Wilfred speaks: "Insights from Matthew 11 - Fashion Sense."

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I'm counting down the months to ORD (5 to be exact from 18/02/08) and I'm earnestly looking forward to joining you guys in the coming months! I'd also like to ask that you keep me in your prayers as I've re-applied to NUS & NTU to see what options will present themselves and to allow God to make it clear that SMU is His plan for me.

I believe I've received much in terms of the sharing that's been going around this emailing list so now it's time to give something back. I'd like so share from Matthew 11.

Matthew 11:7-9.
"7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.

9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. "

The following introduction is something i gleaned off from my Student's bible; thought I'd give credit where credit is due.

John the Baptist - Something New
Fashion starts with a single purpose: to turn people's heads. At first the new look is a shock. Many say "Wow!", some say "Ugh!" Whether it's shorts skirts or long, nose rings or ear rings, paisleys or pastels, the new must stand out to gain attention.

John the Baptist was something new, and he certainly stood out from his surroundings. Though he could have been a priest like his father, he exchanged those linen robes for a garment of coarse camel's hair. He took to the wilderness, scavenging grasshoppers and wild honey rather than settling in Jerusalem where he could have savored a portion of the offerings people presented to God.

John's unusual style helped direct attention to his burning message: The Messiah was about to arrive, and people must change their ways. Crowds flocked to hear John, and he baptized them in the Jordan River as a sign of their repentance, thus earning himself the nickname 'the Baptist'
Read Matthew 11:7-11 again and you find Jesus challenging the crowd about what they were looking out for.

Now imagine Jesus challenging the friends that we bring to bibletalks and Church. What have they really come to see?

What are we 'presenting' to them to see?

Jesus pointed out that through John's image and lifestyle people were drawn to him.
Take some time to think about our lifestyles and the image we portray to our colleagues and friends and how we are attracting them to get to know God.

Are our lives attractive spiritually? Is are they just just attractive materially?

When I think about spiritual attractiveness, I think of the Fruits of the Spirit and the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:13-17. I'll be focusing on the latter.

In today's fashion sense, how attractive can a suit of armor be? It's medieval for one, and others would probably think of it as bulky and burdensome but I'm grateful that the Armor of God we're to put on can be considered weightless! As disciples we ought to wear it like our second skin.

The 6 pieces of armor are:
the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Sandals of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helm of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is God's word.

This suit of armor's purpose is two-fold; it protects us from Satan's attacks and also makes us stand out in our schools and workplaces by being attractive.

Let's take some time this week to examine ourselves and check our armor; if it's rusty let's polish it and let it shine!

Matthew 5:14-15
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Let us strive to set an example and live our lives in such a way that it attracts people to God's Kingdom.

Amen that's all I have for you today.

Love & cheers,
Wilfred