Christian Life

When people are converted from non-Christian background, the question arises at water baptism whether their original names should be changed. In India, especially among Hindus, most names are associated with deities. Therefore some ministers of the Gospel insist a name change for the baptismal candidates. Is it a must?

Many Biblical names make statements about character (1 Sam 25:25; Acts 4:36). The name given was often determined by some circumstance at the time of birth (Gen 29:32-35); sometimes the name expressed a hope or a prophecy (Isa 8:1-4; Hos 1:4). Patriarchal times saw names as indicators of character, function, or destiny. Soon names began to be given more hopefully than discriminatingly, until finally we are not sure whether the name tells us anything about the nature (The New International Dictionary of the Bible).

We Indian Christians often think that all Indian names are Hindu, and all Western names are Christian. To us Western names appear superior to Indian. "Blackstone" in English sounds to us better than the same name in an Indian vernacular. "Murugan" is the Tamil name of a Hindu deity, but it just means "Beautiful!" We will not accept this name, whereas we will name our son as "Apollo" and our daughter as "Diana." Both these are actually names of Greek deities! (Acts 19:27,28). "Apollos" means a "destroyer" and it is the name of a youthful god of music. One of the apostles had this name and he didn’t change it!

Those who insist on changing names quote Exodus 23:13 and Joshua 23:7 where we are commanded not to make "mention" of the name of other gods. This simply means that we should steer clear of idolatry. If we take the above commandment literally, how can we read so many passages of the Bible where the names like Ashtaroth and Baal are repeatedly mentioned? And how can we call or address people with such names? You can’t even pronounce the names of the President and the Prime Minister of India! The Bible unhesitantly uses the Babylonian heathenic names given to the three Hebrew young men (Dan 1:7; 3:2&28). The apostles did not change the name of the first gentile convert (Cornelius) or that of the first European convert (Lydia).

We commonly say that Saul became Paul. This is strictly not true. He already had both these names given by his parents. "Saul" is a Hebrew name, common in Jewish background, meaning "asked of God." "Paul" is a Roman name of the Hellenistic background, meaning "small." A Roman citizen usually had three names (Acts 22:27,28). The apostle was continued to be called as Saul even after his baptism, Spirit-filling and call to ministry. But from Acts 13:9, he was called Paul, perhaps because he was then entering the Gentile phase of his ministry. This was not a name change.

It may be advisable to drop community names like Nadar, Pillai, Mudaliar and Achary. Otherwise change of names causes unnecessary problems in society and government records, especially in rural and tribal areas. Non-Christian parents feel that they are disrespected when the names lovingly given by them to their sons and daughters are changed when the latter believe on Christ. This may lead to unnecessary alienation and antagonism. The furtherance of the gospel is stopped.

If the candidates themselves strongly request a name change, we can comply with. Even here, we must help them choose names in the local vernacular and cultural style. What is promised under the New Covenant is only a new "heart" and a new "spirit" (Jer 31:31-34; Ezek 36:25-28). But if we wait, we all will be given a new "name" in New Jerusalem! (Rev 3:12).

When we pray, God looks at our hearts rather than the physical postures we assume (Mt 15:7-9). But both in the Old Testament and the New we find physical postures as expressions of inner attitude. Of all the postures, kneeling in prayer is the commonest because it is a gesture of reverence and obedience.

King Solomon offered his historic prayer of dedication of the temple on his knees. Though he was a monarch, he did not feel shy to kneel down in the presence of all the congregation (1 Ki 8:54; 2 Chr 6:13). Ezra confessed the sins of God’s people in the kneeling posture (Ezr 9:5; 10:1). Daniel was the chief administrator in Babylon but he never abandoned his childhood habit of kneeling in prayer. In fact he did it three times daily (Dan 6:10).

Our Lord Jesus was habituated to kneel in prayer. Even while agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane, "He knelt down and prayed" (Lk 22:41). The disciples sat down and slept! It is difficult to fall asleep when we kneel straight! The pew cushion is a meaningless invention. When folks came to Jesus for help and healing, they knelt down before Him (Mt 17:14; Mk 1:40). Stephen died on knees praying (Acts 7:60). Peter offered the resurrection prayer for Dorcas on knees (Acts 9:40). Kneeling was a favourite posture for Paul also. Even in the seashore he knelt down and prayed (Acts 20:36; 21:5). To the Ephesian church he wrote, "I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph 3:14).

We have a sure word of prophecy that every knee shall bow before our Lord (Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10). It is wrong to spiritualize this passage. If we spiritualize the words "every knee shall bow," what about the words "every tongue shall confess?" Let’s also not dismiss the habit of kneeling as merely cultural.

In the renewal of worship everywhere, we are repeatedly told by the song leaders to lift up our hands in praise. It is good and scriptural. But let us not forget that the most famous worship Psalm calls us: "Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker" (Psa 95:6). This will bring back the reverential fear that’s sadly missing in many praise gatherings. "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (Psa 2:11).

Back to our knees!

Because in certain Churches the members repeat the Lord’s Prayer like a parrot without understanding or feeling, the other churches don’t say the Lord’s Prayer at all. This is like throwing away the baby with the bath water. Disuse is not the solution for meaningless use. Many Christians shout Hallelujah without their heart in it. Should we then stop saying this wonderful heavenly word of praise? Blind reactions will rob us of rich blessings.

The common weakness of all of us is that "we do not know what we should pray for as we ought" (Rom 8:26). Also our prayer life needs lot of unlearning. Many times we pray like the heathen. The Lord’s prayer is a model prayer. It is the first prayer to learn in Christ’s school of prayer. Heathenic praying is known for vain repetitions and wrong priorities. Only one out of seven requests in the Lord’s Prayer relates to our bodily needs. How much our prayers will be revolutionized if only they are patterned after the Lord’s Prayer! (Mt 6:7-13). New believers and children must be encouraged to memorize the Lord’s Prayer which is the most comprehensive prayer of all time.

Luke records that the Lord taught this prayer in response to the request of one of His missionary disciples when they returned from their first tour(Lk 10:1-5, 17; 11:1-4). He had not let them carry money purse or any bag when they went. Therefore He taught them to pray and trust God for their "daily" bread! Yes, the Lord’s Prayer is truly a missionary prayer. It begins and ends respectively with the focus and goal of missions. I urge soulwinners to say this prayer meaningfully everyday so they may overcome the temptations to strive for their own fame, build their own empires, do things according to their own whims and fancies, etc.

Jesus and the apostles often articulated their needs in prayer to God through the very words of the Scripture (Mt 27:46/Psa 22:1; Acts 4:24-26/Psa 2). The Book of Psalms was used as the Book of Prayer and Praise by the Jehovah worshippers. There’s nothing like praying or singing the very Scriptures. The Word of God is the will of God. "If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us!" (1 Jn 5:14).

The Lord’s Prayer is also called the Family Prayer. My wife and I say this prayer in our own family devotions each morning. It instills in us a new confidence as we begin the day with "Our Father who is in Heaven!"

The restoration of the operation of the gifts of revelation, namely Prophesying, Word of Wisdom and Word of Knowledge, has refreshingly reassured us that God does speak today. But one of the misuses of these gifts is evident when preachers who claim to have these gifts promise believers a blueprint for their lives. Though such a promise may be exciting, it is definitely not in line with the teaching of the New Testament.

God does not give us a blueprint but a map and a compass. If there’s a blueprint there’s no room for choices. We will be simply dictated by the details of the blueprint rather than directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Life will become dimensionless. It’s the element of uncertainty that adds excitement to life and strengthens faith. Of Abraham, the father of those who believe, it is said, "He went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb 11:8). This is walking by faith. We don’t need to know "what" the future holds for us. It’s enough if we are assured "who" holds the future for us.

When Paul at the hour of his conversion asked God, "Lord, what do You want me to do?," he was not given a blueprint for the rest of his life. Rather, God answered him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6). This must have been very humbling for an intellect like Paul. But this best illustrates how God leads us by one step at a time. John Henry Newman (1801-1890) sang,

Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom;

Lead Thou me on;

The night is dark, and I am far from home;

Lead Thou me on;

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene;

One step enough for me.

 

Being influenced by the so-called "prophetic blueprints" from preachers is highly risky and it may ruin your life completely. Don’t go from preacher to preacher asking for predictions. Direct and simple leading of the Holy Spirit is the birthright of every child of God (Rom 8:14). There’s a fourfold discipline which guarantees God’s direction for your life. (a) Be regular in daily prayer and Bible meditation. Prayer tunes us up to the mind of God. The Bible is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa 119:105). (b) Be active in your work. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Eccl 9:10a). God does not waste His guidance on lazy people. (c) Be enthusiastic in serving God. Those who serve God wholeheartedly do not normally miss His will. A commitment to do maximum for the Kingdom of God delights His heart. (d) Be joyful in the company of God’s people. Learning from one another gives you fresh insights. It keeps your heart from getting hardened (Eph 5:17,19; Heb 3:13).

People go for blueprints because they are afraid of making mistakes. No child learns walking without falling. Trying to be cocksure about everything actually paralyses us. Keeping the general Biblical principles in mind, walk according to whatever light you have. If you deviate, God will correct you by a voice "from behind" (Is 30:21). Even if you make a mistake, you don’t need to be unnerved. We learn from mistakes. When our heart is steadfast towards God, He will turn everything into good. God did not tell the apostles in the first instance itself to go to Macedonia. When they went to Asia the Holy Spirit forbade them to preach there. They tried to go to Bithynia and they were stopped by the Spirit there also. It was at Bithynia, the Lord gave them a call to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).

God does allow periods of darkness in our lives. We must simply trust in Him and stay put (Isa 50:10). "Bread of adversity and water of affliction" must not scare us (Isa 30:20). Running here and there will get us nowhere (vv15,16,18). Alongwith David we can sing, "God is my strength and power; He makes my way perfect" (2 Sam 22:33).

We understand the ways of God better and better only when we grow and mature. No father will tell a child what only an adult can understand. Jesus did not tell everything to His disciples in their three year training period. He once said to them, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now" (Jn 16:12). It is against God’s own wisdom if He gives us a complete picture of our future at the beginning or any stage of our walk with Him.

"Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ" (2 Cor 2:14).

"In all (these) things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Rom 8:37).

A casual reading of texts like these would make an average Christian believe that he would never have any failure in his life. Though it is not the will of God that His children live in defeat, He does allow failures in their lives for their own good. The biographies and autobiographies of God’s men and women sketched in the Scriptures prove substantially that no one escaped the "discipline of failure." Abraham the father of all those who believe, Peter the prominent leader among the twelve apostles, Paul the foremost teacher of Church truths, and name anyone for that matter, all had their share of failures. In my personal life and ministry victories have been too many and failures too few. But I can honestly testify that in my 38 years of walk with God (AD 2000) I have learnt more from my failures than from victories. An analysis gives me atleast five reasons why God allows failures in our lives.

To make us humbler

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov 16:18). It is natural for us to be puffed up with pride when everything goes alright and successful with us. The grace of God is opposed to the pride of man (1 Pet 5:5b). God is too gracious to withhold His grace from us. If failure is the only way to make us bend and walk humbly before Him, He hesitates not to permit it in our life. It’s better to fail and rise again than to forfeit the grace of God.

To make us wiser

When our lives are free from any kind of defeat or failure, we tend to ascribe our successfulness to our brilliance and wisdom in doing things. The Bible asks, "Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him" (Prov 26:12). And it admonishes us, "Do not be wise in your own opinion" (Rom 12:16). Failures and defeats lead us to review our course and make us know that what we know is far less than what we know not.

To make us kinder

God severely deals with those who are hard on others but lenient towards themselves. The Scripture admonishes, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" (Gal 6:1). It was in a sense the failure of Peter which qualified him to minister to his brothers (Lk 22:32). The Almighty is the God of all "comfort" and the Father of "mercies." He treats us gently in our trials and tribulations. When we taste His kindness we know how to treat our fellow-strugglers (2 Cor 1:3,4). Jesus "sympathizes" with our weaknesses compassionately because He Himself was tempted like us in everything (Heb 4:15).

To make us holier

"Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" (Prov 24:16a). Being a righteous man, he analyses everytime why he fell and avoids the causes. This way he becomes more and more righteous in practical living. Genuine and godly sorrow produces in us "earnestness... eagerness... indignation... alarm... longing... concern... and readiness" to see ourselves purified (2 Cor 7:10,11). Lessons we learn from failures help us stay vigilant against the enemy’s attacks.

To make us interdependent

We never realize that we cannot do it alone but we need each other until we fail miserably. No member in the Body of Christ is self-sufficient. Every member needs the support of others (Eph 4:15,16). Jesus sought the company of His disciples in the hour of trial. But Peter boasted that he would follow Jesus even if all would forsake Him. We know who went thro’ the trial and testing triumphantly.

Friend, let not any failure in life lead you to condemnation (Rom 8:1). Failure is not final. Failure can become a weight or it can give you wings. In the words of Henry Ford, "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, more intelligently!"

Separation is a fundamental Christian doctrine that runs through the Bible from the beginning to the end. God not only created light but He "separated" it from darkness. This is recorded on the very first page of the Bible (Gen 1:4). The first chapter of the longest book in the Bible mentions the necessity of separation from "the ungodly... sinners... and the scornful" (Psa 1:1). The inaugural sermon on the Birthday of the Church called the listeners to "be saved from this crooked generation" (Acts 2:40). The last page of the Bible speaks of the indwellers and the outsiders of the Heavenly City (Rev 22:14,15). There is therefore no argument against the call for separation. The problem however is in the outworking of it in practice. As in the other issues, Christians go to extremes in this matter also, causing confusion to the younger generation. How does God expect us to relate to the ungodly?

By virtue of creation, all men and women, godly or ungodly, belong to Him. He loves them all equally and grants them "sunshine and rain" without any partiality (Mt 5:45). As God’s "offspring" the entire humanity "lives, moves and has its being in Him." He is not far from any man or woman (Acts 17:27,28). Without understanding this truth the religionists of Jesus’ day were practising exclusivism. But when He freely moved with the irreligious and sinful people He was nicknamed as a "friend of sinners" (Lk 7:34). He had no problem partying with "sinners" in their dinners and celebrations (Mt 9:10-12). We too must maintain normal social relationship with people. True spirituality is not anti-sociality. We should only be cautious lest we learn the corrupt and evil ways of the world.

Born-again youngsters must not despise their parents if they have not yet become believers. There must be no reservation in marital relationship with an unbelieving spouse (1 Pet 3:1,2). Christians must cooperate wholeheartedly with their non-Christian colleagues as long as no moral principle is violated. Obedience to non-Christian bosses must be hearty (1 Pet 2:18). But one must think twice before entering into a business partnership with an unbeliever. However, more often than we think, non-Christians are smarter than Christians in industry and commerce. Jesus Himself acknowledged, "The sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light" (Lk 16:8b). Therefore as long as there is no succumbing to fraudulent means, corrupt practices and tax-evasion, there’s nothing wrong in having unbelievers as business partners.

Some youth ministers, especially those who work in colleges and universities, lead young believing students into seclusion in the name of separation. These boys and girls then stop going to the common reading rooms, sports fields, games, variety entertainments, etc. This paints a negative picture before non-Christians about Christian discipleship. Making friendship is the first step in campus and neighbourhood evangelism. It is usually from the circle of friendship we bring people into the sphere of Christian fellowship. Fishers of men must be friends of men. Sin must be hated but not the sinner.

When I got converted as a college student at the age of sixteen (1962), I did not leave my old friends. I still loved them and met with them. I made clear to them my new commitment and change of life. They would not use filthy language or crack vulgar jokes in my presence any longer. An isolated and insulated church will not influence and impact the society. Besides being strong in worship, the early Church had "favour with all the people." That was the secret of their daily growth (Acts 2:47).

No local church is of 100% believers or 100% unbelievers. It’s always a mixture, but the percentage varies! In the strict sense, worship of the Lord’s Name and fellowship around the Lord’s Table are meaningful only if all the participants and partakers are born-again folks (2 Tim 2:22b; 1 Cor 10:16.17). One can perhaps restrict breadbreaking to believers. But who can restrain unbelievers from joining worship? (1 Cor 14:24,25). All the baptized may not be grains; so also all those not baptized are tares. Acute differentiation is difficult (Mt 13:24-30). Let’s therefore avoid hairsplitting but become a caring community.

Here are some of the favourite texts of separationists—

"Friendship with the world is enmity with God" (Js 4:4). This refers to "lust... murder... covetousness... fight... (sinful) pleasures" (vv 1-3).

"Come out from among them and be separate" (2 Cor 6:17). This is a call for a clean break-away from idolatry (v 16).

"Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Cor 15:33). This is a warning against materialism and rationalism which denies resurrection (v 32).

Christ’s prayer to the Father for us sums it all: "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one" (Jn 17:15).

While talking about the will of God, we must understand two aspects. One is the general will of God and the other the specific will of God. The former is basic and it is the same for all of us, but the latter is different for each individual. Sanctification, Praise, Doing good for evil, etc., relate to the first aspect (1 Thess 4:3; 5:18; 1 Pet 2:15). When we are consistent and faithful in fulfilling this aspect, we will be able to understand and undertake God’s specific will.

There are usually four means by which we can ascertain God’s specific will. First, the teaching of the Scriptures. The Word of God is the final authority in all matters of life and conduct. Once a course of action cannot be fully endorsed by the Scriptures, there’s no further consideration or appeal. Next, we have the inner voice of the Spirit. The indwelling Spirit leaves impressions on our hearts and minds. He is the Divine Helper to lead us. Thirdly, we refer to godly counsel. Mature believers and leaders can guide us with their knowledge, experience and gifts. Finally, we consider the circumstantial evidence. Generally this serves as a confirmation because it is God who orders situations in our life. We are drawn in the palm of His hands. When these four things are aligned, we can safely proceed. The inner peace over the matter is further evidence.

But there are times when in spite of taking all these steps we still may not be sure of God’s will. There could be several reasons—

a) God sees that we are not mentally, spiritually or physically ready yet to execute His will should He reveal it to us. Jesus once told His disciples, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now!" (Jn 16:12). We must go on spending more time in reading and meditation, and doing actively things about which we are quite clear.

b) In our life there may be certain areas of disobedience to the Scriptural principles. When it is more obedience that we need, God does not give more light. He would have us search ourselves and set matters right. "To him who orders his conduct right I will show the salvation of God" (Psa 50:23b). When the valleys are filled, mountains lowered, crooked places straightened and rough ways smoothened, we can see the way of God clearly (Lk 3:4-6).

c) God leaves an element of uncertainty to strengthen our faith. That’s what makes Christian life exciting. He doesn’t give us a blueprint for life, but only a compass. (Ref. Question No. 54). We are to step out in faith. As we proceed, if we deviate to the right or the left, we will hear His voice from behind, "This is the way, walk in it!" (Isa 30:21). Faith goes forward not knowing where it’s going (Heb 11:8).

There is hardly anyone who has not made New Year or Birthday or Anniversary decisions anytime in his life. But almost everyone regrets that he has not been able to keep them up. In course of time we conclude that it is not worth making resolutions at all. Little do we realise that such a conclusion is to our disadvantage and it stunts spiritual growth.

"It is God who works in you (us) both to will and to act according to His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). Therefore in the strict sense none of the desires of God’s children for making resolutions is self-generated. The guiding hand of the Father is there behind them. Good resolutions help positive growth. Resolutions are like goals. They motivate us to go higher and deeper. In this context apostle Paul testified, "One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:13,14). Decisions help us focus on the aim sharply and avoid distractions.

We are bothered by the fact that we are unable to keep up most of our resolutions. The accompanying guilt discourages us from attempting again. But we must remember that no failure is final for God’s children. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down" (Psa 37:23,24). Even repeated failures must not stop us from trying again. "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again" (Prov 24:16).

Resolutions must not be overambitious. They must be realistic. For example, if you had been by and large prayerless, don’t straightaway decide that you would spend atleast two full hours each day in solid prayer. Rather, begin with fifteen or thirty minutes. After steadying up at that level, increase the duration step by step. Great things have small beginnings (Zech 4:10). "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed!" (Mt 13:31).

Don’t make too many resolutions at a time either. Instead of taking twelve decisions at the beginning of a year, you can take one at the beginning of each month. Christian life is a walk, not a jump! It’s true we can soar on wings like eagles when we wait on the Lord. But eagles don’t reach lofty heights instantly. (Isa 40:31). A good principle of growth in Christian life is that lengthening must be proportionate to strengthening (Isa 54:2).

You can share your resolutions with your closest prayer partner or your spouse. Such accountability is beneficial. But there’s no need to make personal resolutions public. This would bring unhealthy pressure on you. Resolutions are not vows. They are simply your personal and voluntary steps to improve your walk with God and before men. Tell God the desires of your heart and trust Him for His enablement (Psa 37:5). Do your best and leave the rest in His hand. "It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy" (Rom 9:16).

At the end of the year, review your performance and treat yourself with a good dinner or a new dress for your accomplishment (Eccl 9:7,8). "The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops" (2 Tim 2:6).