Unchanging God
Living in an economically and socially constantly changing environment can put a huge burden on us. It can mean not only trying to navigate in everyday life but also requiring us to learn new norms. It is likely, that many of those rules we learnt as children, especially if we are from a foreign country, are not applicable to be used here and now. Adding a second language to the toll – I tell you, it is a lot to carry.
Many times, it can feel like walking in a minefield. “Walk your talk” goes an English saying and as disciples of Jesus we should aim to be more like him every day. But how to survive a minefield while walking our talk and trying to uphold our God-given values?
Well, what are those values? The great commandment says:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31, NIV).
So, it is easy, as is, isn’t it? Loving God first –
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
– and loving our neighbour.
However, let’s not forget to remind ourselves of who “our neighbours” are in this context. It is everyone around us. Yes, we are called to love even our enemies.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:43-44, NIV)
Is it hard? Yes, it is. Love is an action. A decision we make to see others, even those we deeply disagree with, through Christ’s eyes. Because he shed his blood for them too. So, we should do our very best to show them God’s love. And it can be hard. Painful. Tiring. But by doing this, shining our light, we give them a chance to recognize God in how we love them.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV).
This is an anchor we can hold onto when trying to navigate life. Although Jesus lived and spoke a long time ago in a different culture, he spoke God’s word
“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” (John 12:49, NIV)
And as we can read in Malachai
“I the Lord do not change.” (Malachai 3:6a, NIV)
and in Hebrews
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, NIV)
we can be assured that God has not changed. What Jesus spoke is still valid and relevant today – in this culture and environment, here and now, for us.
