By Not Known
Routine can be nerve-numbing. After some repetitions, mechanisation sets in. One can just go on doing it without much thinking and reflection. It becomes just a job to be done. No wonder, many are employed in jobs but few are finding meaning in what they do.
This can happen to religious practices too. Rituals, they call it. When they started, there were probably good intentions but after a while, they just become like the jobs we talked about. Perhaps after some time, someone has to ask, “What’s the point of this?” Or, “Is it worth doing?”
Today, we spend (which should rightly be investing) much time in many activities and programmes in church. We trust that they are worth our time and efforts. But have we started asking questions about these activities and programmes as well? Has there been someone who comes along and ask, “Is this programme or activity worth doing?” Or “Are we just doing our job?”
Outreach services and evangelistic activities are good examples. Regularly, we have them scheduled into our calendar. Calls were made to encourage us to invite our friends. These programmes came and went. Yet, does anyone ask any question about their outcome? Was anyone concern about how we were involved? Did anyone come to know the Lord personally?
The recent movie events were well-attended with a good number of friends and newcomers. We are truly thankful that opportunities were given for them to explore deeper relationship with God through Christ’s work on the cross.
Still, the challenge has been whether we are ready to share the gospel “in season and out of season” (2 Tim 4:2). Do we know what to say and how to point people to the cross? Do we know God’s word enough to use it to enlighten someone to what God is saying to the specific situation in their lives (Acts 8:26-40)?
In order for us to keep doing the work of evangelists as a work worth doing, we must ensure that we do not just do it as a job. We need to have the guts to say STOP, let me do it meaningfully and worthily as serving the Living God.
Peter Poon