KACHELBELA: Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

KACHELBELA: Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ: Dear Diary, It’s heart-breaking that in this generation many people are dissing the church because of ostensible living that is not wo...

Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ

Dear Diary,

It’s heart-breaking that in this generation many people are dissing the church because of ostensible living that is not worthy the gospel of Christ. As a part of the body of Christ, I must admit there are times I have been a let-down. It is discouraging but I have good news, there is a remnant and hope because Christ promised, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven,” Matthew 16:18-20.

To the remnants, here’s what God wants you to know, Philippians 1:27-30. Whatever happens, you are to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, v.27. If you live sinning the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is dishonored and shamed. The cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is served when people see and/or hear about your Christlike character, action and attitude.

Here are three areas Paul wants the contemporary church to demonstrate a manner of life worthy the Gospel of Christ:

1. Standing firm in one Spirit, v. 27. Whatever happens, the church must remain united in the body of Christ, firmly rooted in Biblical truth, beliefs and principles.
2. Having a unity of purpose-the Faith of the Gospel, v.27. Whatever happens, the church must have a unity of purpose and that is to strive together for the faith of the gospel.
3. In the face of difficulties and opposition, the church must remain audacious, v.28. Whatever happens, our conduct must be bold. When Christians refuse to be intimidated, it is an evidence of their own salvation as well as a proof that the enemy’s ultimate destruction is certain.
4. Whatever happens, the church must count it as a privilege to be granted to believe in Christ as well as to suffer for His sake, v.29-30.

In the face of trials, challenges and even successes, the church must remain steadfast in the Spirit, united in the body of Christ, striving together for the faith of the gospel, bold and joyful knowing it is a privilege to believe in Christ and to suffer for His sake.

So help me God to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ

Yours faithful Scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Can’t we Get Along?

KACHELBELA: Can’t we Get Along?: Dear Diary, So, two women, Euodia and Syntyche were loyal and faithful followers of Christ; they had labored together in the ministr...

Can’t we Get Along?

Dear Diary,

So, two women, Euodia and Syntyche were loyal and faithful followers of Christ; they had labored together in the ministry; they were both heirs of eternal life; but they couldn’t see eye to eye! Why do I feel like Philippians 4:2 got me trapped! I have a friend I’ve been in constant, back-to-back conflicts with. It feels frustrating and gives me depressing moods, feelings and emotions. So, yester night it weighed heavily on me and I began praying for forgiveness and also for God to show me what I have be doing to fuel the conflict and help me take responsibility.

Certainly unity is critical for the spread of the gospel, besides, getting along is inevitable since we’d be seeing each other forever-in eternity. I believe that there is no broken relationship that is beyond the hope of God’s goodness. Conflicts can be resolved; sometimes we might need to seek the counsel of godly and wise friends to help us resolve our unending squabbles.

Facts and practical things to do in a situation of conflict

It is human to rub each other the wrong way at times, to feel irritable, angry, anxious and disappointed. Our approaches to problem solving will determine if the conflict will be destructive or constructive.

1. For the sake of the Lord, we must be intentional about getting along. If we don’t, we harm the Lord’s reputation; we hamper fellowship and worship; we handicap the body of Christ and our peace is affected.
2. God wants us to learn and be willing to get along. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught that if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift, Matt 5:23-24.
3. It is also clear that as much as we have conflicts with each other, we do not have to parade it to everyone. Seek to work thing out with each other, and if necessary, seek an arbitrator in church, 1 Cor 6:1-8.
4. Take responsibility for your own behaviour. Do not always act the victim and others villains. Pride, stubbornness, defensiveness, aggressive tactics, unrealistic expectations, pettiness, insensitivity, judgmental spirit, twisting the reality, concluding that you know the other person’s motives without giving him/her benefit of doubt, bitterness, unforgiveness, using hurtful words, waiting for the other person to make the first move contribute to and fuel conflicts. Admit your responsibilities and take a step towards reconciliation.
5. Turn the searchlights of prayer on your own heart, attitudes and actions and choose your battles wisely; go on your knees and pray about the relationships involved and for wisdom to settle the squabbles. Pray for and expect God’s peace to fill you.
6. Lower the temperatures by speaking gently and calmly. Aggressiveness and harshness are destructive. When there is a need to confront a problem it is always good to:

·         Assert the positive, with sincerity and unambiguously

·         Confess your own responsibility in fuelling the conflict;

·         Explain the issue rather than attacking the person;

·         Focus on the main issue don’t go to ancient Timbuktu and back unnecessarily;

·         Avoid blaming and judging the other person;

·         Finally, extend grace to the other person.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Are you Teachable?

KACHELBELA: Are you Teachable?: Dear Diary, Are you Teachable? Every day I seek to learn from all my experiences, big or small. So, today morning in an...

Are you Teachable?

Dear Diary,

Are you Teachable?

Every day I seek to learn from all my experiences, big or small. So, today morning in an effort to increase indoor air quality, I asked someone to open windows to promote natural ventilation. I went ahead to give a petty lecture why it is necessary to open windows for fresh air, unfortunately, my unsolicited lecture wasn't welcomed, it turned to be combative; I went away in a huff but because I always look forward to learn from my experience, I sat down and thought about the brief encounter and here's is what I learned.

There are two postures for learning-teachable and unteachable. I must admit there are times I have been unteachable, .

Teachableness is the quality of being teachable; capable of being taught; able and willing to learn.

Probably opening windows and doors for natural ventilation doesn't matter much, but having a teachable spirit does. My brief encounter exposed my own weaknesses and I kept reflecting on my teachableness. Am I really teachable? Do I take criticism and correction without resentment? Do I despise it when others tell me what they think I should do? Do I have a desire to learn from others? Surely, am far from perfect but I purpose to improve.

Now, Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. A disciple is an adherent of a teacher; a student or learner. Before I can go to make disciples of all nations, first I must become one. A disciple must be open to learning, it is fundamental to spiritual growth. The greatest barrier to teachableness is PRIDE and one's resistance to be teachable will definitely affect others.

Proverbs 13:10, only by pride cometh contention, but wisdom is found in those who take advise.

O, I pray for a teachable spirit.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

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