Transitions: Triplets of Workmanship - God’s Enemies to His Ambassadors

 

Few transitions depicted in the Bible are as dramatic as that of Saul, Rabbinical scholar who thought he was doing God's work by persecuting and imprisoning Christians and even participating in their death by stoning. Yet on the road to Damascus, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him, struck him blind, and asked why he was persecuting Him.

From that moment on, Saul became a devout follower of Christ, meriting a change of name to the apostle Paul, who would not only win converts on his missionary journeys, but also plant churches and write many books of the New Testament

Once we are saved, we are to serve Christ, although few may be as fruitful as Paul. Nonetheless, our Christian walk should be marked by spiritual growth, following God’s lead, and knowing when to act and when to wait. The first step of spiritual growth is being born again (John 3: ) which transforms us instantly from enemies of God (Romans 5:10; James 4:4) to His children (1 John 3:1-2).

In our unsaved state, the apostle Paul describes us as being Gentiles in the flesh (Ephesians 2:11), The Jews were circumcised in obedience to God as a remembrance of the covenant He made with them and as an outward sign to those who were not God’s chosen people (Genesis 17:9-14). When Paul refers to unsaved Gentiles as uncircumcision, he is not describing their physical condition, but rather their state of separation from God. Unsaved souls are without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise (Ephesians 2:12).

But once we trust Christ, we are reconciled in peace by the flesh, blood and cross of Christ not only to God, but to all His children, whether Jew or Gentile (v. 13-17). Through Jesus Christ, all believers in Him have access by one Spirit to the Father (v.18). This transformation changes us from strangers and foreigners to fellow citizens with the saints, or others who have placed their faith solely in God (v.19).

We then become an integral part of the church, or “household of God,” (v.19), which Paul describes in three ways. We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Himself as the chief corner stone; we are soundly framed together in a building that becomes a temple to worship Him; and we are built together as a dwelling for the Spirit to inhabit (v.20-22).

What is the ultimate purpose of this transformation? We are saved not only to “get out of hell free,” for if that were the case, God would take us to Heaven the moment we accepted His Son as Lord and Savior. We are saved by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:9), but we are His workmanship, created in Christ to do good works, which God has appointed to us since before we were even saved (v.11).

What kind of works will He do through us, if we yield to His Spirit? We are transformed from enemies of God to His children and to ambassadors for Christ! Being His ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) means that we represent Him to others through our witness, lifestyle, and teaching.

From the moment we are saved, we can witness to others about His transforming power, as did the Samaritan woman at the well once she realized He was the promised Messiah (John 4:28-30;39). This involves telling others that Jesus Christ is God (John 1:1); that He has lifted our burden of sin (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10); and that He has given us eternal life (John 3:16).

Over time, our changed lifestyle is a testimony that we are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This includes turning away from sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 5:4; James 1:21); worshipping Him by obeying His general will for our lives (Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 4:12); and doing good works for others by putting their needs before our own (James 2:16-18; 1:27).

Worship includes studying His Word (2 Timothy 3:15-17), praying in private (Matthew 6:6; Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17), and assembling together for corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25), as well as giving tithes, gifts and offerings (Malachi 3:10; Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 21:1-4) Corporate worship includes preaching God’s word (2 Timothy 4:2), prayer for one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and praise through spoken word, music, and dance (Psalm 150).

As we mature in our Christian walk and in learning His Word, we should be able to teach others (Hebrews 5:12) what the Spirit has shown us. This might include formal teaching of Bible study or Sunday School, preaching, and/or Christian counseling from God’s Word, or simply a willingness to learn and share with others Biblical wisdom appropriate to their given situation.

We never know when God might arrange a divine appointment in which He wants us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14), illuminating another person’s path with truth we have gleaned from His Word (2 Timothy 4:2).  Surely every believer is called to teach their children in God’s Word, and many may be blessed to have that same opportunity with grandchildren (2 Timothy 1:5) or friends who meet for informal Bible fellowship.

When I was a medical intern, the principle regarding how we were to learn to perform medical procedures was “See one, do one, teach one.” This baptism by fire was a little scary at the time, not only for the interns but especially for our patients, and even more so in retrospect. Yet this strategy was surprisingly effective. A similar principle should apply to our Christian walk: see God’s goodness (be saved); tell others about how He has changed you (witness); and disciple others, teaching them Bible truths based on our own study of the Word (Matthew 28:19).

Solomon speaks of the transitions from planting to harvesting (Ecclesiastes 3:3), with a long period of growth in between. Much of this process is invisible to the farmer as the seed germinates in the earth, until finally a tender shoot appears above ground, and then the plant matures until it bears grain or fruit ripe for harvest. So the farmer has faith in the miracle of the harvest even though he has no visible proof (Hebrews 11:1), he has confirmation of his faith when the first visible shoot appears, even though the plant at this stage is of no practical value, and finally he has fulfillment of the promise when the plant bears fruit that is ready to harvest.

Parallel transitions appear in our spiritual service: we plant the seed of the Word; there may follow a long dormant period during which we see little if any signs of change; and then finally we or another lead the soul to Christ as he accepts Him as Lord and Savior (Matthew 13:1-43). We can witness of God’s goodness, pray for salvation of the soul to whom we witness, and encourage that soul to accept Christ. But it is the work of the Holy Spirit to harvest as He changes the sinner into a new creation in Christ.

When I was a little girl I remember planting seeds in the garden and being so impatient at their apparent lack of growth that I was tempted to dig them up just to see what was happening! Yet even adult Christians may be equally impatient after we plant the seed of God’s Word and of our own testimony, and we may get discouraged when our efforts seem not to bear fruit immediately.

Thankfully, Scripture warns not to get weary in obeying Him, for in His perfect timing, we will see the fruit of our labor if we don’t give up.(Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58). This may not happen during our earthly lifetime, but when we see Christ face-to-face, He will reward us with the crown of rejoicing for every soul led to Him through our efforts (1 Thessalonians 2:19).

Even if we did not personally lead that soul to say the Sinner’s Prayer and call on the name of Jesus to be saved (Romans 10:13), we will take part in the reward if we witnessed to them, prayed for their salvation, or even encouraged them indirectly or unknowingly by distributing tracts, posting messages from God’s Word online or in print, or supporting missionaries (Philippians 4:10-17).

Praise God for the many opportunities He gives believers to work together with Him in the ultimate endeavor of soul-winning! When we place our faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Wayonly Way to Heaven (John 14:6), praise God that He transforms us from His enemies to His children and even to His ambassadors! 

Copyright 2014 Laurie Collett 

Edited, expanded and reposted from the archives

“Let’s Do Church” -- NOT!

 

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I am blessed to be part of a loving and supportive church family that honors and glorifies God in their worship, preaching, teaching, missions, outreach, and all that they do. But others may not be as fortunate, as I was reminded by a dream that I had recently of what a Bible-based, God-honoring church is NOT.

In the dream, my husband and I ran into a former business acquaintance. I half expected a vague offer of “Let’s do lunch,” but instead he invited us to visit his church. To avoid offending him, we accepted.

On the appointed day, we were ushered in, not to the ornate sanctuary, but into what appeared to be a large family room of an assisted living facility or other institution. Many elderly people, some drooling with vacant stares, occupied the large, overstuffed chairs covered in cracking vinyl. Yet there were also toddlers and young children looking bored, despite the attempts of a few frazzled women to amuse them.  There was no other place to sit, so we made our way to the back of the crowded room and sat down awkwardly on a daybed.

I had brought a pair of prescription glasses to read my Bible and made the mistake of setting them on the bedside table, for I soon realized that several other pairs were already there, gathering dust, and I could no longer tell which pair was mine.

Finally the gentleman who invited us came in, dressed in a finely tailored business suit and power tie, and asked my husband to go with him to assist in the service. He complied, and I assumed that he would be praying or perhaps reading a passage of Scripture aloud.

After a long while, no one had returned for me or the others, even though I was sure the service had already started. I heard a loud band blaring contemporary music and crowds roaring in response. I grew restless just sitting there, so I wandered out. To my surprise, I spotted the minister, dressed in clerical garb, apparently killing time in the hallway and reluctant to lead his own congregation in worship.

He seemed to welcome the diversion of my presence and offered to show me some artifacts the church had recently purchased. Not wanting to be rude, I feigned interest as he pointed out an extensive coin collection and an antique German spinet inlaid with a variety of finely carved woods, but too old and fragile to be played. I wondered to myself why church funds would be spent on these expensive trinkets that served no purpose in worship, rather than on supporting missions.

I excused myself with “Don’t let me keep you from the service,” to which he replied, ”Oh, no problem – hope you’ll both stay for the social after.”

I entered the sanctuary, but the service had ended, and I was sorely disappointed at not having heard God’s Word read or preached or having had the opportunity to worship in song or prayer. Most of the congregation was already outside, sunning themselves around a large pool, and many of them had changed into swim wear.

I suddenly realized I was hungry and thirsty, but I didn’t dare try the drinks they were sipping with paper umbrellas in them. “Dinner” was being served in a fenced area, but after I paid a hefty price for a plate, I realized that all they had was Twinkies and other junk food desserts.

Thankfully I awoke, more grateful than ever for our own church. The Biblical definition of church is NOT a building or a social organization, but a called-out assembly of born-again believers (Acts 2:47; 11:26; 14:27; 16:5) comprising the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23-32; Colossians 1:18,24) and the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:22; 22:17). Yet the dream left me wondering how many who attend church services do so for ungodly purposes, and how many churches pander to those unbiblical motives.

Church is NOT someplace to go to strengthen one’s social or business network, to meet people of influence or to be seen in a flattering light. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for wanting the best seats in the synagogues and for making a big show of prayers and tithing (Matthew 23:2-7; Luke 11:42-44), even though their hearts were far from him (Matthew 15:8).

The bride of Christ is to be separated from the world and holy in their lifestyle (1 Peter 1:15-16). If a church group seems no different from the world in dress, habits, music and behavior even while at God’s house, how can the members be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) when they leave the building and return to their communities, schools, and workplace?

God’s house should be well maintained to honor Him, but without ostentation and foolish spending on earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). Good stewardship should ensure that funds are used to spread God’s Word locally and across the globe through missions (2 Corinthians 11:8-10; Philippians 4:15). 

Although churchgoers should assemble to encourage and build up one another through fellowship, prayer, and bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:25), which should enhance our joy and peace in the Lord, church is NOT merely a form of recreation or a pleasant family pastime. Yet some churches seek to attract congregations by providing music, media, games or social settings that seem to be only secular entertainment, and not sacred worship or Scriptural teaching.

This trend seems to be most prevalent and appalling in some youth groups. Adolescents must cope with so many painful struggles in which God’s Word should be a great source of strength and comfort (Psalm 119:9-11). But instead, some churches subject their youth to foolish and demeaning “ice-breakers” like eating peanut butter out of the youth pastor’s armpit! Small wonder that so few remain in church once they leave home.

Smaller classes or worship groups based on age or sex may be appropriate, provided that they do not segregate or isolate anyone, and as long as all teach the Word. Yet in my dream, the elderly, young, and women were excluded from the main service, and no one was fed the daily bread of Scripture (Luke 11:3). Churches offering a great variety of classes, programs and services should be careful not to prevent families from worshipping together, to fragment the congregation into groups that are too small to be supportive, or to distract from teaching and preaching the Word.

In my dream, the eyeglasses collecting dust may symbolize a church that no longer bothers to read the Word. The boredom in the youth and apathy in the elderly (Revelation 3:15-16) were the exact opposite of a church that is alive through the Holy Spirit  (Revelation 22:17). This “church” must have been expecting the members to fall asleep, for it even had a bed!

The minister seemed more interested in the social aspects of church and in acquiring treasures of no practical or spiritual value (Revelation 3:17), while shirking his responsibility to lead and to feed his flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:15; John 21:15-16). I left feeling hungry spiritually as well as physically, for there is no nourishment in “church” without worship or the Word (Matthew 6:11; Acts 2:46-47).

We don’t need to “do church” – only the Holy Spirit can empower the body of Christ, by His light shining through every believer (Revelation 3:6,13,22). Only through Him can churches bond together in love, shunning disputes and divisions and unified by faith in Him and His Word (1 Corinthians 11:16), and using their spiritual gifts to grow the church and build up one another (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Why don’t all churches just devote themselves to Jesus – to telling others of how He died for our sins, was buried and rose again to give eternal life to those who trust Him? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 3:16)) Why don’t churches just preach Christ (Acts 5:42; 8:5; 9:20; 17:3; 1 Corinthians 1:23), worship Him, and encourage one another in the Lord? Isn’t Jesus enough?

© 2013 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

High Tea Time

 

Photo by Miya 2006

Tea is a refreshing pick-me-up any time of year, especially when there is a chill in the air!  The custom of sharing tea with friends is a special kind of fellowship, with both the tea  itself and the gathering bringing to mind elements of our spiritual life.

The main ingredient of tea is water, which quenches our thirst. The body God so lovingly designed for us (Psalm 139:14) functions only when supplied with an abundance of water, which allows the chemical reactions of life to take place in our bodies and which hydrates our cells, tissues and organs.

Just as our bodies need physical water, our souls need Jesus Christ, Who is the Living Water, and from Whom rivers of living water flow (John 7:38). We can receive this essential nutrient only by trusting Christ as our Lord and Savior. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well:

John 4: 14 [W]hosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Unlike the artificial soft drinks so popular today, which are essentially just a mixture of chemicals, tea is made from natural plants created by God Himself (Genesis 1:11-12) and designed to nourish and strengthen our bodies. Some flowers, herbs, fruits and spices used in tea are specifically mentioned in the Bible for their medicinal benefits and value as fragrances, including aloe, spikenard, saffron, calamus, cinnamon, melon, cassia, frankincense, hyssop, and rose (Psalm 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 2:1; 4:14; John 19:39; Numbers 11:5).

Jesus Himself is the Rose of Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1), and frankincense was one of the gifts given to Him by the wise men when they worshipped Him as a small child (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing that He is our great High Priest.

Much like the blend of florals and scents in expensive perfume (Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 3:6), the unique leaves, spices and blossoms combined in our favorite tea create an experience far greater than the sum of its ingredients. In a blended tea, some ingredients, like black tea, predominate and are more robust, whereas added flavorings like vanilla bean, citrus or florals may be more subtle and less noticeable, yet all contribute to the desired aroma and taste.

When God brings together individual Christians in the body of His church, each of us plays a unique and vital role, and the church body is far greater than the sum of each of our individual gifts or talents (1 Corinthians 12:4-30). Some members, like the Pastor or song leader, are more visible, whereas those in administration or janitorial may be less on display in the Sunday service. Yet every member is necessary for the church to function well as a body.

1 Corinthians 12: 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.… 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

The process of brewing tea is irreversible, and its ingredients, once combined, cannot be separated. Because of our sin nature (Genesis 3; Romans 5:11-12), we may have disagreements with fellow believers or even leave our church, but we can never be separated from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-39) nor removed from His family (John 10:27-29), which is the church, or called-out assembly of believers. Once we are saved by trusting in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians. 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6), we become God’s children and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17).

Tea refreshes and revives us in part by restoring us to an ideal temperature. When we are chilly, a hot cup of tea seems to warm us to the bone, as my family and I discovered on many a windy, rainy day while traveling in Ireland! Surprisingly, hot tea in the summer can also cool us down, as it causes light perspiration, which evaporates and lowers our body temperature.  Russians have a custom of drinking hot black tea with cherry jam in the summer for this purpose.

Of course, as we all know in Florida where I live, iced tea is also extremely refreshing! The image of a tall, frosted glass of iced tea with ice cubes floating in it and moisture beading its surface is so iconic that it appears in commercials and other images to represent cooling in the blistering desert heat.

But whether hot or cold, tea must be served at vigorous temperatures or it loses its appeal and purpose. No one would enjoy a lukewarm glass of tea made from tap water! We would probably spit it out. Jesus criticized the church at Laodicea because they were neither on fire for him nor openly cold toward Him. Because they were lukewarm, trusting in their material possessions and worldly success and failing to realize their lack of trust in Christ, He would spit them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16)

Our churches need revival and for each of us individually and as the body of Christ to be on fire for Him (Luke 24:32), working fervently (Romans 12:11) to spread the Gospel.

For tea to be enjoyed at its best, it needs to be immersed in hot or boiling water for just the right amount of time and steeped at the perfect temperature so that it brews to perfection. Only then can the nutrients and flavors in the tea be released for optimal health benefits and taste.

So if we are like the tea leaves, we shouldn’t be surprised when God allows us to get into hot water!  Spices must be ground to best season food; flowers must be crushed to make perfume; olives must be pressed to release their oil; and tea leaves must be cooked to brew tea. Black tea is prepared with boiling water, but green tea is more delicate and is best brewed as a slightly lower temperature. Similarly, God knows how much heat each of us can withstand and when to turn it down or remove us from the burner for the best result.

Jesus Christ Himself was bruised, beaten and crushed more than any of us can imagine to be the perfect sacrifice to pay for our sins, to reconcile sinful man to Holy God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Hebrews 2:17). The name Gethsemane, the garden where He prayed so fervently the night before His crucifixion that He sweated blood, means olive press (Matthew 26:36-46).

We don’t always like it or even understand why God allows trouble into our life, but we can trust Him to work all things together for our ultimate good and His glory, according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). When we are in hot water, it strengthens our faith in Him, our dependence on Him and our closeness to one another (James 1). 

When we suffer through no fault of our own, it makes us resemble Christ more closely (Philippians 3:10), as we are molded into His image. Suffering gives us compassion, wisdom and experience to help one another and others going through similar trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Galatians 6:2; James 3:17).

So as we savor a cup of tea, let’s take time to remember what it can teach us about the Christian life. More to come in a subsequent post about the custom of fellowship over tea. In the meantime, let’s drink to your physical and spiritual health!

© 2018 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

Luau: Let’s Celebrate Our Joy in the Lord!

 

Photo by Nicole Bratt 2005

 

As the summer season of celebrations and holidays has officially begun, may you enjoy this repost from the archives about the traditions of the Hawaiian custom of the luau, which is a popular summer party theme. Much of the symbolism of this ceremonial feast has a parallel in Christian beliefs.   

In Christ we have great reason to celebrate, no matter what our circumstances, because we have joy in the Lord (Psalm.32:11; Isaiah. 61:10; Matthew. 25:21,23) and the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah.8:10). Even while chained in a cold, gloomy prison cell for preaching the Gospel, the apostle Paul was so filled with joy that he said to Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) 

The luau is held not only to celebrate, but also as an occasion to show hospitality to those outside our immediate circle of family and close friends. Scripture tells us to be hospitable even to strangers, because we may be entertaining angels without even knowing it! (Hebrews 13:2). When Abraham offered a feast to three strangers who dropped in, it turned out to be the LORD and two angels, and he was blessed by the news that Sarah would give birth to a son in her old age, giving rise to a great nation (Genesis 18). 

In ancient times in Hawaii, men and woman ate their meals separately, and women were not allowed to eat foods that were served only to men on special occasions. However, in 1819, King Kamehameha did away with these religious laws and taboos (Romans 14:2-3) and ate with all the women during the luau, with everyone enjoying the special dishes formerly given only to men. 

This reminds me that Jesus Christ, Who is King of Kings (Revelation 17:14; 19:16), is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), for all who trust Him are equal and all one in Him (Galatians 3: 26-28). Regardless of sex, race, nationality, or religious upbringing, all those who place their trust in Him will take part in His marriage supper, which will be the most amazing celebration of all time! (Revelation 19:9)  

To honor the guests of the luau, the host gives each one a lei, which is a garland or wreath given as a symbol of affection. It can be any series of objects strung together, like a necklace of beads, but it is usually made of fresh natural plants such as flowers, leaves, vines, fern fronds, nuts, and seeds. 

On May 1 of every year, Hawaiians celebrate "Lei Day," so named in 1927 by poet Don Blanding. Since World War II, it has been the modern custom in Hawaii to give a lei with a kiss. The apostle Paul four times in his letters tells believers to greet one another with a holy kiss (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26).  But the traditional custom is to give a lei by bowing slightly and raising it above the heart as a sign of love, allowing the person to take it, because raising the hands above another's head, or touching their face or head, is considered disrespectful. 

This reminds me of the apostle Paul’s encouragement for us to submit ourselves to one another (Ephesians 5:1) and to be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans 12:10). Even in relationships where one person has rightful authority over another, such as parent to child, boss to employee, or teacher to student, we should still consider the needs of the other person over our own. If we brag or boast or lord our authority over someone, God will bring us down, but if we have a servant’s heart toward others, God will lift us up (Matthew 23:12). 

Hawaiians honor leis and what they represent by never throwing them away casually. If they cannot return leis to the place they were gathered, they return them to the earth by hanging them in a tree, burying, or burning them. Because a lei symbolizes the love of the giver, to toss one in the trash would be a sign of disrespect or ingratitude. Many types of lei can be left in a window to dry, allowing the natural fragrance to fill the room.  

On Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who went home to the Lord before us, especially those who lost their lives for our freedom in self-sacrificing love, reminding us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice (John 10:15,17; 15:13; 1 John 3:16). I am thankful for the Godly legacy left me by those who went before me, and their memory lingers on like a sweet-smelling fragrance.  

Although we typically think of a lei as a flower garland, more loosely defined, a lei is any series of objects strung together. In Hawaii, children, family and sweethearts are poetically referred to as "lei." Paul describes the church as we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another (Romans 12: 5). So we, as members of the church or body of Christ, can be thought of as a lei, bound together in love as a family.  

Each of us is like a flower, different, but more beautiful and fragrant to God when we come to together in unity of spirit than we would be separately. Throughout the book of Acts, we hear of Christians in the early church acting together with one accord, accomplishing far more to spread the Gospel than they could if each were to act separately (Acts 1:14;2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12,7:57, etc.). 

The Haku lei is a type of lei crafted by braiding three cords together. Haku mele means to braid a song. A song composed out of affection for an individual is considered a lei, because it is words and notes strung together in love. Paul encourages Christian believers to speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). 

The three cords of the Haku lei remind me of Solomon’s wisdom that a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12), meaning that friends who are united in their faith in God strengthen and build up one another through trials and temptations (Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 27:17). 

The threefold cord is also reminiscent of the Trinity (Matthew 3:16-17). Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9). When our heart believes in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), the Holy Spirit enters us (2 Corinthians 1:22) to teach us about Jesus Christ, Who is the only Way to God the Father (John 14:6).  

So as we enjoy summer celebrations, may we remember the legacy of those who went before us and encourage fellow believers. May we celebrate our joy in the Lord, show hospitality and love to one another, and be united in Christ, like flowers woven together in a threefold lei!
 

© 2014 Laurie Collett

Reposted from the archives

 

 

Coterie Ingenue

 

As readers of this blog may know, it is not unusual for me to have complex, detailed dreams. But sometimes I awaken with just a single image or phrase left in my conscious mind, apparently from a dream I had during the night.

One morning in mid-January of this year, when COVID-19, violence, persecution, and godlessness were raging worldwide, I awoke with the words “Coterie Ingenue” echoing in my mind. I was familiar with both words but had never heard them used together.

The dictionary defines “ingénue” as an innocent, naïve, or unsophisticated young woman, especially in a play or film. Its first recorded use in English was in William Thackeray's 1848 novel Vanity Fair, describing the ambitious heroine who disarmed her opponents by “adopting a demure ingenue air, under which she was most dangerous."

The French word “ingénue” derives from the Latin word “ingenuus,” which is the root of the English word "ingenuous," meaning "showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness."

Merriam Webster defines “coterie” as “an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose.” The etymology of this word is also French, meaning "group of persons joined by a common interest," or dating even earlier to Middle French, meaning "group of peasants owing labor service or rent to a lord."

This interesting juxtaposition of words, “coterie ingénue,” reminded me of how Christians, or those who are saved by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), should be in these End Times, amidst Christian persecution, plagues, violence, wars, and rumors of wars (Matthew 24).

Jesus told His disciples that in times of persecution, they would be as vulnerable as sheep among wolves, but that to protect themselves, they should be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Serpents are particularly crafty and swift in escaping danger, as well as cunning.

Such wisdom would enable Christians to endure or escape difficult situations, as in the apostle Paul being all things to all people so that he might win some to Christ. For example, he used the superstition of the Greeks, who among their many idols had designated a statue to “the unknown god,” to persuade them that the One True God, our Lord Jesus Christ, was the One they should worship (Acts 17).

Serpents may be wise, but they are despised by most, which could lead to their swift destruction once recognized. Jesus therefore told His followers to also be as harmless as doves, in other words, to portray themselves as inoffensive, meek, and tolerating attack, for example by turning the other cheek to an attacker, or praying for or being kind to an enemy (Luke 6:28-29; Romans 12:20). This strategy would help protect them, as even most wicked people would hesitate to harm a creature as innocent as a dove.

So Christ’s advice to His followers appears to have included some element of dissimulation, or at least of not revealing the wisdom underlying their strategy. A similar situation in the Old Testament occurred when Queen Esther showed such discretion in not revealing her Jewish heritage to the King until it was expedient to do so to save her people (Esther 4).  

The word “ingénue” seems therefore to reflect this two-pronged strategy: appear blameless and innocent, without losing sight of the mission and the wisdom to accomplish it, as portrayed by Thackeray’s heroine.

But I believe Christians are also to have a genuine element of innocence, as we are not to use any unlawful or immoral strategy to protect ourselves or to gain an advantage, even when under attack. Our beliefs and actions are to be beyond reproach, or blameless, in contrast with the wicked world (Philippians 2:15).

We are to be “simple” regarding evil (Romans 16:19), meaning that we should not even know how to do anything wicked. Indeed, if we are simple regarding philosophies of men and the “wisdom” of the world, the Lord Himself will give us His wisdom (Psalm 19:7; 116:6; 119:130; (1 Corinthians 1:17-31), which far surpasses that of man, for He is omniscient (Psalm 139).

As described in three of the Gospels; Jesus loved children and rebuked His disciples for trying to keep them away from Him. He set a small child among the apostles and told them they must become as that child if they would enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3-4; 19:14; Mark 10:14-15; Luke 18:16-17).

We are saved by grace through a childlike faith in and dependence on our Abba Father (Ephesians 2:8-9), and in His Son Jesus Christ Whom He sent to be the perfect sacrifice to pay our sin debt in full (Romans 3:25). In the book of I John, the apostle refers to Christians as “little children,” emphasizing this aspect of our faith.

Just as each Christian is to be innocent, blameless, and without deception, trusting our Lord with childlike faith, we together are to exemplify these traits, bound together in our love for and service to Him. The word “coterie” fits this description perfectly, for we should be an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common interest or purpose.

Scripture warns us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), separate from the world and its fleshly desires, and in one accord in our devotion to Christ and to His purpose for us. Yet we are not to form a clique, have divisions among ourselves (1 Corinthians 1:10-17), stay isolated in an ivory tower, or have a superior “holier-than-thou” attitude toward the unsaved or backslidden (Galatians 6:1). Although we are not of the world, we are to be in the world (John 13:1), where we can be lights for Him, the true Light (Philippians 2:15; John 9:5).

He is our Lord and we are His servants, owing Him everything, yet He has wiped out our debt through His shed blood. We are like the Old Testament slaves set free in the year of jubilee, who choose to stay with their Master Who has been so kind to them and has met all their needs (Leviticus 25:10).

It is amazing how Christians from opposite ends of the globe can meet, in person or online, and despite vast cultural and other differences, instantly feel a bond of love, family and friendship stemming from our shared dedication to serving Christ and bringing others to Him. We are to love one another, for if we cannot love our brother whom we have seen, how can we claim to love God Whom we have never seen? (1 John 4:20)

We are to be “likeminded” toward one another in Christ, glorifying God with one mind and one mouth (Romans 15:5-6). That mindset is to be none other than the mind of Christ, Who put the needs of others ahead of His own, and humbled Himself even to the point of death on the cross for the sake of His enemies (Philippians 2:2-8; Romans 12:16).

Just like the church today and through the centuries, the early church consisted of believers from diverse backgrounds, religious upbringing, social status, and education. Yet all were “in one accord” (Acts 1:14; 2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25) and had all things in common, selling their possessions to meet the needs of others and of the church.

They were a “coterie” not only in ideals and beliefs (1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11), but in actions and behaviors. They worshiped together, met in one another’s homes, broke bread together in remembrance of Christ’s work on the cross (Acts 2:44-47; 4:31-35), and supported one another financially, emotionally, and in prayer.

In these End Times, as each day brings us closer to the eagerly anticipated return of Christ, may we act together as a “coterie” in the united body of Christ, exemplifying individually and corporately the wisdom needed to fulfill God’s perfect plan for our life, and the ingenuousness, or innocence and purity, exemplified by Jesus Himself!!

© 2021 Laurie Collett