no network of paid church staff and missionaries. So why did people so readily sacrifice their time, effort and money – figuratively and, at times, literally losing their lives – while we struggle to give up a single thing?
I believe the answer lies, at least in part, in the intimate relationship people once had with death. It was all about them, killing done up close and personal; infant mortality rates at 50% and more, adults often dying before their 40th birthdays – death being considered an integral part of life itself. (While we today isolate, hide and segregate the dying – trying to remove it’s certainty from our own lives.) Alcuin, an 8th century scholar of the court of Charlemagne consoled King Charles during a particularly trying time of loss by reminding him that, “We are born to die and die to live.” Combine that with the anticipated swiftness of justice – both temporally and spiritually – and it’s little wonder they were shocked by the reprieve made available to them as a result of Christ’s actions on the cross; finding delight in the offer of unmerited mercy and grace, which made life and death as well as the after-life so much more real for them.
How we express ourselves in word and deed is eternally important. (See Matthew 5:21,22 & 12:36,37) If we claim to have Christian compassion and understanding, yet fail to respond to people’s needs, we fool ourselves and earn their disrespect – compromising, if not ruining our witness. (See James 2:14-16) It’s always easier to talk the talk than walk the walk. That’s one reason James declared, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:18
Paul then admonishing us to, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,…”1 Peter 3:15; realizing that, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 So, what examples are we setting, what are our words and consequently our deeds really saying? The answer often found in the importance we place in our call to Christian service, which is rooted in our understanding of salvation and the joy we find in it. That in turn is often based – first – on our perception of the reality of hell, and secondarily its polar opposite – heaven. How deeply do you appreciate your salvation and how real is it to you? Do you find real joy in your reprieve from punishment and the prospect of redemption? And finally, what are you doing in response to it? (For a list of excellent opportunities, see Jesus suggestions in Matthew 25:35,36)
Matthew declared “…the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16; referring of course to Jesus. In consequence then of our having been exposed to that light (John 8:12), Jesus expects us to serve as reflections of his light as well (Matthew 5:14), promising that, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (See also John 15:7) He commissioned us for service by saying, “As the father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21(Which was not restricted to the Apostles! See John 17:18 and Matthew 28:19) For indeed, “How… can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14
In fact, when challenged by Jesus concerning their allegiance to his “cause”, Peter answered for the twelve by saying, “You have the words of eternal life. (Therefore) we believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69 (Somewhat echoing a pointed question and answer between Christ and Peter recorded in Matthew 16:16) Which would seem to necessitate a response in something other than words alone. As James said, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” James 1:22 Peter later identifying all believers as, “…a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Paul then further encouraging us to, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:33; summed up in his injunction of, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,..” Galatians 3:17; and his directive of, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27 For it was from the life of Christ that the standards of grace, salvation and ministry were developed. Prompting him to declare, “…I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword... judg(ing) the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Therefore, “Do your best (or study – KJ) to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (See also Colossians 3:16)
The Psalmist rhetorically asked, “How can a young man keep his way pure?”; answering with, “By living according to (God’s) word. Psalm 119:9 Later indicating the delight he took in that word by exclaiming, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey in my mouth.” Psalm 119:103 (See Matthew 4:4 & Deuteronomy 8:2-4) How about you? Do you crave a thorough understanding of God’s purposes through an intimate relationship with his Son? Once that is achieved, wouldn’t that make you a conscientious, well-spoken, irrepressible witness in word and deed to those around you?
1Quoted from Rumors of Another World by Philip Yancey – Zondervan Publishing
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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