A Brief Meditation for the Month

June 2020

God has created man in His likeness: he is, therefore, a social creature with the potential to enjoy relationships with others. Like as the triune God exists in an eternal communion between the persons of the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit: so men should live in the experience of communion and fellowship with one another. Because of sin, however, men are not just alienated from God but often from each other. History confirms the terrible consequences in hatred; bigotry; murders; and devastating wars between nations. The spirit of selfishness is so prevalent in society that the commandment which the Lord Jesus stressed: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” is either unknown or ignored. A selfish, aggressive attitude which results in seeking the subjugation of others to advance personal, ethnic, or national supremacy, has contributed to a society with a growing percentage of the dispossessed; refugees; homelessness; exploitation; and political, corporate, and financial corruption. Living in such a society has the potential to desensitise some who do endeavour to avoid involvement in such activities. But the great danger arises when these behaviours become accepted as the norm—something which we must all just live with.

We must remember, however, that God is the sovereign ruler over the nations and warns of the consequences of forgetting or ignoring him. In Psalm 9:17, God declares: “The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God.” This truth ought to alarm us, but it appears that as a generation, we have little idea of either what it means to forget God, or that there even is a God to forget. While we pity the youth of today growing up in such a self-centred environment, Christians ought to stand out more than ever against such a dark background. Because of the spiritual, moral, and social decline in society, those who live their lives in conformity to the teaching of the Bible should be more noticeable. However, I think there is presently much need for those professing to be followers of Christ to give more diligent attention to what the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans. He implored: “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:2.

To live by biblical principles in our present social climate may alienate Christians from those who live contrary. Still, it should make them more appreciative of one another and more inclined to be sympathetic and supportive of one another. Christians ought to find each other’s company pleasant, encouraging, and desirable. However, such is the lack of sound biblical instruction in some churches today, that many who call themselves Christians, have become entangled in lifestyles that are not conducive to godliness. Nevertheless, if we as individuals love the Saviour, desiring his honour, we will earnestly seek to be consistent in the way we live. We will also prayerfully use every opportunity to influence other professing Christians to live consistent Christlike lives. The apostle Paul reminds us: “None of us liveth to himself,” Romans 14:7. Every Christian, therefore, should be living an exemplary life but also a socially productive one. Socialising among Christians should be opportunities for spiritual conversation leading to mutual spiritual improvement. If, however, the Lord Jesus Christ, were present in our socialising, would it need to change? Could he participate in it, or would he have to withdraw disgusted, and dishonoured? Does socialising amongst Christians need reforming today?

G. G. Hutton.