Spiritual gurus seem to pop up everywhere these days. They promise a variety of blessings for their adherents. These include good health, financial security, success in business/studies and happiness in relationships. Their techniques range from meditation to positive thinking to harnessing the energy of mother earth. Many are attracted and some do receive the intended results that they are looking for. If religion is essentially about how we can successfully get these blessings into our lives then isn’t it a glorified form of bribery? Is Christianity, similarly, just an ‘answer to all our problems’ or is it radically different?
Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra in his book God’s that Fail , argues that it is idolatrous to think about faith in these terms. He writes that “at the heart of idolatry is the attempt to manipulate ‘God’ or the unseen ‘spiritual world’ in order to obtain security and well-being for oneself and one’s ‘group’ (whether family, business corporation, ethnic community or nation-state). Biblical faith, in contrast, is the radical abandonment of our whole being in grateful trust and love to the God disclosed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ”. Ramachandra adds that “faith involves us in embracing the pain and confusion of others, and in being willing to live with uncertainty ourselves while moving towards a future that is already at work among us.”
Jesus’ public ministry was preceded by a period of intense temptation. One of these was the desire to make the satisfaction of his own self the goal of his existence, which Jesus rejected (Mt. 4:3, 4). Later he teaches his disciples to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness and trust that God will provide for them (Mt. 5:33). He warns his disciples not to
Watching the pristine beauty of the Mt. Lavinia coastline, one cannot help being moved. Many are drawn to its natural beauty. It is not an uncommon sight to see men, women and children of all ages seated on the beach taking in the spectacle of the sunset and the myriad of colours. The tranquil scene brings a sense of peace leaving you refreshed and captivated. However, the sea hides a dark secret. Many who fail to see its danger find themselves sucked into its depths. A lone red flag on the beach stands as a warning lest one gets too caught up in its enchanting beauty.
The term ‘sea’ in the bible holds a symbolic meaning. It is used as a picture of godlessness, the restless opposition to God’s moral order. The powerful sea monster, Leviathan (Job 41), agitates against God before it is finally slain by the Lord (Is. 27:1). The Beast in the book of Revelation (Rev 13:1) comes out of the sea to yield his chaotic power and the alluring Prostitute Babylon is seated on the waters (17:1). It is no wonder then that when God comes in glory to establish his kingdom there will no longer be any sea (Rev 21:1). All opposition is crushed and his moral order prevails.
Two contrasting legal cases generated much discussion recently. The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer agreed to pay a settlement fee of $2.3 billion for improperly and illegally marketing its painkiller Bextra, which has been withdrawn. This was the largest health care fraud settlement and the largest criminal fine of any kind ever. The second judgment was in the J.S. Tissainayagam trial where the accused was sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment under the dreaded Prevention of Terrorism Act. Many feel that the award winning journalist was unjustly accused while others have questioned the severity of the sentence.
The two cases show to what lengths the powerful go to to cover up their actions. The perceived security in their power and connections however are only temporary just like the raging waves of the sea meekly tapering off when it reaches the coastline. One day everyone whether individuals, organizations or governments, will have their actions revealed and called into account. As we wait for this reality we need to ask ourselves whether we are sensitive to the injustices committed around us whether in our governments, communities, workplaces or homes. Similarly are we willing to stand with the victims of injustice and oppression even if it costs us our security? It is easy to get discouraged and helpless when the cry for justice seemingly falls on deaf ears. The assured hope that one day Jesus will put right the miscarriages of justice should encourage us. The sea will be rolled back. Amen, come Lord Jesus, come.
I had a craving for pizza the other day and called the hotline of one of the leading pizza distributors in Colombo. The operator was both helpful and courteous and enthusiastically promoted the latest range of pizzas and add-ons. Needing more information about them, I asked him about the characteristics of the pizzas and quickly realized that he had never eaten any of the pizzas that he was so eagerly promoting. This got me wondering. Do the wedges of a pizza have different flavours? How can we passionately promote something that we have no clue about? Can our work life stand separate from our relationships, our beliefs, our values etc.? What consequences will result from such a divided life?
Paul writing to the Colossians portrays Jesus Christ as the source and goal of all things in creation (Col. 1:16). He goes on to add that in Jesus “all things are held together” (Col 1:17). Because Christ is the integrating centre of the universe, he is also the integrating centre of our lives. Therefore to be converted to Christ is not to change a religion or some belief system. It is to begin a process of transformation whereby every aspect of our lives is gradually redirected towards the worship of Jesus. It is a gospel of integrity. Therefore Paul can confidently assert that “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Jesus also embodied this in his earthly life. His lifestyle was consistent with his teaching. His relationships, attitudes and values bore witness to the kingdom that he ushered. He stands as the supreme example of an integrated life.
A divided life inevitably leads to depression and hopelessness. Friedrich Nietzsche, the 20th century philosopher, writes “I am howling… inside of me, howling for my lost integrity, sundered from God, Man and myself, shattered in body, mind and spirit, yearning for two clasped hands to usher in the great miracle – the unity of my being”. Thank God that in Christ our lives no longer need to be divided. We don’t need to add different hats depending on where we are or who we are with. We are made whole and free to be what we were created to be. The pizza wedges are finally integrated.
[1] F. Nietzsche, My Sister and I. (Bridgehead, 1951), p. 233.
Readers of the Daily Mirror newspaper last month (18th August) woke up to the headline news that Sri Lanka had topped the list among Asians (93%) “most satisfied with their lives”. At first glance this appears to be reason to celebrate, however, the irony of the situation was exemplified when comparing this story with the other headlines that day. Some of the headlines on the front page included the ‘leaking’ of the A/Level biology paper, the inaction of the police to arrest a senior officer alleged to have aided in an assault case, the pathetic conditions in the IDP camps after the recent rains and the alleged attempt by a government minister to monopolize a lucrative bus route.
Matthew summarizes the message of Jesus at the start of his public ministry, stating “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Mt. 4:17). The Kingdom of God is an inclusive community of peoples from all nations living in harmony with God and each other under the Lordship of Jesus. He goes on to record a sermon outlining the kind of society that reflects God’s kingly rule in a fallen world. God’s approval lies on those who are mourning against their own sin and the effects of sin in society (5:4). He calls on his disciples to stand up for justice, to be merciful and be peacemakers in conflict situations. This counter cultural lifestyle leads them to be salt of the earth and light of the world, he added. He encourages them to love the unlovable, even their enemies to show the character of God’s kingdom.
In the light of this we must ask ourselves whether we can and should be satisfied and optimistic in Sri Lanka these days. Maybe it is precisely because we are so satisfied with our lives that dishonesty, perversion of justice and simple inconsideration for those who are suffering eludes us. Is it only when we are direct victims of injustice and suffering that we long to see a different Sri Lanka? If we want to build a society free from dishonesty, injustice and oppression, then isn’t it time that we stop treating these as necessary evils but be uncomfortable regardless of who the victims are. The illusion of comfort and satisfaction in this context serves only to allow the status quo to continue. Maybe most Sri Lankans are satisfied and optimistic but I hope that those wishing for God’s rule to be present in this earth join me in taking our stand with the 7% of discontents in Sri Lanka.
Uncategorized | yohan September 22, 2009 | 
Comments Off