Articles

The Challenges and Demands of a Modern Lifestyle on Christian Graduates

           In our modern world that we live in today, the demands of the modern life can seem very intimidating.  A combination of a fast pace lifestyle and instant communication leads to decision making which is executed at a self-gratifying speed. This results in less emphasis on the deeper meaning of a decision being made. Throw in a couple of life altering scenarios and you have a life that leans more and conforms to the world’s standards.

Pause for a moment. In the Word of God there is reference being made about being the Salt and Light of the Earth (Matthew 5:13-16). How can we then be the salt and light of the earth despite the world’s constant push to mold us into the world’s image and expectation? The constant need to “fit in” and the drive focused on one’s personal hopes and desires can change each individual at any point in the person’s life to lose track and go astray. (Isaiah 53:6).

In my personal capacity, more often than not, distractions are very common and are quite effective in diverting my focus and walk in God. How then do I realign (and continuously realign) myself to God? By actively seeking God in everything I do.

           This can be done in a number of ways and a good example of one of the ways is to look to more mature Christians for encouragement. This can be done either by actively seeking for advice from fellow Christians or through focusing and taking note of a Christian’s lifestyle and disposition. By doing so, the knowledge obtained is indispensible as a factor in a Christian’s starting point in seeking God and more importantly a reminder of God’s love through Jesus death on the cross. The actions and thoughts of fellow Christians are a reminder and become a strong encouragement to press on in running the race and maintaining the relationship between us and God which can be exemplified and practiced within the congregation of believers.

           In light of this, the Bible also states that we should constantly meet up for the purpose of as mentioned.  As such being a part of a community sets the foundation in a Christian’s walk with God especially new believers.  (Hebrews 10:24-25) .As students, such a community exists in various points such as in Christian fellowships and in church.

With the move from student to working life, such lifestyle may be altered due to work commitments and will certain impact the relationship between the fellow believers.  In response to this, the role of Christian community could expand to include fellow believers in the marketplace and beyond. Such practice serves as a reminder and a model for congregation to practise and amplify Christian beliefs so that the thoughts can be translated into action through various ministries.  

           The service of these ministries is a reminder that Jesus came to us as a servant king ( John 13:1-17) and we have been given an example through the actions of  our Lord Jesus Christ  that serving is an extension of God’s love for us. In the act of service, a Christian represents and portrays how and what God has done for us and likewise we can also follow the examples that have been laid down for us. In addition to the various ministries in church, we can look beyond the church for such opportunities to serve in NGOs that are Christian or non-Christian based.

            Finally, on the personal level, quiet time is also necessary in the process of seeking God. As mentioned in the modern day and age where connectivity is not only a word but a lifestyle, one has to cultivate and to intentionally connect and to reconnect with God.  The Christian walk has many challenges and the process of seeking is continuous. With such challenges, the quiet time process which usually consists of bible reading, meditation and prayer would have to be carried out in a more deliberate manner in a more selective environment with exclusion of external factors if possible.

            As an illustration of this, once you have updated a machine’s software with the latest software update, you will have to reboot in order for the software updates to take effect. In a similar fashion, this also applies. By disconnecting oneself from the distractions that are present and to slower the pace we are essentially taking ourselves out from the fast paced equation and bring ourselves to be in line and in focus with God. We are asked to focus and wait upon Him and this is one of the practical examples.

           With this, it can be said that the walk with God is a long and continuous journey and there are many obstacles and challenges. We are part of the body of Christ and we are to be an example to fellow Christians and non-Christians alike and by constantly focusing and challenging ourselves, we can make a difference.


John Tee