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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Throughout history, the ability to communicate has been vitally important, on the battlefield it is absolutely essential. Until relatively recent times, wired or wireless communication wasn’t available, so people had to be a little innovative. On a hilltop close to the scene of fighting a flag corp would be stationed, or a corp of trumpeters would be available to signal or sound any number of calls; rise and shine, re-form, charge and retreat. Needless to say, these signals had to be clear and easily distinguished and ranged from timely and convenient to crucial for the success of an army and kingdom. Could this apply to the church today? I believe scripture shows that it does.
Regardless of the stage of life you’re in, your responsibility to live reasonably and decently while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ should be paramount. It’s not your responsibility to insure anyone’s salvation – in fact, that’s impossible – but it is yours to expose as many people as possible to the opportunity for salvation; what they do with that opportunity is then up to them.
Scripture declares, “…judgment begins with the family of God;…” 1 Peter 4:17 But that can’t be right, can it? I thought that by becoming a Christian all my worries (and for some, responsibilities) were over. Yet throughout history, God has held his people to a higher degree of accountability, insisting “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins.” Amos 3:2 (Speaking of His original chosen people, the Israelites.) And since we claim as Christians to be the new “chosen people” of God (see 1 Peter 2:9), we will be judged stricter as well. (see James 3:1) Why? Because when people look at us they should be able to see a reflection, however feeble, of Christ. And in consequence of the magnitude of the blessings of salvation, we are (or should be) more responsible. That’s a hard one! But Paul assures us that we, “…can do all things through (Christ) who strengthens (us).” Philippians 4:13
On another occasion, Jeremiah recorded God as, “…bring(ing) disaster on the city that bears my Name,…” Jeremiah 25:29 Again, why? They were living a complacent life; un-understanding and unwilling to be the people God called them to be. Could that make God an object of ridicule to those who had heard that He blesses his followers through their obedience? I suppose it could. More important to God however, was the contradiction of people who claimed one thing but did another! And maybe even more now, this business of living for God in Christ is likewise nothing to be taken lightly; it’s serious business, with glorious consequences if we do as we should, disastrous ones if we don’t.
For instance, in a parable Jesus used to describe the rewards and punishment of servanthood, he said, “That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.” For “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:47,48 This is really standard procedure for any venture we participate in, whether it be work, civic clubs, sports teams, etc. The more we put into it, the more we get out of it. The more understanding we gain and responsibility we accept and handle properly, the more we will be entrusted with; failure often being the result of lack of effort, not lack of ability. Jesus noting the hard working servants’ master as saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Matthew 25:21 Because, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest (or little motivated) with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (see also Luke 9:18) Sounds like risky business, doesn’t it? Yet God doesn’t try to trick us into being something we can’t be, taking delight in our failure and punishment. He is very up-front in declaring his expectations, saying in effect, ‘Here it is – do it or don’t. But don’t play games.’
Paul described for Timothy the general responsibility of a Christian. “Do your best to present yourself as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and one who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 More specifically, he urged him to, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; (to) correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 Jesus’ great commission in Matthew 28:19,20 applying to all men throughout all time; “…go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, …and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Proverbs noting the universality of sin by declaring, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34)
Will people always appreciate what you say and do in Jesus’ name? No being the obvious answer; the not-so-obvious reason being because they often prefer the familiar to the unfamiliar, even when they’re miserable. (Although they may not understand what you are saying because of the way you are saying it. See 1 Peter 3:15) We must understand that light can either enlighten or expose, making people want to draw near or recede into the darkness further. Again, this is not new. The Prophet Isaiah recording how the early unbelievers among the Israelites often responded. “These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction. They say to the seers, ‘See no more visions’ and to the Prophets, ‘Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel.” Is. 30:9-11 But God says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJ) or “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.” (NIV) Proverbs 29:18
Check back next week for more on being an effective “signal caller” for Christ.
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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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