28 July 2013 by Pr. Ron Hee-
As a pastor, I want to help the body of Christ in Malaysia to be a blessing to the nation that God has predestined and planned for us to be in. The presence of God’s children can bring blessings and stop destruction in a nation.
South and North Korea are clear and stark evidences of the principle that Christians are salt and light to the nation. God told Abraham that He will not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if there are at least 10 righteous people praying for the two cities but there were none. One tactic of the enemy is obvious. He will use circumstances and situations in this nation to put frustrations, disappointments in the hearts of righteous Christians to leave this nation so that if possible, there are not enough righteous Christians to prevent him from bringing destruction to this nation. However many Christians have resisted this pressure and many have chosen to stay put to fight for our beloved land of Malaysia.
Others have chosen not to deal with the frustration anymore and join the ranks of those who migrate to another country where they do not have to read about the continuing misdeeds in the nation. However, while many of them may be away from the country, they continue to be obsessed with the happenings and news about what is happening back in this country. It is quite obvious that while we may not be in the country, the country continue to be in us. If God has placed us in this country, He will continue to put the concerns of this land in our hearts unless He has called us to go to another nation for His glorious purpose.
I want to share with you 7 principles from Psalm 37 on how God’s people can live victoriously and bring transformation to our nation.
Firstly, we must not to be shaken because of the misdeeds and rhetoric of evil people.
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psalm 37:1-3
Instead we must trust in the Lord who will quickly remove evildoers who are like the grass of the fields that will wither shortly.
Secondly, instead of complaining which comes so naturally to us when we read bad reports about the nation, we are exhorted to do something good for the nation. Ask ourselves, what are we doing here that is bringing good and prosperity to this nation? Are you involved in a business, a social activity or some movement that will improve our nation? Start by getting involved in praying for the nation. Next month, many churches will be joining other NECF churches to fast and pray for Malaysia for 40 days. I read how YB Yeo Bee Yin, the Ahli Dewan Undangan Rakyat (ADUN) for Damansara Utama was touched as a teenager when she participated in the 40 Day Fast and Pray. Make a decision today to join the body of Christ to fast and pray for transformation to come to our country. Our God is a faithful God and He will respond to our cries. I too am leading my church to pray daily between 5.45am to 6.45am daily over the 40 days.
“Let him that would move the world first move himself” – Socrates
Thirdly, we must not leave but dwell in this land. Only when we show our commitment and give our lives to this land, can we bring life to it.
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:24
Fourthly, we must feed on God’s faithfulness instead of getting disappointed and rely on the faithfulness of the nation’s leaders. God is faithful even if our leaders are fallible. The Bible tells us that God will prepare a table before us even though there are many enemies around us. God’s faithfulness to us is not dependent on the circumstances around us in this nation. God has a Goshen for His people.
Fifthly, we must daily commit Malaysia to God. When we read news about the misdeeds of the nation, we must bring it before the Lord. Many Christians instead are resorting to airing their frustrations on social media instead of bringing it before the throne of God.
Sixthly, as we pray, we must believe that God is powerfully at work. Instead of fretting over the works of evil doers, we must be in a state of rest and wait patiently for Him to bring about change. This type of true faith will empower us to inherit this land.
Then say to Pharaoh, 'This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son …
Exodus 4:22
Finally, we must cease from anger. Instead of turning the other cheek, Christians are retaliating with self-righteous judgements, ridicule and mockery of the leaders of the nation. It is time we learn to follow the example of our Lord and hold our tongue because the spirit of offence is so heavy on this nation that whatever we say will only lend fodder to this spirit which will further divide our nation.
The nation is like a son to us. We are spiritual guardians of the nation. If my son, Nicholas or my daughter Sarah sins, I must gently restore them in love. If our nation sins, we cannot abandon her. We must entreat and not pour condemnation and anger on her. We must not criticise our children just because they are wayward. We must bring her gently before God and ask for God’s mercies to be upon her. Only then can the nation be healed and be transformed.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2
Note: Pastor Ron Hee is the Senior Pastor of New Life Restoration Church in Petaling Jaya.
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Thank you, Pastor Ron, for this meditation on how to be good Christians in Malaysia today. What you observed about the country continuing to be in us, particularly in those who have emigrated, is so true. I am temporarily in Sydney and have met many Malaysians whose hearts are still with the homeland, though they despair of the government. Yesterday, after service, I chatted with a man who hailed from Seremban and has lived in Sydney for 15 years. He keeps abreast with the latest events and updated me of things happening in Malaysia – including the Tan Sri who shot a robber in a clinic! We hunger for righteousness in Malaysia. The seven steps you outline here will help each of us to do our bit towards that. Thanks again!
Thank you, Swee Bin, for your comment. Yes, we carry our love for Malaysia no matter where God takes us. Despite the disarray in the nation, we continue to sing 'Negara Ku' with pride and affection. I hope that God will use each one of us to help fellow Malaysians drop our stones and instead open our arms to the nation no matter how wayward things are. Anger and mockery open the doors to the enemy. Only love can make a miracle!
Hi Pastor Ron,
What a blessings to read your sermon.!! I live in New Zealand and have just returned from our life group meeting. We are doing the beautitudes ie. sermon on the mount on "blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness"
Your sharing of the 7 principles sum up the godly life all Christians should live by as written by Paul in 2Tim 3:12
Michelle