How apt to start 2020 with a reminder that we need a clear vision. Think! What is most important? Where should we focus our energy on? For those with ears to hear and eyes that see, arise and thresh!1
This message is for disciples who are under a leader’s care (previously, I defined and contextualized the sub-categories of discipleship; namely, Marriage, Parenting, and Leadership). To you has been given the stewardship of God’s grace to make known the mystery of Christ.2 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work . . .3
To the married disciples, may the mystery of Christ’s love for his church be revealed through your marriage.4 To those desiring to get married, be steadfast. Do not be unequally yoked. . .5 As a parent your task, among others, is to raise Godly children6—with clean hands and a pure heart, who do not lift up their soul to what is false and do not swear deceitfully.7
To the leaders, renounce disgraceful, underhanded ways. Refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of truth commend yourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.8 For your appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as you have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests hearts.9
Piercing words yet not mine! Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?10 For the year 2020, my encouragement to you is, and I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. . .11 May your 2020 not merely be happy but be oozing with love, joy, and peace!
Note:
1. Micah 4:13
2. Ephesians 3:1-4
3. 2 Timothy 4:3-5
4. Ephesians 5:32
5. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
6. Deuteronomy 6:1-7
7. Psalm 24:4
8. 2 Corinthians 4:2
9. 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4
10. Galatians 4:16
11. Philippians 1:6
