Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - May/80

Contributor - Peter J. Yff

Title - Editorial

Topic - Editorial

One of the better known answers of the Heidelberg Catechism responds to a very important question, "Why are you called a Christian?" The reply begins, "Because through faith I share in Christ, and thus in his anointing . . . ." This sharing in Christ -and the resultant life involves participation in the threefold office of the Saviour. It is to be reflected in the life and witness of the believer. As prophet he teaches and makes God known, as priest he offers the sacrifice of prayer and yielded life, as king he exercises the royal office. He is to decide, to establish appropriate priorities, to throw in his lot on the side of the good and the godly.

All of this is closely related to Ascension Day, even though at first thought you might wonder why. Because Christ is physically present in heaven, and not on earth, his person, and his message attain visibility on earth through his people. His rule needs the expression which a Christ-centered life displays. Otherwise it is not seen. His love needs the expression of a dedicated Christian concern, else it is not seen. You who are parents have a many faceted opportunity here: in the authority a home needs you show Christ's authority; in the home you show his love, making it real through your own.

Further, you who are younger share in all of this as well. What are you planning for your life? Will it reflect a dedication to Christ, and a determination to serve him before all else and everyone else? Our world presents all manner of challenges, and all manner of opportunities. It confronts you will all kinds of temptations, too. There is the temptation to get ahead at any cost, never mind who you step on or over. There is the temptation to live only for the thrill, or only for the fun you can get, and never and anything else. There is the temptation to drift. There is the temptation to fall in with those who say, "The world owes me a living, why do I have to put myself out?" There is the temptation to compromise . . . . In its commonest expression this is to serve God on Sunday (or maybe just Sunday morning) and myself, or the world, or both, the rest of the time.

Christ ascended, but just before he did he instructed his followers: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me; go therefore . . . " This, of course, is the connection between Ascension Day and the daily life of the Christian. Christ wants him as a follower, but even more, as a representative. He wants him as a pilgrim, but even more as a worker.

Summer is soon to be with us, the season when we rejoice that school is out (all except some mothers, perhaps). Summer is also to be a season of continued service, and of uninterrupted service. This includes worship on vacation Sundays, but it takes in far more. It includes your very use of the summer itself. It includes the kinds of plans you make for summer holidays, and the way you carry them out.

Because you are a Christian, and because you share in the offices of Christ in his absence (physical) he wants you as his representative. This is a full-time job, involving what both testaments of the scripture teach us, "You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength".

Such a Christian is a team player, not out for individual glory or gain, but for the good of the cause. Summer has its team sports, as do the other seasons. We all know what happens on a team when any one player gives less than his best. Losses result. So also in the church, when you give less than your best, or when your absence proclaims your indifference. Give Him your all, and express this in daily living, in daily caring, in daily witness through your living and caring. In summer, too.

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