Pastor Ken
The Lunar New Year has just begun. Most Chinese people traditionally consider the 15th of the month as the conclusion of the New Year’s festivities. During this period, many from Chinese communities in Asia who practice folk religion will visit temples with their families to pay respects and seek blessings. Whether one views temple visits as a religious obligation or simply follows the custom as a cultural practice, the primary motivation remains to seek divine intervention. Some may even adopt a pragmatic approach, changing the god they worship each year to achieve better outcomes. This self-centered religious sentiment reflects a goal-oriented mindset, where worshipers already have a plan in place and seek divine assistance to fulfill their aspirations.
The Christian faith, however, is not centered around humans, but around God. Christians should always learn to prioritize God above themselves in all things.
Based on the teachings of the Bible, our relationship with God can be likened to various metaphors, such as that of a father and children, a shepherd and his flock, or an employer and employees, each emphasizing different aspects. When using the metaphor of an employer and employees, it highlights the importance of employees being loyal and putting the interests of the employer above all else. How can we remind ourselves to faithfully serve God as our ultimate employer in all things?
In 1896, the novel, In His Step, by Charles Sheldon introduced the idea of asking “What Would Jesus Do?” before making decisions. It began with a pastor’s challenge to his congregants, which motivated the church members to change from superficial relationships to genuine care for one another, creating a ripple effect that extended to the community. Inspired by the novel, a group of young Christians took on the same question in 1990, leading to the popularization of the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) logo nationwide and bringing positive changes to many lives.
Without a solid understanding of Jesus’ identity, teachings, and actions, the acronym WWJD simply reflects our own assumptions rather than true biblical principles. It ends up being a projection of our own thoughts. We remain in a self-centered and presumptuous mindset where we still view ourselves as the big boss.
To acknowledge God’s sovereignty, we must surrender to His authority and seek guidance from the Bible on how to live according to His will. Attending church weekly for worship is a chance to report back to our big boss for a performance review. Have we shown love to God and others in all aspects of our lives during the past week? Have we utilized the talents and opportunities He has blessed us with? God has provided me with good health and basic necessities. How can I use my time in the coming week to honor Him and serve others? Through consistent evaluation, we can strive to become Christ-centered Christians.
