Close Contact - A Need for the Gospel
美佳之窗 His Window 100（ Oct - Dec 2022 ）
Text by Rev. Matthew
Since the year 2020, we have become accustomed to the word “close contact” and it is often used in a negative sense - hint: Covid19. Somehow, because of the pandemic and the fearof being designated a “close contact” of a positive Covid-19 case, we drifted apart into our own bubble of security, primarily based on government orders, later on, it became a “new normal.” However, has the fear of being a “close contact” of someone sick, also translated into our spiritual lives, especially for the task of evangelism in this day and age?
1 Sent to the World (John 17:14-18)
As Christians, we are called into a life of being “close contacts” with people of the world. Hence, in John 17:14-18, we see Jesus, informing His disciples that they are in this world, and not taken out of it (v. 15) but, as they continue to remain in this world, God will protect them from the evil one. This is crucial to understanding our purpose on earth as sometimes Christians have confused this notion as to stay clear from the world, or to be a clique amongst themselves to preserve holiness. But, as Jesus prays to God, there is a commission to His disciples — us included — to be in this world. This simply means that we continue to live our lives according to God’s designed plan for us, and to enjoy the pleasures and the toil that this world offers to us. It is also a calling to part of the community of the world, regardless of religion. But, in doing all these, to willingly stay away from evil, and to trust in God’s divine protection over our lives.
But, there is a reason/purpose why we are called to remain in the world, and as Jesus says, “As you sent me into the world, I
have sent them into the world (v. 18).” Jesus’ mission on earth was clear — to seek and save the lost. And by referring to His earthly mission, Jesus is commissioning us for the same purpose — to seek and save the lost. Andhowcanwedoit,ifwearenotinthe world that is full of the lost, seeking to be found? And I like the word Jesus used: sent. This word denotes a purpose and a calling in our lives. That while we are given our earthly work, we have a higher calling, by God: to seek out the lost and show them the way back to God the Father.
2 Be Part of the World
How then as Christians do we live our life? Simple, be part of the world. We should do our best to assimilate into the society. A Christian is not someone who isolates oneself from people. Sometimes we fail to assimilate into society because of comfort zones. It is comfortable to be among people who speak “our language” — the Christian language. It can be challenging to be Christian in a society of varying morals and values. But, it is for this very purpose that we are called to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt merely remains a kitchen item, unless it is assimilated into the cooking. Light remains an object, unless it is turned on, in places that need light. Similarly, a Christian truly becomes effective and resilient when he or she becomes part of the world, yet, not becoming as the world and in order to do so, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones.
The disciples of Jesus too faced such challenges of assimilating into the gentile community as they were primarily used to their Jewish customs and people. And while the mandate of Jesus to them was to go into ‘all the world’, they largely remained confined to their Jewish people, save for a few apostles. But, look at the apostle Paul on the other hand. He went far and wide into the gentile community. He associated with them, and established churches amongst gentile believers. He even raised up gentile leaders of the church. His life and ministry had a great impact among both the Jews and gentiles and all these was because Paul dared to be part of the world that Jesus had sent him to minister. He was not afraid of stepping out of his comfort zones, neither was he fazed by the cultural differences out of his own Jewish circles. He went boldly into the world, was part of the world, and brought the gospel to the lost.
3 A Relevant Church
So, knowing our calling that we have been sent to the world and are called to be part of the world, the final question that we need to ask is: how does the church look like today? When we speak of church, it is primarily the body of believers and secondarily the individual Christian. So how do we look like today? The answer: we must be relevant.
Relevance is a word that sometimes fundament Christians look upon with disdain. However, the more we try not to be relevant the more we are becoming as Jesus says in Matthew 5:13-16, salt that is no longer salty, a town that is hidden, and a light that is covered. To be relevant is not just about spotlights and electric guitars. It is about being genuine, loving and welcoming. Being relevant as a church also means that the church is a platform for lost people, not just for the healthy. Sometimes, persons with issues stay away from the church because they feel “un-welcomed” — too perfect. We need to portray genuine love for all persons regardless of race, religion, background, or gender.
A relevant church is also a church that stays in connection with the community. Churches are normally built in housing establishments or among the urban communities. It is a public place, a symbol of religion, and most importantly, it is part of the community. It is sad, if we are in the community, yet isolated from the community. The church needs to be active in reaching out, not just to evangelise but to care for the needs within the society. The church needs to look at its geographical location, identify several key needs of the society it is in connection with, and make an active attempt to be the change for the better. And we do these, not just with “Christianisation” in mind, but, as part of our Christian love for the world. This is a what a relevant church looks like.
And when the church stays relevant, and preaches relevance to its worshippers, such relevance will trickle down to each individual believer. I like this excerpt from the Anglican liturgy that is read and recited by all worshippers at the end of the service which goes, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” Read after the benediction, there is an element of sending out into the world for works of service to the world. A Christian who has received the blessings of Christ through the Word, and sacraments (communion), must now learn to give to the world and share the love of
Jesus Christ, and serve, as Jesus served, the people around us. In doing so, we become relevant Christians.
CONCLUSION
As we exit the pandemic and enter into an endemic phase, Covid restrictions are relaxed. The term “close contact” no longer frightens us as it used to in the past, due in part to vaccines and herd immunity. As the world exits its bubble of isolation and quarantine of the past two years, and drifts closer together, Christians too should be closer to the world. Build bridges, develop friendships and relationships that show genuine love, care, and ultimately, point people to Christ our Saviour.