Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Indeed, 2003 thus far is turning out to be a most eventful year for Singaporeans, probably more than any over the past decade or even further back more.
Reflecting on the recent major events and debates in our society, a message seems to be very clear. Singaporeans better “re-structure” themselves, the quicker the better, to come to terms with the stark reality that they will ultimately be responsible to be self-reliant in taking decisions for themselves in terms of employment and career, as well as the personal cultural and moral lifestyles.
Increasing liberalisation of lifestyles and personal values is no more only a subject for discussion, its now reality. Singapore has to be a “fun” city attractive to its own and open to the world, so they argue, albeit with moderation but evolution as time and tide of society norms change. In order to be globally attractive and competitive, society has to loosen up and be in tune and in line with the progressives, the so call “mature”, so they say
In the midst of all these, for God’s faithful people, Paul’s sentinel call should be voiced and heard clearly once again, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life …” (Phil 2.14-16; also 2 Tim 4.1-4). But don’t get Paul wrong! He is challenging us to build up extra robust capacity over the childish level of debate and controversy, and it could not be more timely and urgent: “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; be babes in evil, but in thinking be mature” (1 Cor 14.20; cf. 3.1-3a, Heb 5.11-14).
This is so crucial that the much discussed important five-fold gifts and ministries were originally linked by Paul directly to the Word/Truth of God as their core focus, with the aim “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in wiles. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up ….” (Eph 4.11-15). In this regard, Paul commits himself totally, “Him we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. For this I toil, striving with all the energy which he mightily inspires within me” (Col 1.28f. cf. Acts 20.18-35).
There can be no shadow of doubt, the absolute importance of a solid, foundational teaching ministry of the Word/Truth of God in our parishes and congregations at all levels. We must be courageous and honest to review and health check all our church and Christian practices, both traditional and contemporary, in the areas of worship, preaching and teaching, events and lifestyles, fellowship and structures against the basis of Scriptures, times tested tradition and wisdom, as well as holistic understanding and application of the principles of faith-life education and formation. In all these, have we been faithful to the full Gospel, the whole counsel of God in its breadth, length, height and depth, in its historical-contemporary-eschatological aspects, or merely promoting selective aspects of Faith in response or reaction to this or that inadequacy or weakness?
The Pauline test is whether ultimately we have shaped and formed our members to be robustly matured Christians living lives of holiness and compassion. The challenge is not amongst ourselves but the world out there. If Christians and other concerned people groups, are not prepared to hold their ground in the public arena our faith, values, morality and lifestyles, then if they’re marginalised or discredited we have no one to blame but ourselves. We must be more than self-reliant. We have a commission and message to proclaim and share, more so in this “new dawn” of our society. Unless we are mature in faith and life, we will not have the gracious confidence to say “there is nothing new under the sun” where human nature is concerned. Without which we will not be able to impact our society even as “resident aliens and exiles” (1 Pet 2.11) with “no fear … nor troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defence to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear …” (1 Pet 3.14-16). Of course, knowing the truth per se is fundamental, but only when such truth is believed and lived out in loving and compassionate service before the world will sit up and notice.
I like to suggest that, even as we review our life of worship and discipleship, with all the contemporary forms, resources and methods being offered, the time tested rounded and integrated triumvirate catechism structured around the Apostles’ Creed (for orthodox belief), the Ten Commandments (for biblical ethics) and the Lord’s Prayer (for radical Christian worship and discipleship) has not been superseded (and my take is it will never be). They urgently need to be revived to provide the much needed basis, content and framework for a mature Christianity. Life and values are moving and changing so fast in the marketplace and being driven by the internet, arts and media. There could hardly be time for one to ask and discuss the rights and wrongs, suitability or otherwise, notwithstanding the efforts to educate on the definition of the new categories in films. Self-reliant maturity which can get you through the confusing maze upright and intact will be one which is founded only our Lord Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 12.2,13.8). All glory be to Him!
Your fellow Christian
+ John
Rt Revd Dr John Chew
Bishop, Diocese of Singapore
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