Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/80

Contributor - Peter J. Yff

Title - Jesus Is Lord.....In 1980, Too

Topic -

Now that 1980 has come, and all the good wishes for the New Year pretty much put back in whatever receptacle from which they came, what of this year? People everywhere wonder about it, and not only about the year itself, but also about the decade to come. There is certainly cause to ponder, and good warrant for taking stock.

The decade of the 1960's was marked by a new kind of independence. Some called it, "doing your own thing." There was something good about it, at least in potential. A person should not be bound by the past, nor so restricted by social pressure that he is kept from realizing his own individual goals. The 1960's went beyond the development of the self, however. In altogether too many instances the values of the past were thrown out. We were told that something new was needed: new values, new approaches. Each individual was to be freed, or liberated, to do his own thing, to find out for himself what life was all about.

Many found nothing except frustration. Others found themselves lost. If it was true that the shackles of the past were discarded, so for many was the guidance it proffered. To be sure one must develop himself, or herself as a person, but always upon the foundation of faith, upon the knowledge that God is Father and Christ is Redeemer. Believing families offered the most natural, and usually effective, ways of continuing the faith of the fathers in the children. When in the 1960's that heritage was thrown away by many, they had no option but to venture out, more or less bravely, into an unknown with only personal values to guide.

With such a start it was inevitable that the 1970's would come to be known as the selfish decade. To put it another way, the 70's were a time of "me first!" Increasingly people declined to become involved in the problems of others. The parable of the Good Samaritan would have been lost on them, or at least, would have failed to challenge them.

Now we begin a new decade, fresh from the hand of God. What will we do with it? How will the 1980's be known? Early in the New Year it would be both appropriate and helpful to ponder such questions. If the 1980's are to be different, that difference must be realized in lives, not theories, in practice, not words.

The 1980's for the believer at least, are to be years which recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The earliest years of the church knew no formal creed, unless it be found in these three words: "Jesus is Lord." "What a short creed," we would be inclined to say. Perhaps, but one's life then hung in the balance. If you would say, "Jesus is Lord," you could not say, "Caesar. Lord," and thereby you were in Is trouble with the Roman Empire which might take away your life: or your liberty, or your job.

Jesus is Lord. We thought of his coming just days ago, and we sang of the salvation and joy he brought. Salvation and JOY will not be realized however, if that Saviour of Bethlehem is not recognized, and obeyed, as the Lord of our lives.

The priority he gives, "Seek first the kingdom of God" is to be our guide. Too much in the past have we listened to the huckster and the singer of commercials. Too much have we tried to find our happiness in things. In Christ we will find a blessedness - a divine joy - in being, and becoming his disciple. Some may find this costly in personal terms. "If any one would be my disciple, let him deny himself. ." When you do, when you put Him first you will find that you haven't lost yourself at all. On the contrary you will have found yourself, and your life and your reason for living.

Some humility comes into this as well. The psalmist knew it, and observed, in God's name, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46;10) the apostle would counsel, "Let no one think of himself more highly than he ought to think." (See Romans 12:3) The regard for self in this passage is conditioned and controlled by the faith the individual has. What a different approach when compared to worldly ambition or pride.

When we recognize, and acknowledge, the Lordship of Christ, we will be, or become, people of prayer. We will ask God's leading, and will seek for it in scripture. Our prayers will be respectful, and trusting. Prayer, after all, is never a demand note on God, but a humble request, placing one's self in His hand.

Such people are folk of commitment. This commitment, or pledge of self, will become visible in life style - we will not concentrate on the material, but on the helpling. It will be visible in our giving. Many more churches will close out 1980 in the black, and will be looking for opportunities to use the help and money given, in contrast to the usual struggle to stay out of the red.

Such people are people of love. Our world knows so much of hate, and of tension. Our world is afraid, and our world is dark. "The light shines in darkness," wrote the gospel evangelist, "and the darkness has not overcome it." Will you help to make this light brighter to enable more to discover it for themselves as it becomes more visible in your life? Then you will be living 1980, and beyond, if the Lord tarries, under the Lordship of Christ.

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