LIVING FOR CHRIST: SELF-CHECK (MATTHEW 7:14)

Dear Members in Christ, 

Living for Christ: Self-Check

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14

By the time this exhortation is published, the first quarter of 2025 will have already passed! Time moves swiftly, and three months have slipped away. With nine months remaining before we enter 2026, this is an opportune moment for reflection and taking corrective steps to improve and enhance our service to the Lord.

The question we must ask ourselves is: What have I done for Christ in these past three months? As a Christian, I need to evaluate whether I have walked in righteousness and served the Lord well. Have I fallen short in my devotion and service? Have I shared the Word of God and testified for Him in my home, at play, in school, or at the workplace?

Commitment to the Church and Worship

Closer to home, within the Church, have I rejoiced with the brethren as we gathered for worship each Lord’s Day? Have I encouraged and edified my fellow believers in fellowship and ministry? When the Pastor called for more hands to serve in the work of the Lord, did I step forward willingly?

Have I developed a habit of arriving at Church in a rush, barely making it to the Worship Service? Moving forward, can I make an effort to arrive early, respecting the sanctity of the service and avoiding distractions for others who are already in worship?

Even when the preaching of God’s Word begins, am I tempted and distracted by my mobile phone? Ecclesiastes 5:1 reminds us, “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools.” I know it is wrong and not right to text or read messages or scroll the net while the worship service is in progress. It is a bad testimony for others especially for non-believers who may be in the Church watching. I will definitely stumble the young believers, non-believers and a lost soul may be lost for Christ. Let me resolve to give God my full attention, setting aside distractions and focusing on worship. Let me be resolute in being a good testimony for Christ both inside and outside the Church. May God have mercy on me.

Christian Responsibility and Witness

A Christian carries a great responsibility in bearing the name of Christ. Matthew 5:16 exhorts us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Non-believers observe us to determine whether we truly live according to our faith. They are quick to judge and highlight any inconsistencies in our walk with Christ, using them as justification to condemn and reject Him. This is a sobering reality. As Christians, we must strive to reflect Christ in all that we do. God forbid that we be the cause of another's unbelief.

A Christian’s life is a journey—a continuous walk with God, not just a one-time belief in the salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is about a personal relationship with God. It is a journey. It is about cultivating a deep, personal relationship with the Almighty. Romans 12:1-2a urges us, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Thus, throughout our earthly journey—whether it be “three score years and ten”, longer, or shorter—we are called to live a holy life, reflecting God’s holiness in a sinful world. 1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds us, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Through the milk and meat of the Word, may we grow spiritually, serving Him diligently and bring glory to His name.

Seize the Time to Serve

Yes, three months have passed. We have nine months ahead. If we have not served Him well, let us commit to doing better. Life is uncertain. As we have witnessed in the past months, God has called a number of His children home. While we still have breath, let us actively witness and do His work. Whether our contributions are great or small, what matters is our faithfulness. Colossians 3:23 encourages us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

There are many opportunities to serve. The Lord will enable you as you step forward. It is not about ability but availability and humility to serve God. “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13. We shall have no regrets.

Church Family Camp, Penang: 02 to 06 June 2025

A repeated call to all members and friends to come together to learn God’s Word, strengthen Christian fellowship, and grow in faith. The camp will be a time of praise, worship, and edification, where we can deepen our bonds as the body of Christ.

A Pastor once described the Family Camp as a “foretaste of heaven on earth.” It is a time to experience Christian unity and fellowship, much like the eternal gathering of saints in Heaven.

The question is worth considering: If a person does not look forward nor enjoy the company of fellow believers in Christian fellowship here on earth, how will he/she enjoy the company of the saints in Heaven?

With much prayer, the Pastor and Session of the Church invite you to join this blessed time of learning, worship and strengthening of brotherly bonds. Come, do register if you had been hesitating. God bless.   

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng