A Letter To My Beloved Church
The time is now. We are faced with a trial that tests our endurance, our faith, and our unity. We cannot ignore the rumblings of the political and racial divides. So easily are we tempted to side with one or the other. We feel the need to respond, to voice our opinions and thoughts. To either stand in solidarity or be cast off in judgment. Brothers and sisters, remember your identity. Remember your calling. You do not belong to this world. You belong to Christ.
Jesus says in Mark 3:24, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” We are beginning to see this proverb come true. Human sin, political differences, racial partiality, and social injustices expose the fissures underneath this country. If we are not careful, the church, too, may be torn apart. But thanks be to God who builds His church upon the solid foundation of the gospel, with Christ as our cornerstone.
Therefore, I am writing to my church. I pray for unity built upon our union in Jesus Christ. I pray that love would abound more and more (1 Thess 3:12). I pray that we will show humility to one another by listening. I pray that we will show compassion to those who feel oppressed and are suffering. And I pray that now, more than ever, we see the need for the Great Commission to be lived out in every area of this world: individually, socially, and generationally.
I am writing to you, youth and collegians. Be patient in the Lord. The test of faith is a test of endurance. Be a Mary, and do not let your youthful energy create unnecessary anxiety (Luke 10:41–42). Do not let the Internet and social media control your minds. Instead, renew your minds on the teachings of Scripture (Rom 12:1–2). See this world through God’s eyes. Do not let emotions like anger and bitterness consume you. Trust in the perfect justice and discipline of the Lord. Remember the tenderness of Christ towards you and reflect the same kindness to all people.
I am writing to you, young adults. You are the next leaders of the church. The church does not need to be the next big thing. Yes, the church should respond to the current events and movements of our time, but the church also needs commitment and faithfulness to the gospel. The gospel reminds you that you are not saved for your intellect, personality, or effort. You are saved because Jesus Christ loves you. No one is better than the other. Your salvation in Christ is what makes you all equal. Let your boast be in Christ alone (1 Cor 1:26–31).
I am writing to you, young families. These times serve as a reminder of the importance of the nuclear family and how the youths learn justice, equality, and love starts within the home. Demonstrate godliness through your humility, mercy, and servitude towards one another. Disciple your children well. Teach them how to love God and love others. Model Christ’s love in your marriage, and prioritize your walks with God.
I am writing to you, older generation of disciple-makers. Disciple the younger generation with empathy and love. Do not provoke them to anger, but instead, show them the ways of the gospel (Eph 6:4). Listen to their stories and do not let your experience harden your hearts. Rather, use your wisdom to impart perspective. Not just your perspective, but a biblical one – one that is full of compassion and humility. Heed the instructions given in Titus 2:1–10 and provide an example of faith that is worthy of imitation.
I am writing to you, pastors. Remember your calling. Preach the Word in every season (2 Tim 4:2). Devote yourselves to teaching truth. The church needs to be grounded in Christ. Be bold and courageous. Shepherd the flock. Care for the sick. Tend to the suffering. Pray constantly. And the church will follow your faithfulness (1 Tim 4:16).
“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5–7)
