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Location: Singapore

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Fruit (Part II)

I have recently, on the suggestion of my Pastor, begun reading daily devotional passages. This should not in any way be taken to suggest that I have changed my views on whether it is necessary for each Christian to read the bible daily, but is predicated on the willingness to try out my Pastor’s belief that daily readings may ‘sharpen’ my Christian mind. Oh well, I guess only time will tell.

I initially began by reading the emailers that my church sends out daily, but as you may have noticed through some of my previous entries, I found them rather unhelpful (often to the point of annoyance, leading me to become very critical of them – I suspect that is not what my Pastor meant when he said it would ‘sharpen’ my thinking). After sharing my plight with my pastor, he recommended reading the devotional readings prepared by Greg Laurie. He said I would like him. He wasn’t wrong. The name alone produced a natural affinity towards him – it was almost an epiphany – bringing to my mind, one of my favourite characters on tv, Hugh ‘Laurie’ and the character he plays in House – ‘Greg’ House!

Although I have not been blogging about the readings (its mainly because of work), it has been thus far very enjoyable. He comes across to me as a very moderate, balanced and mature person. He doesn’t seem to get sidetracked by all the ‘pet’ controversies that seems to plague many Christians and churches today. Rather than trying to push a particular agenda or theological (mostly extra-biblical) position, he comes across as honest, fair, and merely concerned to bring light to the passage.

One passage that I read this week, which has since stuck in my mind was what he had to say on bearing fruit. I had made a previous entry in this blog about a message that I heard one Sunday in church concerning this same topic. Where I suggested that many things can come under the banner of ‘fruit’ in relation to the commandment or divine desire that Christians would ‘bear fruit’. In that entry, I further suggested that I thought that this fruit did not have to go through a church-organised, church-sanctioned activity – but could arise from mere social situations like chatting with friends and/or providing a listening ear and/or the giving of sound practical advice.

Greg adds another dimension to this assessment. He says:

“What is bearing fruit? Essentially, it is becoming like Jesus. Spiritual fruit will show itself in our lives as a change in our character and outlook… The Bible gives an excellent description a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22–23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."”

It would then seem that ‘fruit’ is primarily ‘Christian character’. This would certainly be consistent with other references to the term. The passage cited in my previous entry of ‘abiding in Christ’ and ‘bearing much fruit’ would definitely contain this causal link (constant contact and interaction does facilitate the adoption of characteristics and qualities – since the Person we are to have such interaction with is God, it would naturally produce godly characteristics in us).

How then does ‘good’ works fit into this equation? Well, I guess ‘service’ is a natural by-product and manifestation of some of these characteristics – after all God does love every living person and seeks his good. This is also where my previous assessment comes in – such service can take many different forms (church-sanctioned, church-organised or not).

But isn’t this the traditional or widely held position? I don’t think so. The differences are subtle but significant.

I think that human beings are very result-oriented (perhaps this is especially true of Singaporeans). This is a problem because we gauge our success through results. Many Christians import this kind of thinking into Christian beliefs and therefore become more inclined to judge Christian growth and maturity along those same terms. The more church-related activities we get involved in, the more pre-saved people we reach out to, the more people we bring into church, all naturally determine our success as Christians. Unfortunately, it would seem that many churches have adopted such an approach and this can be observed by the numerous activities that are thought up almost daily and their encouragement of their members to participate.

But if we understand that the ‘fruit’ which is referred to in the bible is internal, this changes things significantly. It removes the pressure, it ceases to become the measure of success. Christianity becomes more personal again.

Another beautiful thing about the passage is that, if you notice, all the characteristics listed in Gal 5:22-23 are things which can only be developed over time. Furthermore, they are very difficult to measure and compare. Its perhaps easy, after knowing someone for a period of time and observing that person, to say things like, ‘he is very loving’ or ‘joyful’ or ‘longsuffering’ or ‘good’ or faithful’ or ‘gentle’ or ‘self-controlled’, but each of these does not allow you to know how much for sure. And it certainly doesn’t allow anyone to say things like ‘I’m more loving or good or gentle…’ then someone else!

It seems like the absolute brilliance of God is displayed clearly here for all to see. Hopefully we Christians are smart enough to see it and follow suit.

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News Flash: Inked & pierced

There was an update in yesterday’s The Times online newspaper about a senior UK judge being acquitted on charges of exposing himself on two separate occasions to a woman in London’s Tube (equivalent to our MRT system).

A few weeks ago there was another story, this time in Singapore, of the conclusion of the trial of a guy who drove into a girls school and exposed himself to some female students (incidentally, I have some friends who know the guy personally and went to school with him).

This theme of ‘flashing’ is particularly relevant to me this week as I have been asked to unbutton my shirt in the office on a number of occasions to show people my ink (for the uninformed I’m referring to my 2 tattoos). One of the NQLs (Newly Qualified Lawyers also known as Associates) was standing behind me when she first spotted it – quickly more people were ‘informed’ and came in asking to see them. Some showed theirs to me first in a bid to make an ‘exchange’ (which was rather hilarious to be honest).

After the novelty wore off, to my horror, this same girl came in yesterday and asked, ‘Do you have any piercings?’

To be continued…

LOL!

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