Devotional -

The Christian Presence in Society ( 13 May )

About this Devotional
Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? It is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them their food at the proper time. How happy that servant is if his master finds him doing this when he comes home! Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property. But if he is a bad servant, he will tell himself that his master will not come back for a long time, and he will begin to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. Then that servant's master will come back one day when the servant does not expect him and at a time he does not know. The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the hypocrites. There he will cry and gnash his teeth.
Matthew 24:45-51

The best model for the Christian's presence in society is the one given to us when the eternal word of God took on human flesh and lived in human society. Jesus the man clearly cared for the people he was with. He moved from place to place, visiting them, being with them, taking care of their needs. Even the miracles he performed declared who he was and showed how much he cared. As Peter said to Cornelius, "You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him." (Acts 10:38).

Now he requires that we be led by his example, helped by the Holy Spirit: "When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8). God gave to that first generation of believers, and indeed to all Christians, the responsibility to be his witnesses here on earth.

The simple but profound statement of Peter to Cornelius in (Acts 10) was, "Jesus went everywhere doing good." The church followed Jesus' example, wiping away the tears from the eyes of those in pain, healing the sick, and stretching out a helping hand to the needy. In short, they were messengers and instruments of social peace and justice.

This church has been left here not only to live faithfully before God but also to demonstrate his character before people. Paul tells us, "Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others." (2 Corinthians 8:21). James also says, "What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world." (James 1:27).

- 13 MAY -