Modern Reformer
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  • My Blog
    • Helping in Turkana
    • Iceland overview
    • Day 1 in Iceland
    • Photos from the Amsterdam Trip
    • Trip of a Lifetime
    • Our Journey
    • This World Stinks
    • The Elements Shall Melt
    • False Prophets- - AMEN!
    • Death of the Church
    • Who was the last prophet sent by God?
    • Write the Vision
    • Fast Food Christians
    • Jesus Wept
    • The Demise of the Protestant
    • Considering Memorial Day
    • Judas
    • The Downfall of a Civilization
    • Divine Business
    • A Futuristic Short Story
  • Questions
    • Prophecy >
      • What is the point of the "Great Tribulation" if all of the Christians will be raptured?
      • How Do We Prepare for the Great Tribulation?
      • Many preachers say Jesus is coming soon, while there are no clear signs of it. Is it a scare tactic to make people do what they want?
      • Is it true that the Bible says that no one goes to heaven until Jesus comes back?
      • What does the Bible say about Jesus' Second Coming?
      • When does the 2nd Resurrection Take Place?
      • How will Jehovah God save Israel when he brings all nations against it ?
      • When the kingdom of God is established, in what manner ( physically or ?? ) will everybody who obeys Jehovah God will become like Adam ( they will no longer be males and females but all males ) ??
      • Spiritually, What are we on the verge of?
      • When did the 70 years desolation spoken by Jeremiah begin?
      • What is meant by Rome being called the Antichrist?
      • In the book of Daniel 11:21-24, is the despicable man that is mentioned here was Antiochus Epiphanes IV?
      • What is the difference between the Babylonia that were mentioned in the Old Testament and the Babylonia that was mentioned in the book of Revelation?
      • What are the comparison of the verses Ps 83:1-8,Ez 38:7-16, Zech 14:2-3,and Rev 20:8-9--are they the same in meaning?
      • Of that Day and that Hour
      • How Will Jesus' Second Coming Happen?
      • Will the End Times Battle Be Fought With Weapons
      • Biblically speaking what will the world be like after Armageddon?
      • End Times and Sodom and Gomorrah?
      • At which trumpet will Michael and his angels boot Satan and his angels from heaven to earth?
      • When does/did Jesus Christ's reign as King of God's Kingdom start?
      • Is the Beast in Revelation the Antichrist?
      • Jesus Would Return as He Left?
      • What do you think Jesus meant that if God had not shortened those days, no flesh would survive?
      • What are You Looking Forward To?
      • Is This the Beginning of the Apocalypse?
      • What does Jesus Mean When He Says This?
      • Evidence of the Signs of the Times?
      • What will the Kingdom Accomplish?
      • How Will the Scoffers Feel when Jesus Comes?
      • What is the Significance of the Word "Presence."
      • Why Does My Mom Say We are in the Last Day?
      • What Exactly do People Think the Apocalypse is?
    • Doctrine >
      • Can a person worthy of Heaven be OK with others going to Hell?
      • Can the theory of "being born a sinner" and the theory of "age of accountability" exist at the same time? How and why?
      • According to the Bible, why is everyone born a sinner?
      • Do those don't hear about Jesus go to hell?
      • How is Christ the Wisdom of God?
      • Why does the Soul of the Dead Sinner need to be Oppressed?
      • What did Jesus mean when He said: The Way, the Truth, the Life?
      • Is the Fire of Hell Literal? Why?
      • Did Jesus Redeem Everyone? Is Everyone Saved?
      • If a baby or infant died ....he'll become an angel?
      • What is Biblical Faith?
      • Do You Believe in Hell?
      • Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism, which is more important?
      • Question on Death, Sleep, Resurrection?
      • What is the soul?
      • The Rapture
      • Is John the Baptist going to heaven?
    • General Questions >
      • How can the Gospel transform individuals and the society today?
      • Why are dogs not allowed in heaven according to the Bible?
      • Question about Islam and Christianity
      • Is a Person Who Hasn't Heard About Christianity a Sinner...?
      • Are Saints in Heaven Free...?
      • Question on John the Baptist
      • Thief on the Cross Question
      • Does the Bible has a mention about the secret societies like...?
      • Is the Garden of Eden still on earth (hidden from mankind ) ?
      • Does the Bible prove all other religions false?
      • Why do Muslims hate Jews ?
      • What do you think of the Interpretation of Gen. 2:17?
      • Did God Hate Esau from the Womb?
      • What is your opinion of the theological terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God?
      • ​Please can you explain Colossians 2:14-17, where it's says "do not let anyone judge you"?
      • What do you mean by Regeneration..?
      • Is it literally mean that Turkey is the seat of Satan?
      • I'm a Christian but I don't like to go to church...I pray and read my bible in the house....what the bible teaches about fellowship?
      • Abraham the father of Isaac and Ismael...he was Jew or Hebrew..?
      • I'm a believer. I pray that I might win in lottery,sweepstakes, casino...I won....is this a sin?
      • Please Explain Romans 10:9,10
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What is the Purpose of Satan?
      • Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
      • Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
      • What is Heaven Like?
      • How long (on average) does it take one to join your religion?
      • Is a judge performing his duties in a courtroom violating Jesus' command, "Do not judge"?
      • How is it that even the demons "knew Him to be the Christ." How did they know?
      • Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:24 and what does it mean to "die in your sins"?
      • Does the Bride of Christ have to die first?
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What about Holidays?
      • What is a Biblical Family?
      • How do We Treat Family Members Who Say They are Christians but Don't Acts Like It?
      • What is the Second Death?
      • Question on the Parable of the Two Sons
      • Christ came that we would have life abundantly correct?
      • Who is the Son of Perdition?
      • What are your thoughts on Psalm 137:9?
      • What is the difference between the DOOR in Rev 3:8 and the DOOR in Rev 3:20 ?
      • Out of the Seven Churches in Revelation, which would you say is the closet to your church?
      • What is the main message in the book of Amos, what value does it hold for today’s modern society?
      • Gospel of Thomas question:
      • Question on Tithing
      • Are some people never going to be resurrected from the dead?
      • Does God Love Unconditionally?
      • What Percentage of the Bible Do You Have to Know?
      • Do you keep the Sabbath?
      • Why was Man Excluded Because No Wedding Garment?
      • It is the Day of Atonement...Will you offer a prayer & agree in prayer for their salvation?
      • Did Noah Keep Bees in the Ark?
      • As the Pope's 9-letter surname, Bergoglio, has the word GOG bang in the middle of it, I wonder if biblical?
      • Who is Peter talking about in 1 Peter 4:18?
      • What is the purpose of pigs?
      • Please explain how the meek inherit the earth?
      • Do You Know the Names of Jesus' Two Sheepfolds?
      • Is Jesus in His Human Body in Heaven?
  • Meditations of Joy
    • Overcoming Lack of Confidence to Connect and ‘Fit In’ Part 1
    • All Things in the Name of Jesus
    • The Treasured Life
    • Afflicted in Faithfulness
    • Making All Things New
    • Instinctive Trust
    • #721 Extracting the Precious from the Worthless
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism and Conflict Part 2
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism Part 1
    • Facing Change and the Unknown in Confidence
    • Glorify Thy Name in us, O LORD
    • Remembering Who We Are
    • Deliverance through Overwhelm
    • Finding Stability
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited)
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father Part 2
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father
    • The Expanse of Jesus Prayer
    • The Reality of the Joy Set Before Him
    • The Determination To Do His Will
    • Choosing the Will of the Father
    • He Sustains the Weary with a Word
    • I am willing
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40.27-31 my own Part 2
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40:27-31 my own
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 5
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 4
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 3
    • #698 Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1 A Dear Brother wrote out the main things he was learning in the past year. As I read them I realized that that the Lord was teaching me along similar lines. First he shared: 1. “God’s
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times Part 2Blog
    • Humble Yourself Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times
    • Thriving in the house of God
    • Living the Divine Dimensions of Their Love
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 2
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 1
    • Dealing with ‘What If’ Part 1
    • Abiding in Their Love
    • Serving by Night
    • Serving By Night
    • Tenacious Love Part 2
    • Tenacious Love Part 1
    • Reverence for God is an Access to Wisdom and Confidence
    • The Practice of Praise
    • Separate the Precious from the Worthless
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 2
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 1
    • #676 Only One Thing is Necessary
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 2
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 1
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 2 In the Care of the Shepherd
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 1 in the Hands of the Potter
    • The Choice to Rejoice
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 2
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 1
    • Courage to Go Forward
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 3
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 1
    • The Holy Ground of Challenge
    • What We Remember, What We Forget
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 3
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 2
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 1
    • Paul’s focus in Prison: Part 6b Resurrection power Beyond Our Comprehension
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: In Awe of His Resurrection Power Part 6aBlog
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: Part 5a Never give up praying for one another!
    • Paul's focus in Prison: Part 4 Guarded!
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 3 Going forward with Passion
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 2
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison Part 1
    • LIVING Hope and Joy
    • Arms Wide Open
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited from 2017)
    • “Yet Thou art Holy”
    • Resolutely Going Forward
    • Passover Love
    • Praying for a Word to Give the Weary
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 2
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 1Blog
    • A Night Journey to Peace Part 2
    • A Night Journey to Peace
    • Trusting His Choices
    • Peace Amid the Storm
    • Love is Patient
    • Proving His Name to His Glory
    • Watching in Hope
    • Glorifying His Name Begins with the Realm of Thought
    • "Father Glorify Thy Name"--Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 3 (A roadblock to be aware of)
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 2 (Practical application)
    • Father, Glorify Thy Name
    • Finding His Joy
    • The Blessing of Over-and-Over-Testings
    • Redefining Our Perception of Rejection
    • The Source of all Encouragement
    • Casting our Care and Leaving it There
    • Setting our Face Like Flint
    • Accepting God’s Will for our Beloved Brethren
    • Our Home in Every Challenge: Seeing Beyond the Illusion
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Sure Proof of His Divine Provision
    • Some Lessons from David in Absalam's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict
    • His Glory: Permission to Prune
    • His Glory: A Call to Re-focus
    • Trade in the Old Thinking for a New Song!
    • A Practical Look at the Armor of God
    • Resting in His Provision
    • His Perspective from the Heights, Borne on the Wings of the Eagle
    • What Would Jesus THINK?
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 2
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 1
    • The Joy of His Love Empowering us to Love Part 2
    • The Joy of Overcoming Irritation: Divine Love Empowering us to Love Part 1
    • The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Sending Portions!
    • Finding Joy Part 2b: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Eat and Drink!
    • Finding Joy Part 2a: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength
    • Finding Joy: The Joy Set Before Us Part 1
    • The Refuge of His Wise and Loving Power
    • Facing the Challenge in the Beauty of Holiness
    • Facing the Challenge with Praise, Prayer and Perspective
    • Enthroning Him upon our Praise
    • Yet You Are Holy
    • Yet You are Holy
    • Another Look at “Arise, Let us go hence”
    • “My Peace” When We Feel Alone
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 5
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 4
    • My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 3
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 2
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 1
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze of Love Part 2
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze
    • Trusting Enough to Get Out of the Boat
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting His Provision in the Process Part 2
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting that what He allows is GOOD.
    • He Knows What We Need, a Call to Praise Amid the Unknown!
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • The Creative Deliverance That Surrounds Us
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 4
    • #547 How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 3
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 2
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 1
    • Our Prayerful Song in the Midst of Whatever Happens
    • #543 What Brings Us Peace No Matter What Happens
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking Part 2
    • He Restores my Soul
    • “Look up and Let Go”
    • Nothing Shall Offend
    • Moment by Moment Deliverance from Fear
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance Part 2
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst Every Circumstance
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’ Part 2
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’
    • Run through the Open Door
    • Dwelling in ONE Master
    • Dwelling in His Shadow and Watching from the Wings
    • Dwelling in the Obedience of Christ
    • Overcoming Some Old Habits of Thought
    • Setting our Minds for Surrender Each Morning
    • Some of Peters Advice for Relationships in these Last Days
    • What Helps us to Accept Every Experience
    • His Leading through the Valley
    • Being His Valiant Warrior
    • Our Valiant Warrior
    • Living Deep-rooted Attachment in Christ
    • Keep on Sowing!
    • Surely the LORD is in the place
    • Red Sea Advice Part 4 The Red Sea Response
    • Red Sea Advice Part 3 The Red Sea Reaction
    • Red Sea Advice Part 2
    • Red Sea Advice Part 1
    • A Call to Peace
    • But Then on The Third Day
    • He Endured the Cross Part 3 Psalm 22 NIV
    • He Endured the Cross Psalm 22 Part 2
    • He Endured the Cross Part 1
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 3
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 2
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 1
    • The Yoke that Gives Us Rest
    • Proper Use of limitation, A Call For Balance
    • Another Lesson in Making Room for Their Surpassing Power Through the Proper Use of our Limitations
    • The Posture of Waiting and Trust that Allows Him To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power 2
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • WE will get through this!
    • Delight to do His will
    • I Know the Plans I Have for You
    • But for a Moment
    • Wake me up, Lord
    • We are a Team!
    • When we feel alone
    • The One Next Step
    • Trusting the Love that Stabilizes Us Through Every Storm
    • Triumph Over Appearance
    • The Joy of His Abundance
    • Express Gratitude
    • Numbering our Days
    • Expressions of His Love
    • The Breadth of His Provision
    • His Faithfulness Behind Every Challenge
    • He Stands at the Door of our Hearts
    • Your Tender Mercies Give Me Life
    • The Craftsmanship of His Workmanship in us
    • With You Wherever You Go
    • Listening to His Voice Amid the Physical Challenge of Shingles
    • A Refuge Better than People Pleasing
    • My Prayer in the Morning
    • They Will Not Prevail
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • How To Be a Refuge Like Him
    • A Very Present Help in Trouble
    • How to be a Refuge Like Him
    • Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • On Which Side Will We Dwell?
    • The Light That Shines on Our Challenges
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 6
    • Plow My Thoughts
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 5
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 4
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 3
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 2
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts
    • Stand in Awe in the Midst of Depression
    • Patient Waiting in the Face of Challenge
    • Our Expectation and Refuge in the Face of Fear
    • His Way of Escape
    • Healing the Root of Fear pt 2
    • Healing the Root of Fear
    • Weeding Day
    • Another Aspect of Wash Day!
    • Wash Day!
    • The Cup of Blessing Which We Bless
    • Our Abba Father
    • Accepting the Gift and Passing it On
    • Accepting the Gift of His Training
    • Open Our Eyes to See
    • The Breath of Forgiveness Part 2
    • The Breath of Forgiveness
    • Living Each Moment for Him
    • Diamonds in the Night
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 7
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 6
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 2
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 1
    • Faithful in the Hour Part 1
    • Delight in His Delight
    • The Beauty of Brokenness Surrendered to Him
    • How to Never Give up Part 2
    • How to Never Give UP part 1
    • Whatever We Do Part 2
    • Whatever We Do
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Tested by the Word of God
    • Waiting on the LORD
    • My Dad Road Sign
    • The Amazing Privilege of Being Coached by the Most High God
    • Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
    • The Heart of Deliverance
    • Say Amen!
    • Amen
    • Trusting Where He Leads
    • Made Strong to Listen
    • This is Who I AM
    • The Mindset of Deliverance
    • Strongholds
    • Your Love Has Conquered My Resistance
    • Our Stability Amid These Times and Seasons of Change
    • Precious in the Sight part 2
    • Precious in the Sight of the Lord
    • His Battle
    • Looking to Him
    • Proving Him Holy
    • Rejoice in the Road
    • The Divine Ectetera
    • Waking up to Hope in God in the Present Moment
    • Hiding His Word in Our Heart
    • The Power of Acceptance
    • The Power of Listening From His Love
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight (In Relationships)
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight Part 2
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight
    • The Past and Present Reality of Deliverance
    • Willing To Trust
    • Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear His Knock and Receive Feasting in Place of Empty Snacking
    • An Olive Tree in the House of God
    • Our Choice at Break of Day
    • From Accusation to Acclamation
    • The Pure Joy of What Is
    • Arise and Eat
    • Power Over the Pit
    • His Altar (The Dimensions of Love)
    • Living The Dimensions of Love
    • The Dimensions of Love
    • All My Springs are in You
    • Crucified with Christ--A Prayer
    • Psalm 22 on the Cross to the Ninth Hour
    • The Mind of Christ Revealed on the Cross Part 2
    • The Mind of Christ as Revealed on the Cross Part 1
    • Stop and Savor His View
    • The Final Hymn
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 3
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 2
    • Keeping the Power of the Father and the Son part 1
    • Father Glorify Thy Name
    • She Has Done What She Could
    • The Megaphone of God
    • Teach me to be an influence that honors You
    • Fill Me with Your Willingness and Skill
    • The Greatest Reality Amid any Overwelm
    • Seeing Something New
    • Trusting Him Anew
    • The Power of the Yoke of Jesus
    • How to be Humble
    • Building Faith to Prepare for Any Collision
    • Opening the Door of our Language to God
    • Safe in His Compassions
    • Who He Is in Every Experience
    • Continual Praise
    • Beside Still Waters
    • Faith and Hope in the Midst of Challenge
    • The Beauty of Flaw Wrapped in Perfection Revisited
    • Empowering Love
    • Discovering the Hidden Treasure
    • Thoroughly Known
    • Very Present Help
    • Not by Might
    • Under His Wings I Trust
    • Aiming at Eternity
    • What to Forget, What to Remember
    • Ready to Turn My Life Around for God
    • Triumph Over Circumstances--Don't Kill the Messenger
    • Waterlogged and Triumphant
    • Escape from Stress When We Don't Understand
    • Escape from Stress, Equipped with Hinds Feet
    • Surely the Lord is in the Place
    • Escape from Stress When We Fail part 2
    • Escaping from Stress When We Fail part 1
    • Escape From Stress When We don't Understand
    • From Stress to Peace Part 1
    • Step by Step Escape from Stress
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • Overcoming Illusion
    • The Blessing of Overwelm
    • Jesus is the Door
    • In Perfect Faithfulness
    • The Space to Choose
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • The Voice of our Risen Lord
    • Passover Perspectives: A Night of Watching
    • Passover Perspectives: The Protection of the Father in the Midst of the Cross
    • Passover Perspectives: The Deliverance that will Never Be Forgotten
    • Passover Perspectives: No Fear
    • Passover Perspective: The Far Reaching Power of His Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives: Living Unleavened
    • Passover Perspectives: Eating on the Run
    • Passover Perspectives: The Fires that Proved Him Faithful
    • Passover Perspectives: The Power of his Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives Exodus 12: The Keeping of the Lamb
    • Passover Perspectives: A collective celebration
    • Passover Perspectives: A New Beginning
    • A Prayer for God's Glory
    • Road Sign
    • The Beauty of Perfection
    • Every Hour
    • What will we put in the Relationship Box?
    • Discovering His Everlasting Love
    • His Timing and Strength in Every Phase of Life
    • Trusting Him in Every Valley
    • Trusting the One Who Pours the Cup
    • Smallest Beginning, Greatest Gift
    • Thoroughly Known, Thoroughly Pursued
    • Red Sea Rule #10
    • Red Sea Rule #9
    • Agreeing with God
    • Red Sear Rule #8
    • Red Sea Rule #7
    • Red Sea Rule #6
    • Red Sea Rule #5
    • Red Sea Rule 3 & 4
    • Red Sea Rules #2
    • Red Sea Rules--part 1
    • What Great Honor
    • What do you see?
    • The Power of a Living Faith
    • Awe for God in the Face of Fear
    • No Trial Will Ever Be Too Severe
    • The Work of the Gardener and the Architect
    • Wisdom Out of the Whirlwind
    • Hold On
    • Dwelling in Hope: The power of what we expect and believe
    • Conflict as a Call to Loving Action
    • Trusting His Infinite Wisdom
    • Emotion Management through The Power of Discretion
    • Do Not Delay; The Golden Moments Fly
    • Delight in the Lord
    • Loving New Part 2
    • Loving New
    • To Change the Paradigm
    • My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light
    • The Way of Escape
    • Equipped to Face Whatever Comes
    • Time to Trust part 3
    • Time to Trust part 2
    • A Time to Trust
    • Words of Wisdom
    • Wake Up New and See the Bigger Picture
    • Weeping and Finding
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • His Seamless Garment
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • Compelled by Love
    • Test of the Dream Part 3B
    • Test of the Dream --Part 3
    • Test of the Dream --Part 2
    • The Test of the Dream
    • The Love of God in Christ--part 2
    • The Love of God in Christ
    • Shedding Light on Discouragement
    • No More Re-Runs and No more Previews
    • No More Re-Runs
    • Triumph of Trust
    • With You Always, Day by Day
    • Triumph over Temptation
    • Step by Step
    • The Lord, My Confidence --part 2
    • The Lord, My Confidence--part 1
    • Seeking the Face of God and Christ
    • My Always Faithful God
    • The Answer to Overwhelm
    • Every Knee Shall Bow
    • Free to Experience the Intentions of God
    • Finding Bread at Midnight
    • Faithful Wounds
    • Battlefield Strategies
    • Take Time to Be Kind
    • Oh Magnify the Lord with Me by the Power of Thanksgiving
    • What do You Expect?
    • Unlikely Battlefield Strategies Part 2
    • The Miracle of Acceptance
    • Crisis Control
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • The Power of Pure Choice in Christ
    • Let the King of Glory In!
    • Whose Wall Do I Trust?
    • The Power of Thanksgiving
    • The Postures of Possiblities
    • If You Trust Me Let Go
    • Barefoot!
    • Holy Ground: Accepting the Mission
    • Holy ground: Facing the Fire
    • After the Battle
    • Accessable
    • Surrender in Awe and Wait in Joy
    • The Strength of our Spiritual Root System
    • Space to Trust
    • Full of Sap Part 3
    • Full of Sap Part 2
    • Full of Sap
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 3
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 2
    • Mind of Mature Persistance
    • Expect the Unexpected
    • Hearing Through the Ears of Jesus
    • Our Memorial Legacy: Keeping the Feast
    • Our Memorial Legacy
    • The Heart of the Father
    • The Cattle on a Thousand Hills
    • Patient with Process
    • He is Risen! Continue to Seek
    • Never Out-Numbered--Never Give Up!
    • Never Out-Numbered
    • Gathering Forces No Match For the Lord of the Harvest
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice – A Testimony
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 8
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 7
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 6
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 5
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 4
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Sura ya nne
VIGEZO VYA KWELI VYA TABIA ZA KIKRISTO

Sura ya nne

VIGEZO VYA KWELI VYA TABIA ZA KIKRISTO

Sehemu ya kwanza: Jinsi Imani inavyo

Shawishi Tabia


Unaweza shangazwa na mada ya sura hii unapozingatia yale yaliyotangulia. Kwa kawaida mtu atafikiri kwamba iwapo ufahamu duni kuhusu Yesu Kristo na kazi ya Msalaba ndio ulimsababisha mtu kuingia katika imani yenye mtazamo mbovu kwamba kukubalika na Mungu ni kwa msingi wa utendaji wa mtu binafsi, basi kutatokea aina ya dini yenye itikadi kali zaidi.

              Kile tunachokiona ni kinyume. Wale ambao wanashikilia mafundisho ya bibilia ya kazi ya Kristo kama msingi wa kukubalika huwa wanachukua maagizo ya Bibilia kuhusu kuishi kwa haki kwa umakinifu zaidi. Wale ambao wameunda mfumo wao wenyewe hupuuza kile kinachohitajika katika kuweka imani yao katika matendo. Pia hujiwekea vigezo vyao wenyewe vya tabia ambavyo vinafaa mitindo yao ya maisha; vigezo ambavyo wanajua wanaweza kutimiza pasina hitaji lolote la msaada wa kiroho. Matokeo yake ni maisha ambayo yanadhihirisha ujinga na kiburi.

              Yaonekana kwamba siku hizi zetu, mtu anaposema yeye ni Mkristo, hata ijapo hajui maana ya kuwa Mkristo, na iwapo hana hatia yoyote ya ukiukaji mkubwa wa maadili inayokubaliwa kitamaduni, hakuna hata mmoja anayeuliza kwa hakika kama mtu huyo ni Mkristo au la. Neno 'Mkristo' hapa inaashiria aina fulani ya ujumla wa maadili kama ya Ukristo na kiwango cha maadili maishani ambayo ni tofauti kidogo na Mhindu mzuri, Mwislamu mzuri au hata Mbudha mzuri.

              Iwapo unatia shaka kuwa hii ndio hali ya ulimwengu wa Kikristo, basi jiulize kama wengi wa hao Wakristo wa kidesturi wanawezakuwa na mabadiliko zaidi katika tabia zao au hata katika mawazo yao; na hio ni kama ilithibitishwa bila shaka kuwa Ukristo sio wa kweli. Je! Bado wangeweza kuendelea kuhudhuria kanisa kama jukumu la kijamii tu? Je! Si ufahamu kwamba Bibilia sio kweli ingebadilisha jinsi wanavyotafuta ushauri, si ufahamu huo ungeweza kubadili tabia zao au hata jinsi wanavyotafuta maana na kusudi maishani?

              Kwa kweli, haya ni maswali yasiyostahili. Tayari tunao mifano ya maisha ya wale wasioamini ambayo ni bora zaidi kimaadili kuliko ya hao wengi ambao wanasema kuwa ni Wakristo. Tunao mfumo bora zaidi wa maadili uliopo. Lakini iwapo hatuishi kulingana nao, basi ni wa faida gani?

              Twasema kuwa Yesu ni Mwokozi wetu, lakini tunasahau kuwa Yeye vile vile alisema ndiye mfano wetu. Hakusema tu, 'Niamini,' 'lakini pia,' Nifuate! '' Hakika hio sio sababu kwamba wafuasi wa hapo awali wa Yesu waliishi maisha duni kimaadili kuliko maisha ya wale waliowazunguka. Waliishi kama Yesu alivyoishi, na ulimwengu wa wakati huo ulidhibitisha hio.
 
              Mtu anaweza kusema kuwa maadili ya Ukristo hivyo yameinua kiwango ambacho hata wasioamini wameitambua kama lengo la kujitahidi kutimiza. Wanaweza kusifu maadili ya Ukristo huku wakikana mafundisho yake. Je! Hili lawezekana? Je! Misingi ya imani yamekuwa sasa sio muhimu katika utendaji wa imani hio hivi kwamba hayafai katika maisha halisi? Kama ni hivyo, basi ni makosa makubwa kwamba gharama iliolipwa ili kuimarisha mafundisho hayo ilikuwa ya juu sana. Je! Kristo alikufa bure? Ikiwa ni hivyo, basi tunawezaje kusema kwamba wale wanaoamini wamepewa uzima wa milele wakati wale wanaomkataa Kristo ni vyombo vya ghadhabu ya Mungu? Kwa kweli hiyo haitakuwa haki. Bado kile tunachokiona leo katika Jumuiya ya Wakristo ni tendo la imani ya Kikristo ambayo mara nyingi huzalisha maadili duni kuliko ile inayofanywa na wale ambao kimsingi wanakataa mambo ya kimsingi ya imani ya Kikristo. Ni wazi bila shaka kwamba kuna kitu kibaya hapa. Nashawishika kwamba shida iko na uelevu mbaya wa kile Mungu anahitaji kwetu kulingana na hali ya maisha ya Kikristo.

              Bibilia inafundisha kuwa tunapaswa kuwa watakatifu na hata kamilifu kama vile Mungu Mwenyewe alivyo mkamilifu. Amri hizi karibu zimekataliwa kote ulimwenguni kama aina ya mafumbo tu, wala hazijakusudiwa kabisa kuathiri tabia zetu. Walakini unaposoma Biblia kwa makini utapata ni wazi kwamba haya sio maagizo yaliotengwa. Mafundisho ya mitume kwa uwazi yalidai viwango madhubuti vya maadili na tabia ya Kikristo. Tabia ya Kikristo ni kuwa mfano bora wa kuishi katika uhusiano na Mungu mtakatifu.

              Tabia hii kwanza ni matokeo ya kuelewa na kushikilia kazi kamilifu ya Kristo kwa niaba yetu na kujitolea kwa Mungu pasina kusaza chochote. Hii ndio picha inayowakilishwa katika ubatizo; tunakufa kwa njia ya zamani ya maisha na kuishi kwa njia mpya ya maisha. Tunaweza kufikiria juu ya kutumia mfano wa baba ya Hannibal kumtoa mtoto mchanga Hannibal kuwa bingwa wa milele, akipigana vita dhidi ya maadui wote wa Carthage. Kwa njia hiyo hiyo, Mungu ametuita kuwa maadui wa dhambi. Tunapaswa kupigana vita dhidi ya dhambi na kujitahidi kuikosesha nafasi katika maisha yetu.

              Baada ya kujitoa amana kwake Kristo, sasa inatupasa kujitahidi kikamilifu kwa kumtumikia Mfalme wetu. Sisi sio mali yetu wenyewe tena. Yote tulionayo ni mali ya Kristo. Tunapaswa kuwa vyombo vyilivyoteuliwa kwa heshima na utukufu wa Mungu. Hii ndio kanuni-tawala inayoongoza yote tunayofanya. Chochote ambcho kimekuwa kichocheo cha maisha yetu kabla ya Kristo ni aidha itelekezwe au kichukue nafasi ya pili kufuata. Inatupasa sasa kujiwasilisha chini ya Utawala wake Kristo. Kauli mbiu ya imani halisi ni hii: "Fanya yote kwa utukufu wa Mungu" (1 Kor. 10:31).

              Dhamira hizi zinapotuongoza, mbegu za fadhila zote za kweli hupandwa ndani ya mioyo yetu. Kisha mbegu hizo huota na mizizi yake kuanza kuingia kwenye maisha yetu ya ndani. Kadri tunavyoendelea katika imani yetu, mbegu hizo hukomaa na kuzaa matunda mengi. Hii ndio chanzo cha maadili ya Kikristo. Kama Virgil alivyoandika:
 
Chimbuko la mbegu hizo za uzima ni ya kiungu na nguvu yazo ni kama moto2.
 
              Hatimaye, hii ndio tabia itakayostawi katika uwepo wa Mungu milele. Hata hivyo, kuishi kwa njia hii kwa sasa kuna changamoto. Kwa kuwa sio tu Kristo anayeishi ndani yetu, lakini pia asili yetu ya zamani iliyoanguka bado iko ndani yetu. Roho Mtakatifu ameweka asili ya Kristo kwetu. Lakini asili yetu iliyoanguka imekuwa na sisi tangu kuzaliwa. Wawili hawa hawataishi pamoja kwa amani. Kila mara twakumbushwa juu ya mzozo kati ya hawa wawili, lakini daima huwa tuna shauku na bidii ya kufuata tabia ya Kristo. Ni azimio hili ndilo hutofautisha imani halisi na Ukristo wa kidesturi.

              Ninapaswa kuweka wazi kuwa hii sio kazi iliyojawa na unyonge. Mtu anapokuwa na imani ya kweli juhudi zake za kufuatilia utakatifu huwa ni furaha. Watu kama hao huwa na maoni kwamba kwa sababu Mungu anajua yote na ana upendo wote, basi ni mapenzi Yake kwa maisha yao ndiyo itakayowanufaisha zaidi. Ukiyajumuisha pamoja, utaona kwamba imani halisi inahamasishwa kuelekea utiifu kwa mapenzi ya Mungu na uelevu wa utukufu wa Mungu, kwa kumwamini na kumtumaini, kwa kuthamini na kuogopa uzuri wake, katika roho ya furaha, na shukrani za daima.

              Iwapo unasoma hii na unakufa moyo kwa sababu ya umbali unaostahili kwenda, wacha nikuhimize. Mienendo ambayo nimeiweka hapa inaweza kutokea kwa viwango na idadi mbali mbali. Tofauti katika utu, hali ya maisha, ukomavu wa kiroho na mambo mengine hayo yote yantaathiri ukuaji wa tabia. Kunaweza kuwa na viwango tofauti vya upendo, au heshima, au uaminifu katika Wakristo mbali mbali. Kwa mmoja, upendo unaweza kuwa ndio motisha mkuu. Na kwa mwingine, inaweza kuwa ni heshima. Aidha kwa kiwango kikubwa au kidogo, cha muhimu ni kwamba imani halisi itadhihirishwa kwa kiasi cha kipimo cha mambo haya yote. Jambo la kimsingi kati ya wale walio na imani halisi ni uamuzi wa kujitolea kwa huduma na utukufu wa Mungu. Tabia ingine ya usawa huo ni ufahamu wa jinsi hawawezi kufikia lengo hili bila neema na uwezeshaji.

              Kwa wale ambao wanaweza kusema kuwa kiwango hichi cha kujitolea kimetengwa tu kwa kikundi maalum cha Wakristo, lazima ieleweke kwamba Bibilia yenyewe haina ubaguzi wowote wa namna huo. Maagizo kuhusu yale yanayotarajiwa kwa mwumini yameelezwa kwa maneno ya jumla kiasi cha kwamba lazima tufikie hitimisho kwamba yanalenga Wakristo wote. Hakuna anayesazwa. Bibilia imejaa ushahidi wa kutosha kwamba mafundisho ya Kristo na mitume ni ya kutumika na wote. Zinawahusu Wakristo wote. Kwa kuwa kanuni za motisha za maisha ya utiifu wa furaha ni sawa kwa wote, basi ni mantiki kuwa itikio ya mambo haya yangekuwa sawa vile vile kwa wote. Wakristo wote wanapaswa kuwa wahudumu na watoto wa Mungu (ona Mathayo 5: 45; Yohana 3: 5; Warumi 8: 9,14-15; 1Kor 6: 19-20) .3 Wote wanafaa Kumtumikia na Kumtii kwa mtazamo na vitendo ambavyo vifaa uhusiano kama huo.

              Yesu alisema kuwa amri kuu ni "Mpende Bwana Mungu wako kwa moyo wako wote na kwa roho yako yote na kwa akili zako zote na kwa nguvu zako zote" (Marko 12:30). Iwapo maneno haya yana maana yoyote, basi yanathibitisha yote yaliyosemwa. Upendo wa Mungu ni hitaji la msingi la imani halisi. Haijatengwa au kuhitajika tu kwa wachache waliochaguliwa. Mungu hatafuti moyo uliogawanyika. Hazina ya mbinguni ndio iwe lengo letu la msingi. Hata upendo wa familia inafaa kuwa wa pili kwa upendo wetu wa Kristo. Imani hafifu ni hujuma kwa yote tunayosisitiza juu yake.

              Mungu hapendi kushiriki utukufu wake na mshindani yeyote yule. Bibilia imejawa na ukweli huu. Kuweka utukufu wa kitu chochote juu zaidi ya utukufu wa Mungu ni ibada ya sanamu. Wakati moyo unaelekeza upendo wake mkuu kwa kitu kingine chochote kile isipokuwa Mungu, ibada ya sanamu imefanyika. Chochote kinachovutia mioyo yetu mbali na Yeye, kinachofunika akili zetu au kushikilia sehemu ya kwanza katika mapenzi yetu ni sanamu. Ni Mungu tu ndiye anayefaa kupewa ibada zetu zote.

              Kwa vile Bibilia ni wazi kuhusu mada hii, basi inasumbua hasa ni kwa nini mara nyingi hupuuzwa. Haya ni mambo ambayo ni lazima tuyachukulie kwa uzito. Tukifanya hivyo, mtazamo wetu hautakuwa wa kuhisi kana kwamba tumekwisha fika. Kinyume chake, mambo haya yatakuwa mapenzi yetu. Kujitolea kabisa kwa utukufu na huduma ya Mungu ndio msingi ambao tabia zote za Kikristo zitajengwa. Mara tu inapothabitika, itatumika kutusaidia na kutenda yote anayotaka Mungu.

Sehemu ya Pili: Tabia ya Mkristo wa Kidesturi4.

Baada ya kuelezea vigezo na tabia ya imani ya kweli, wacha sasa tuchunguze kwa undani zaidi Ukristo wa kidesturi uliopo karibu nasi.

              Hapo awali niligundua kwamba imani imekuwa mada ambayo inashikiliwa kwa ncha ya vidole siku hizi. Sasa nataka niangalie wale ambao wanakaribia kidogo imani ya kweli lakini sio karibu sana kujua kwa kiwango fulani ugumu wa imani ya Kikristo. Sijanuia kupendekeza kwamba maoni anuwai ninayoyazungumzia yanapatikana kwa usahihi mkubwa kwa kila mtu ambaye ana imani ya kidesturi badala ya ile ya kibiblia. Ninaamini kuwa nitaweza kuangazia mada zetu za jumla na muhtasari ambao unaonyesha kundi hili la wake kwa waume. Ninaweza kukuambia uso ni nini na unaonekanaje kwa ujumla, lakini kwa njia yoyote ile hiyo haifafanui upekee wa kila uso. Hiyo haitawezekana.

              Kwa hatari ya kujirudia mwenyewe, wacha nionyeshe mawazo potovu yaliopo kuhusiana na asili ya imani halisi. Imani ya kweli ni kitu ambacho huenea sana maishani mwetu hadi kuathiri kila kitu tunachofanya. Ni jambo la moyoni ambapo huwa inakuwa ushawishi wetu mkuu. Daima hutafuta kuondoa chochote kilicho kinyume na ukweli wake na hujaribu kuleta hamu ya moyo na hisia zote chini ya udhibiti wake.

              Tunaamini kwamba inapokuja kwa imani, Kristo hukaa ndani yetu kwa uwepo wa Roho Mtakatifu. Huu ni msingi wa imani ya kweli inayotulazimisha kupima yote tunayofanya dhidi ya ukweli huu. Mawazo yoyote au hatua ambayo haienendi na ukweli huu ni kasoro na inapaswa kupingwa. Roho Mtakatifu huwa motisha yetu mkuu. Uwepo wake unapatikana na hupenya kila nyuzi ya mili yetu.

              Lakini mtazamo ya wengi kati yetu ni tofauti kabisa. Wazo wa namna huu huanza kwa kuunda mfululizo ya vigezo vinavyotambua kwamba vitendo fulani ni lazima vikomeshwe, na kisha mfumo wa dhana huundwa ili kuendeleza mfululizo huu wa vigezo. Lakini mfumo huu upo katika muktadha mkubwa, au mfano. Imani hufanya kazi tu ndani ya mfumo mdogo, wakati maisha huishi katika muktadha mkubwa. Ni mawazo fulani tu, wakati, rasilimali na ushawishi ndiyo iko chini ya utawala wa imani. Mtu binafsi bado anabaki kuwa mtawala wa yote ambayo yako nje ya sanduku hili ambalo ni la kujijengea. Imani ni ya Jumapili tu, mtu kama huyo anafikiria. Ikiwa nitatimiza majukumu yangu ya kidini, niko huru kuishi maisha yangu kama vile nitakavyo. Kwa hivyo ukweli na kazi ya Roho huchukuliwa mateka katika jukumu lililopungua katika maisha yao. Imani ya kweli hairuhusiwi kupanuka na kumiliki zaidi katika maisha ya mtu huyo. Ushawishi wake ni mdogo na haifai.

              Wakati Kristo hayuko huru kumiliki zaidi na zaidi yetu, kwa muda mwelekeo itakuwa ni kuchukua hata kile tulichomeweka katika mfumo mdogo na kuisongeza katika muktadha mkubwa. Kwa kweli tutarudi nyuma kiroho badala ya kuendelea katika hali halisi ya kiroho. Kwa asili, hali halisi na maadili yake yatasukuma zaidi dhidi ya vizuizi vya imani ya kweli. Nafasi iliyochukuliwa na imani itapungua baada ya muda fulani, mpaka haitatumika kabisa. Tutakuwa wamiliki wa bandia wa yale tunayokiri. Na huu ndio mwanzo wa Ukristo wa kidesturi.

              Naogopa kwa kuwa hii ni kama sharia isiobagua kati yetu. Kwa jumla, hali ya Ukristo ni ya kidesturi zaidi kuliko ya kweli. Maendeleo ya Ufalme wa Mungu na utukufu wake hatuichukui kama shauku kubwa. Hatujitahidi tena kutafuta hazina hizi. Kristo sio Bwana tena juu ya maisha yetu yote. Tumejifanya kuwa mabwana yetu wenyewe. Na hapa ndio maisha hupata utata. Kilichopaswa kuwa jambo muhimu sana kwetu tunalofaa kufuatilia hupotezwa wakati akili zetu na mioyo yetu inamezwa na mambo madogo madogo. Ikiwa mawazo yetu na nguvu zetu ni zetu, basi mali inakuwa mali badala ya kuwa vitu vya usimamizi tu. Kwa wakati wetu mwafaka, tunatoa masalia yetu tu kwa Mungu huku tukijibania iliyobaki, kujiingiza wenyewe katika utimilifu kamili na wa bure wa starehe za kibinafsi.

              Hii ndio sababu tunaona majukumu madogo sana ya kiroho yakiwekwa kwa nafasi ya juu, uwezo wa ajabu au utajiri mkubwa. Maagizo ya Kristo kuhusu uwakili wa uwaminifu kwetu sisi na yote tunayo yamesahaulika. Ikiwa kuna wajibu wowote, kwa kawaida hurejelewa kama jukumu letu kwa manufaa ya jamii au ustawi wa familia zetu, na hata marejeleo haya huendelezwa tu na faraja yetu wenyewe na kwa manufaa yetu wenyewe. Furaha na amani ya kibinafsi ndio inakuwa vigezo vya kutuamulia tunapoishi, tunapofanya kazi, jinsi tunavyotumia wakati wetu, tunavyofikiria, tunachosema na jinsi tunavyojipumbaza. Maswala makubwa ya maisha yetu yanakuwa uchoshi. Majanga haya!

              Kuishi maisha yetu wenyewe na kukosa kutimiza kusudi kubwa tulilopangiwa kutimiza ni dhambi kweli. Haiwezekani kwamba tunaweza kuwa na uchoshi katika ulimwengu ulio na ubaya mwingi wa kushughulikia, ujinga mwingi wa kufundisha na shida nyingi tunazoweza kupunguza. Yaonekana kwamba tamaa na ulafi hayajui mipaka.

              Na bado maisha yanaendelea huku wengi wakiishi katika aina ya uvivu usio na sura. Burudani inakuwa lengo la maisha. Mabaa mengi, michezo inazidi kuenea, kamari hutawala wengi, na karibu aina yoyote ya burudani inatafutwa kujaza utupu ulioundwa na maisha yasiyokuwa na maana. Mwaka kwa mwaka huenda kwa harakati zisizo na faida. Vijana na wazee sawa huishi kwa vitu ambavyo haviridhishi na kupuuza vitu vinavyoleta utimilifu. Sisi sio wahalifu au wauaji au wezi. Dhambi yetu sio dhahiri. Tunaishi kulingana na viwango vya jamii, huku tukiteleza katika mtazamo wa ulimwengu huu wa kuishi, pasi na kuzingatia matokeo.

              Ili kujaza utupu wa ubatili, wengine hugeukia starehe za kiulimwengu. Na hapa sisemi kuhusu wale waliokatalia tabia mbaya ya uzinifu na kukataa imani ya Kikristo. Narejelea wale wanaozingatia maadili na fadhila na hata hujiita Wakristo. Kwa nje yote yanaonekana kuwa mema, lakini katika maisha yao ya kibinafsi ni waovu tu kama wakafiri. Ni walimwengu waovu waliositirika. Biblia inatuamuru kuua matendo ya asili ya dhambi, lakini kidesturi, asili za samani zimekuwa ndio kawaida ya Wakristo wengi wa kisasa. Wazo la uangalifu na kujikana wenyewe huzingatiwa kama kitu tu kinachowahusu wenyeji wa watawa pekee.

              Kuwa mfuasi halisi wa Ukristo wa Kweli unahitaji bidii katika uangalifu. Wale tunaowazungumzia wamesahau jukumu lao la kumtumikia Mungu na wanadamu wenzao. Wao hujifanya kana kwamba ukawaida ndio desturi ya Ukristo. Lengo lao kuu maishani ni kuishi katika utajiri mwingi, kwa raha na anasa zaidi. Hata mazoea mazuri ya kupunguza uzito na kukaa katika afya bora yamekuwa ndio mwisho badala ya kuwa njia ya kufanikisha zaidi utumishi wao. Afya na mazoezi yamethaminiwa kiasi cha kwamba yamekuwa kama aina nyingine ya ustarabu.

              Wengine hua na njia tofauti za kuelezea mtazamo huu. Wao hufuata mali, fahari, nguvu na nyadhifa, kana kwamba vitu hivi hufanya maisha kuwa na kusudi. Wakristo wengi wa kidesturi wanzingatia kupata vitu hivi kama kusudi la msingi la maisha yao. Inashangaza, hata hivyo, kwamba wale wanaomiliki vitu hivi hawaathiriwi sana nao kuliko wale wanaofuata wasicho nacho. Wale ambao hawana wanashikwa mateka kwa madanganyiko na namna vitu vinavyoonekana badala ya ukweli halisi. Hii ni tofauti na maisha ya unyenyekevu na adili ambayo Yesu alifundisha na kuonyesha. Badala ya unyenyekevu, ubatili ndio unatawala mioyo ya Wakristo hawa wa kidesturi.

              Shida ya anasa ni eneo moja tu ambapo Wakristo wa kidesturi wanashindwa kutekeleza madhumuni ya Mungu. Pesa na tamaa zimekuwa sanamu wa wakati wetu haswa kwa watu walio kwenye ulimwengu wa biashara na taaluma. Yanaonekana kama ni mazoea ya kawaida, lakini vitu hivi vinaruhusiwa kushamiri zaidi katika maisha yetu. Hoja juu ya kuwa na bidii kwa kile tunachofanya, kufanikiwa katika taaluma zetu au kutunza familia zetu hutupotosha ili tusiwe tena na mtazamo sahihi kwa maswala haya. Kazi zetu zimetumeza. Uchovu unaozalishwa nazo hutusababisha kutafuta burudani za kilimwengu ili kuhuisha nafsi zetu huku tukiua huisho wa kiroho. Na ikawa kwamba tunafanya kazi, tunacheza, tunafanya kazi na tunacheza- ila roho zetu zimepuuzwa katika mviringo huo.

              Mungu anapokoroga mioyo yetu na wasiwasi kwamba kitu sio sawa, tunajibu kwa kuvuruga mwelekeo. Tunatazamia mikusanyiko ya kijamii au pumbao ili kaba wasiwasi unaokua. Mvuto mkubwa kwa mfanyabiashara ni kujipoteza mwenyewe kazini, akijitangazia kuwa hakuna wakati wa kufikiria mambo ya kiroho. Watu hawa daima hutazamia wakati ujao watakapokuwa na muda wa kutosha wa kuzingatia mambo ambayo kwa sasa ndiyo muhimu zaidi maishani. Biashara na raha hujaza muda wao, na maisha ya kiroho hupuuzwa.

              Sitachukua muda wako zaidi kwa kuonyesha kwamba mwanasiasa, mwanafalsafa, msomi, mshairi, msanii na wengineo wana tofauti zao za utaratibu huu. Inatosha kusema kwamba kila mtu ana shughuli zake ambazo huwa ni shughuli za msingi. Wote hujifanya kana kwamba furaha yao hutegemea kabisa mafanikio yao au kutofaulu kwao kwa kazi. Usielewe vibaya ninachosema. Utamaduni, sanaa, elimu na biashara zote zina nafasi zao. Tatizo linatokea wakati mahali pa imani maishani mwetu huchukuliwa na vitu hivi vya chini. Thamani yao ni sawa na umuhimu wa uwepo wa muda mfupi tu ukilinganishwa na umilele.

              Mara nyingi haiwezekani kutambua shauku yoyote dhahiri inayovuruga juhudi zetu za kumtafuta Mungu. Nyuzi mbali mbali za maisha yetu zimeingiliana na zina mseto kiasi cha kwamba huwa hatuwezi kugundua mahali upotovu wetu ulipo. Hatuna uwezo tena wa kufuata ushauri wa Socates wa "kujijua!" Kwa kuongezea, tumeshindwa kusikiliza hekima ya Solomoni ya "zaidi ya yote kulinda moyo wako" (Mithali 4:23). Wake kwa waume wengi hawajui hali yao ya kweli na hawana tahadhari na mambo yanayochukua nafasi ya Mungu katika maisha yao.

              Lakini ikiwa ni kweli kwamba Bibilia inafundisha kwamba Mungu ndiye anastahili upendo wetu na ikiwa hakika baadhi ya mambo haya yanayotuvuruga yamechukua mahali ambapo Yeye tu ndiye anayestahili, basi kwa kweli tumekuwa wasio waaminifu kwa Mungu. Mungu anatamani kuweka kiti chake cha enzi mioyoni mwetu na kutawala ndani yetu bila mpinzani. Kwa wengine uasi huu ni wazi na imezidi. Kwa wengine umesitirika. Lakini katika visa vyote viwili, tumejitenga mbali na Bwana wetu anayetufaa. Kujiachilia zaidi kupindukia kwa shughuli kazi ni sawa na tendo la uhaini wa kiroho kama vile tu kutoa miili yetu kwa usinzi au nguvu zetu kwa uchoyo na wizi. Mtazamo wa nje unaweza kuwa tofauti, lakini kanuni ni sawa. Ikiwa hatutarejesha utiifu wetu kwa Bwana anayestahili, tutapata shida wakati mambo ambayo yanathaminiwa sana na wanadamu yamedhihirishwa kuwa ni machukizo machoni pa Mungu.

              Njia hii ya kufikiria imekuwa nadra katika nyakati zetu. Wake kwa waume wengi hawatazami maisha tena kupitia gridi ya kiroho. Hata wakati tunapotambua kuwa watu fulani ni wavivu na wasio na akili, wanaoharibu maisha yao kwa njia duni na isiyo na maana, tunawapima kulingana na maadili ya kilimwengu na wala sio kwa suala la matokeo ya maisha yao kulingana na umilele. Ubatili uliokithiri na tamaa isiyodhibitiwa huzingatiwa kama dosari za tabia, sio dhambi. Ikiwa rafiki ni mgonjwa au anamaumivi ya mwili, tunamjali kwa kiwango ambacho tutajaribu kuagiza tiba ambayo inaweza kupunguza maradhi yake. Lakini wakati rafiki yuyo huyo ni mgonjwa kiroho, tunafanya kidogo sana kusaidia kupunguza ugonjwa huo. Huwa tunakwepa makabiliano naye, huku tukitumai kwamba mtu mwingine ataweza kuja kumhudumia.

              Tunawashughulikia watoto wetu kana kwamba ni viumbe vya muda tu. Inapotulazimu kuwasaidie kuamua ni wapi watapata elimu yao, au watajifunza nini, wataolewa na nani ni kazi gani watakaochagua, mara nyingi tunashindwa kushughulikia maamuzi haya kupitia kichungi cha ufalme wa milele wa Mungu. Tunaangalia jinsi maamuzi haya yataathiri uwezo wao kiuchumi au hali yao ya kawaida ya kufaulu, lakini ni mara chache tu huwa tuzingatia maswala ya umilele. Uchunguzi wa uangalifu wa kile tunachofanya katika visa hivi unaonyesha kile ambacho ni cha muhimu zaidi katika fikra zetu.

              Haya ndiyo matokeo mantiki ya kufanya kosa ambalo tumeangalia hapo awali: bila kuzingatia imani halisi ya thamani ya kutosha na kuifanya iwe kanuni ya motisha ya maisha yetu. Zikinyang’anywa mahali pao sahihi, imani na dini zinageuka kuwa mfumo baridi na usio na uhai wa sheria na kanuni. Tunaona sheria ya Mungu kama kizuizi na inayoadhabu. Tunazichukua kana kwamba ni vizuizi kwa uhuru wetu. Tunachukia hata vizuizi vilivyowekwa kwenye vitendo ambavyo hata hatunui kuchukua. Kama mshairi wa Uigiriki Juvenal alisema:

              Hata wale ambao hawataki kuua mtu yeyote wangependa kuwa na nguvu ya kufanya hivyo. 5

              Hata tunapozingatia amri hizi, huwa tunazitafsiri kwa njia zinazotupendeza tu maishani. Wakati mwingine tunafanya hivi kwa kutimiza nakala ya sheria bila kuzingatia roho ya sheria ambayo iko nyuma ya barua. Ikiwa tungelijua Bibilia bora, tungejali zaidi na roho kuliko na barua. Tunajaribu kufuata mafundisho ya Bibilia kwa kusadikisha kwamba utamaduni wa wakati huo ulikuwa tofauti sana na yetu. Tunasema kwamba utamaduni wa wakati huo ulihitaji kukataliwa kwa sababu ya mapungufu yake. Tunajaribu kuelezea ukweli mbali kuwa ni mfano tu au mfano. Hakika, Mungu asingeweza kuweka maagizo haya na halisi!

            Kutumia lugha ngumu au mawazo mengineyo [ambayo hatujawahi kuamini kabisa], ni mfumo unaofuruga mahitaji ya uadilifu katika neno la Mungu. Ikiwa juhudi zote za kuelezea zimeshindwa, basi tutaamua tu kwamba tunapaswa kujipatia neema kiasi katika mambo haya.

       Wakati hii inaposhindwa kutuondolea mahitaji haya ya dhulumu, tunaivunja, tukitumaini kwamba dhambi zetu sio shida sana: ni utani tu usio na madhara, utapeli mdogo wa kijinga, kiasi tu cha utani uliorembeka. Tunabishana tukisema, "Hata watu wa dini hujiingiza mara kwa mara katika vitendo kama hivyo, sivyo? '' Hata tunatumia rehema za Mungu kama udhuru wa kujiridhisha katika dhambi. 'Hakika Mungu hawezihukumu hiyo! "Twajipumbaza kwamba udhaifu wa wanadamu unaeleweka kote kote. Katika fumbo la Kilatini, 'sheria haizingatii udanganyifu.' 'Wanaume wote ni dhaifu. Tunakiri, tunatamani tungekuwa bora na tunaamini kwamba kadri tunavyozeeka tutakuwa hivyo. Kwa unyenyekevu wa kiunafiki, tunatangaza kwamba neema ya Mungu tu ndio itakayotusaidia kuwa katika umilele naye.

           Usinielewe vibaya. Ni kweli kabisa kuwa neema ya Mungu tu ndio hutupa tumaini. Lakini hii haisemwi kwa unyenyekevu wa kweli. Unyenyekevu wa kweli huhisi mzigo wa ukweli huu na unatamani kuwa huru na mzigo wa dhambi. Dhambi inakuwa mbaya kwetu. Hatutamani kumhuzunisha Mungu. Lakini wale wanaotumia kweli hizi kama mantiki hawana tabia kama hiyo. Maisha yao yanaonyesha kuwa wanafurahiya kuishi katika ukingo wa dhambi. Wanapenda kucheza na moto. Hawapendi utakatifu na hawana hamu ya kuipata.

            Ni matokeo ya kuhuzunisha kutazama dini kama mpangilio wa sharia tu, badala ya kanuni ya ndani, kwamba ni punde tu na itatukulia mfumo wa mienendo ya nje badala ya tabia ya akili na moyo. Hii itafanya kazi kwa huo muda mfupi tu. Mwishowe hata mtu anayeonekana kuwa na uwezo wa kushughulikia maswala ya nje bila kuwa na roho ya ndani atapata njia yake ya imani kuwa nzuri kama mbunifu anayeamua kutopoteza wakati wake kujenga msingi kabla ya kuanza kuunda orofa ya juu. Sote tunajua hatma ya jengo kama hilo!

           Kuna nguvu ya kuvutia katika haya yote. Sote tunajua kuwa imani yetu katika Kristo sio tu suala la imani ya ndani. Ikiwa mwenendo wetu haupatani na imani hiyo, basi imani yetu inaweza kuhojiwa. Matendo hudhibitisha imani. Ni kama haiwezekani kuishi vile Kristo alifundisha ikiwa hatuna imani inayobadilisha ili kubadilisha namna tunavyoishi. Kwa hivyo matendo hutegemea imani na vile vile imani huandamana na matendo.

           Yesu alisema tutajua mti kwa matunda yake, lakini Yeye pia ilionyesha kuwa inahitajika kuifanya mti kuwa mzuri ili iweze kuzaa matunda mazuri (ona Math 7: 17-20). Biblia inaendelea kutuamuru kuzingatia kwa uangalifu mioyo yetu, au hali yetu ya ndani. Hali ya kweli ya moyo ni ya muhimu sana kwa Mungu. Ikiwa moyo ni mzuri, basi itaonekana kwa tabia ya nje. Matendo ya nje ni dhihirisho ya hali ya moyo. Yesu alisema, "Maana kinywa huyanena yaujazayo moyo" (Math.12: 34). Kimsingi huu ndiyo tofauti kati ya Ukristo wa kidesturi wa siku zetu na imani halisi. Ukristo wa kidesturi kwa kawaida huusika sana na maswala ya nje. Hauelewi jinsi kweli za ndani ya imani halisi zinafanya nje kuwa jinsi Yesu anavyotaka.
              Ingawa hii inaweza kuonekana kuwa wazi kwa wengi, kanuni ya kutazama imani kwa msingi wa maswala ya ndani inapingana kabisa na kuitazama kwa msingi wa vitendo. Tunapotambua umuhimu wa nafasi ya imani ndani yetu, tutakuwa macho katika kuweka mioyo yetu sawa mbele za Mungu. Ikiwa tunazingatia vitendo vya nje peke yake, basi moyo itadhoofika kama tu mbegu iliyopandwa kati ya miiba. Miiba ya asili ya kibinadamu hukua bila kutunzwa na mwishowe humeza mbegu nzuri. Bustani ya moyo lazima ihudhuriwe kwa uangalifu mkubwa. Kile tunachokiona katika hali ya sasa ya Ukristo ni kukwepa kabisa juhudi yoyote ya kukuza moyo. Wakati hali ya moyo na akili hazitunzwi, mlango unafunguliwa kwa ukuaji usiozuilika wa mawazo na mitazamo ambayo husababisha janga la kiroho. Ni mpaka tabia ionekane ndipo tunatambua kilichotokea.

              Kwa sababu ya nguvu hii, Mungu anatuamuru "kuishi kwa imani" (2 Kor.5: 7). Kawaida, kifungu hiki hutumiwa kututia moyo wakati hatuwezi kuona ile hali ngumu inayofanya maisha yetu kuwa kuwa magumu. Tunaambiwa kwamba tunahitaji kuamini, hata katikati ya ugumu kama huo. Kwa kwelli sehemu ya kile kifungu inamaanisha hii. Lakini kwa maana ya jumla, ni ushauri kwamba kila wakati turuhusu imani yetu-uhusiano wetu na Kristo- iwe ndio nguvu ya kutuwezesha kuishi siku zetu. Lazima tutembe (kuishi) kwa imani kama nguvu inayotutia motisha na kutawala maisha yetu. Tunapoishi hivi, tutakua na njia mpya ya mtazamo katika maisha yetu.

              Tazama "maono" hapa kama kumaanisha maisha kulingana na mtazamo wetu wa ulimwengu tunapoiona katika hali yetu anguko. Tunapoishi kulingana na nguvu ya imani, tunaona maisha kutoka kwa mtazamo tofauti. Tunaiona kupitia lenzi ya ukweli wa Mungu. Yasiyoonekana huonekana. Njia kama hiyo ya kufanya kazi inagarimu uangalifu wa kiakili na kiroho. Haijulikani kwa ujumla, na hakika haifahamiki, na wengi wa Wakristo wa kitamaduni ambao wanajaribu kuwa wazuri. Hii haimaanishi kuwa tunajaribu kutoroka ulimwengu wa asili na kuishi katika hali isiyo ya kiroho. Badala yake, tunaweka mawazo yetu iambatane na ukweli wa Mungu, tukiishi maisha yenye tija na tunafurahiya raha na baraka za ulimwengu wa asili kwa kuridhika pia na shukrani. Tunakuwa waangalifu tusijekuishi katika haya yote. ("maisha yaliyomezwa kabisa na mambo hayo").

              Imani halisi hulenga mambo ya umilele. Mtazamo wa aina hii hutofautiana sana na ule wa Wakristo wa kawaida ambao wanashugulika sana na mambo ya ulimwengu huu. Hata ingawa wanajua katika akili zao kwamba maisha ni ya muda mfupi tu, habari hii haingii mioyoni mwao. Hebu linganisha hawa na wale Wakristo ambao daima wanalenga vitu ambavyo ni muhimu sana kwa Mungu. Wana uwezo wa kupambanua unaowawezesha kukabiliana na mambo yasiobainika maishani kwa hali ya utulivu. Wanao faraja ya kutosha kuweza kuwafikia na kuwahudumia wengine.

              Lakini si hayo tu. Tofauti ingine kubwa baina ya Wakristo wa kawaida na Wakristo wa kweli ni ile moyo walio nao inapokuja kwa mali ya ulimwengu. Wakristo wa kawaida mara nyingi hufanya hatua sahihi za nje, lakini mara chache kwa kujinyima au jukumu. Waumini wa kweli hutambua jinsi tabia za Ukristo zinaonyesha upendo wa Mungu. Wanaweza kuishi kwa utiifu na kujitolea, kwa hata furaha. Hiyo haimaanishi kuwa hawahitaji msaada na kutiwa moyo au kwamba hawahitaji kufanya upya fikira zao. Wanajua kuwa pasi na uangalifu wa namna huo, bila shaka utu wa kale na tamaa zake utaanza kuwatawala. Wanalinda mioyo yao na akili zao na wanafanya kazi katika kuongeza maarifa yao kwa kupenda vitu vya mbinguni.

              Bibilia imejawa na thibitisho kwamba hii ndio njia ya kuishi maisha halisi ya kiroho. Muumini huambiwa kwamba kuweka moyo wake mambo yaliojuu sio bure. Inaonekana kwamba kwa Mkristo wa kidesturi, imani na raha ni mambo yanayopingana. Hii sio picha tunayoipata katika Bibilia. Badala yake, inazungumza juu ya njia ya Kristo kama njia ya amani na furaha. Yule ambaye ni thabiti katika harakati za kumtafuta Mungu anaonyeshwa kama mtu aliyena roho ya utulivu na shukrani ambayo inaonyesha ukweli kwamba huyu ni mtu aliye na upatanisho kwanza ndani yake yeye mwenyewe, pia na yote yanayomzunguka.

              Mfano mwingine wa tofauti baina ya imani hizi mbili ni ule tunaoona Jumapili. Hii ni siku ambayo Mungu mwenyewe aliitenga ili iwe siku maalum. Iliundwa ili iwe siku ambayo maswala ya kiroho yangezingatia zaidi kwa njia ya pekee. Tunaambiwa kuwa kwa siku hii, tunapaswa kuweka kando biashara na shughuli zote za maisha ili tuwe na wakati mwafaka na Mungu. Kusudi ilikuwa kwamba siku hii iwe siku ya ushirika wenye furaha. Lakini je! Ni hivyo? Wakristo wa kidesturi wanatumiaje siku hii? Je! Wanaingia kwa lango la Mungu kwa furaha? Baada ya kanisa, iwapo walikuenda, wanatumiaje sehemu ya siku hii iliyobaki? Je! Wanatumia siku hii kukuza uhusiano wao na Mungu? Je! Wanawafikia wengine ili wawasaidie katika kukua katika Kristo? Je! Wanatumia muda wao kutafuta kutumikia ufalme wa Mungu?

              Utafikiria kwamba kutenga siku moja kwa madhumuni haya hauonekani kuwa shida. Ieleweke vizuri, inapaswa kuchukuliwa kama baraka kubwa. Ila kwa bahati mbaya, sivyo. Badala ya kupokea siku hii kama siku ya fursa ya kiroho, siku ya kutafakari na kujirekebisha, siku ya kusahihisha makosa ambayo yanayoweza kurundika katikati ya juma, au siku ya furaha, upendo na maelewano, wengi huitumia vibaya kwa shughuli wanazoiambatanisha au kwa kuipuuzilia mbali kabisa. Inaonekana ni kazi kwao kumtolea Mungu siku mzima. Iwapo wamehudhuria kanisa, wanaona ni haki yao sasa kutumia sehemu ya siku hiyo iliosalia kujistarehesha jinsi watakavyo. Wanakuwa wepesi wa kutumia Jumapili kumaliza kazi walioanza kati ya wiki kuliko kuweka sughuli za Jumapili kati ya wiki. Wanatafuta udhuru wa kila aina ya kufanya kazi ambazo hata sio muhimu sana kukamilisha. Kwa wengi, biashara yenyewe inachukuliwa kuwa nafuu kuliko kuvumilia kile wanachohisi kuwa ni uzito wa Jumapili!

              Kuna wale wanaojikuta wana mtazamo sahihi kwa maisha ya ibada na haswa manufaa ya Jumapili. Wanajali hali hii na wanaomba kwa unyenyekevu ili waweze kufanikiwa zaidi kutunza nyakati za ibada na ibada. Wanatamani moyo wenye njaa ya vitu vya kiroho na ambao hautawaliwi na anasa za ulimwengu. Ikiwa wewe ni mmoja wa watu hawa, usikate tamaa. Sisemi juu yako. Ninazungumza juu ya wale ambao wanajua kuwa hii ni hali yao na bado hawana wasiwasi kuihusu. Wanaishi maisha yao kana kwamba hawamjali Mungu hata kidogo

              Hii sio eneo pekee ambapo Wakristo wa kawaida huwa na shida. Wanahalalisha upungufu wao wenyewe kwa kusema kwamba wale wanaojitahidi kumpendeza Mungu katika eneo hili la tabia wanatafuta namna ya imani ya juu kuliko ile wanayotaka. Maisha yao wenyewe yamekosa sifa za fadhili, upole, uvumilivu na, zaidi ya yote, unyenyekevu ambao kuliko sifa nyingine yoyote ni kiini na sehemu muhimu ya tabia ya Ukristo wa kweli. Sio kwamba sifa hizi hazitafutwi tu, lakini kinyume halisi ndio kinageuzwa na kuwa aina ya fadhila kwa kutamka kiburi '' tu '' au kiburi '' kamili ''. Matamshi ya aina hii yamebuniwa ili kuhalalisha ubatili uliopotoka na ubinafsi. Hii ni somo muhimu sana kwamba inastahili sehemu yake tofauti ili kuichambua kikamilifu.
 
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