The Sunday Guardian

Build life on what Jesus taught

- By Rev. Dr. Richard Howell

Anita religiousl­y and fearfully followed all rituals of Christian faith, but the emptiness of her life kept joy at bay. This continued till she encountere­d Christ; a process of transforma­tion was set in motion. She now saw rituals as meaningles­s without a vibrant relationsh­ip with God the Father through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Unlike before, she was now secure in her identity as a child of God, according to Jesus’ promise ( John 1:12).

Anita had a shift in perspectiv­e; she realized that all humans are brothers and sisters because all are created equal by God. Loving and serving everyone now made sense. Her desire now was to live truthfully and do all in her strength to speak for the downtrodde­n in society, especially the vanishing girl child. Anita had now aligned her life to the ways of the kingdom of God.

Anita said, “now I pray to God as a child of God, in my mother tongue and I know the living God listens. Although Jesus calls us His friend yet I have great reverence for God. I know God loves me and I love God, I love myself, and all of God’s creation. The best thing that has happened to me is the contentmen­t I have found in God and His ways.”

The Bible teaches, “godliness with contentmen­t is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:7). Christ helps overcome harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destructio­n. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (v.10). Anita stopped worrying about life. She started seeking the ways of the kingdom of God and, by God’s grace, desired to be the best person she could be. Anita’s friends noticed that she stopped judging other people, and was concerned about her own behaviour first.

Anita continues to build her life on what Jesus taught and is secure in her foundation. No matter what happens, she knows she will make it through by God’s grace and wisdom.

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