Have you ever wondered what the focus of our lives are for? What should be the core essence of all our actions and our words as a Christian? Where should we stand in society and what should we do in times of crisis?

Let us look into the word of God for answers. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states:

For whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NIV 1984)

I understand that I have overly mentioned this verse in Scripture but I also understand that repetition is a good method of learning. How much are you really taking in this verse? I have to admit that I cannot guarantee all the actions I take after becoming a born again Christian are rooted from this verse but that is what needs to happen. How can we be salt and light in a dark world if we do not do everything for His glory alone and in His name? I think we need to really meditate on this verse.

Now moving on to events, I have seen so many friends do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I would question them the reason why they are doing it? If it is just for fun, it is foolish. If it is for the benefit of society, I have to be frank but it is also a way of making yourself feel better about yourself. But if you are really doing it for God’s glory and trying to share God’s love with others and giving credit to the prince of peace and the root of all this love, you are following 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Now in a world of crisis, our ways of living and our society are greatly impacted by politics and government. Back in the days during the rule of the Romans, the Jews were being persecuted by wicked and inhumane ways. When Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah, His believers and followers thought that this is the end to the misery of being constantly stepped underneath the Romans and they will be led to a land of freedom. However, in John 15, Jesus foreshadows that His disciples and followers will be hated by the world. They will be persecuted. Jesus even reveals that there will be ones who kill His disciples and think that they are doing a favour to God (John 16). Luke 14:27 states that whoever does not carry the cross is not worthy to be His disciple. What does this mean?

This means being persecuted for your faith is something that is revealed to us through the Holy Scriptures. God has promised us that being Christians, we will face challenges and persecution, which can be also seen as trials and temptations. What are we called to do in these situations? James 1 instructs us to consider it pure joy and rejoice. Now one may ask why should we rejoice during these times? Especially from my brothers and sisters from Hong Kong during this time of crisis, why should they rejoice?

We should all rejoice because we are in the presence of the Lord. Christ is enough for us! No matter what sins others commit on us, God’s will is being done because God is omnipotent and this is His perfect will. What do we do in these times? We need to focus more on Christ rather than being distracted by these earthly things. Our focus is on gospel preaching, making disciples, proclaiming His name and doing everything for His glory. Our life on this world is temporary and extremely short compared to the time we spend having eternal life, so have some foresight and focus on everlasting fruits rather than the fruits bore on earth that will disintegrate when we depart.