A Defining Word

By Pastor Olinto de Oliveira
24 March 2010

If you as a man were asked to provide a word that would best describes today’s world, which one would come to your mind? What word from your vernacular would be the best to state the conditions in which society is conducted today?

I believe 1 Timothy 4:1-2 provides the answer:

1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron

Don’t you agree with Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy? There is a Deceiving Spirit operating in these present days with much freedom than ever before.

How can we as men make our lives count? How are we going to cope with so much that is said and done by the non-believing public, media and some government systems against us and our practicing of pure Christian faith?

How can we actually make our lives beneficial to the Gospel without being controversial all the time?

No doubt that we’re living in the days that verse one describes to us. When so many are lending their ears to deceiving spirits and things taught by demons and hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

We are the ‘Gate Keepers”; first of our own lives, then of our families and the society we are part of. Are we not up to the challenge and take courage and act responsibly according to the Word of God? Can’t we just let things go on as usual. No, we cannot!

We may have a word that defines today’s world but how about a word that would describe us in today’s world? I believe one of many words that could be chosen is ‘TRANSFORMATION’ - TRANSFORMATION by the power of God. TRANSFORMATION by the daily renewal of our faith and our minds. TRANSFORMATION by allowing ourselves to understand more of what God has for us.

As we conduct our business today as Christian men in the market place, let us be in prayer that our uncomplicated lives would make a positive impact to society, causing a difference in the way the world conducts its business.

I wish you a Blessed day!