Recently, one of my Christian friends asked me, “How does your faith make a difference in the world?”
I said, “The world becomes a better place when I choose to follow Jesus.”
Am I boasting? Absolutely not! Am I the one making difference? By no means!
The Word of God says, ‘Every good and perfect gift is from Him”.
And I completely agree with Apostle Paul who says, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7:18)
Every so often, we all fail to do good no matter how hard we try. We are mere mortals who are weak at times and therefore become weary of doing good. Christians are not sinless and always good. They also suffer and struggle to do good so they must continue to rely upon the Spirit.
Religion becomes a problem when we act like a self-righteous Pharisee whom Jesus confronted and condemned for their hypocrisy, for their failure to practice justice, mercy and faithfulness and for boasting in their external righteousness. It is crucial to examine ourselves daily and to pray for God’s wisdom and mercy.
We all take part in hurting and blaming each other. Our spirit groans for peace, for redemption, for freedom from guilt and suffering. It shows that the human heart longs for God and deeply desires to do good. It testifies to me that we are indeed created in the image of God who is good.
It is by faith in Christ, through the Spirit, that we can grow in love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is what people need and this is how the world becomes a better place.
The Revd Alina Rai, minister at Anderson Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
