Pastoral Page

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV). God has created us to be different from each other, but God has deliberately placed us together in the church, the body of Christ, in order to complement each other in serving God and fulfilling His purpose. Like the raw stones in the river, we run into each other, grinding against each other, in order that we may become smooth, round, and beautiful for God's purpose. As God has assured us through Peter, "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5). In the grinding process, there are a few instructions from the Word of God that may help us to make life tolerable.

1. Watch Your Words
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:19-20).

2. See Other's Perspective
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:3-4).

3. Stop the Blaming
Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way" (Romans 14:12-13).

4. Be a Witness
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life" (Philippians 2:14-16).

We all need God's help in order to be Christ-like. May the Lord have mercy on us.

With love in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Ling