The Danger of Self

I believe that our most dangerous threat doesn't come from outside, our greatest enemy is inside, our greatest enemy is our SELF. Sir Thomas Brown, an English physician, philosopher and writer fittingly put it when he says, “Every man is his own greatest enemy, and as it were his own executioner.” Are you killing your self? The Joy of living is experienced in a selfless life. However, we live in a self-fixated world and as such, many find it difficult to go against the status quo. In fact, those who live selfless lives are seen as foolish and lacking ambition. I (My old self, NLT.) have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body (flesh, KJV.), I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20 NIV). This is a declaration that we must constantly make. We MUST give our SELF away.

How to Celebrate Christmas?

Have you given thought to What? Where? When? Why? and How? in the celebration of Christmas. I want you to reflect on HOW we should celebrate Christmas. I have moved pass the four W's, knowing fully well that you must adequately answer the "WHY" question to answer the "HOW". I have found Christmas to be sickening, bemoaning the way in which Christians celebrate this event. It seems as if we are driven my the merchants, rather than the teaching of scriptures in our celebrations. I do wonder, whose birthday is it? Is it yours? Is it Christ? Whose life are we celebrating? Do you invite Christ to His birthday party? And, if you invited Him, is he coming? His house is empty while you are busy with your planning. His house remains the same while you give yours a face-lift. Yes, his house is empty while yours is filled to the point of wastefulness. How should we celebrate Christmas?

The Bible and News Paper

As Christian we should read the Bible with the news paper, or some may posit that the news paper should be read with the Bible. You may comment on which is best. But, most importantly, we must be biblical in our response to what is happening in our environs. The church must be current and relevant. And note, by the church i mean Christians, which includes you! the relevance of God is directly related to how much he fits into our world. I used the term "Our world" to refer to the specific context in which we live. Faith should be lived out in the context of ones community. It should address the ills of the society. When in the practice of faith, one disassociates himself from the current realities and concerns of his community, it begs the question, Does the object of ones faith concern with with the realities and concerns of the community? Who will be interested in a God who is not concern about his/her problems?

The Church

I have always believed that the church is a place of healing, where the broken, oppressed and marginalized can experience wholeness and find meaning for their existence. However, the church seems to cater for those who are whole and fears being messed up by the messy.
What is your experience?
What can be done?