Episode Details

"PORTRAIT OF A (MATURE) CHRISTIAN" Public Servants Versus Christ Servants - outline few principles that will enable us (Christians) to walk more effectively with God - discuss how the most common barriers to effective followership can be overcome. Definition: The public service is the backbone of the country. It is a service which is provided by government to people living within its jurisdiction, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of services. The term is associated with a social consensus (usually expressed through democratic elections) that certain services should be available to all, regardless of income, physical ability or mental acuity. So crucial that It can either support or undermine a country’s entire system of governance. Regardless of your role or status in the government, you are expected to internalize 4 principles in the discharge of your duties. These are keys to effective civil service success. Ethics of the Public Service: 4- cardinal principles To do your job effectively, government recognizes that you must have a right relationship with the public. Anonymity- (Don’t be revealed; be invisible) Neutrality- (Don’t be partisan) Objectivity- Be Fairness Impartiality – Be Impartial Summary: who you should be; (walk) all that you do (work = action) and what you say = talk How has it been working for the government? Take a look around you (governmental agencies, corporations, cable network, daily news-papers) and tell me how public servants have performed in terms of these principles. It will be fair to say that these expectations have all too often been limited in success. The fact that every successive government wants to reform the public service summarizes the problems. Why? (Moral bankruptcy + Sin) In the same manner, Christ followers recognize it is important to : Trust: 1 Peter 2:6For i Nahum 1:7 Believe in Him: John 3:16 Having a right relationship with God and a right relationship with one another. In other word, to be effective in following Christ, it is important for work on these 3 things as well. Vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationship with one another. How we walk (feet = goings) How we talk (speech) What we do (work=action) There is a clear consensus that living a life that is pleasing to God can only play a role in followership if we live a transformed life. Godly lifestyle is seen as one such promising area where we can make a difference. Why is a Christian different from a public servant in terms of these principles? A 1 Thessalonians 4 : 9 1. God the Father taught us to do these things by giving His son 2. God the Son, by giving His life 3. And God the Holy spirit, who lives within us, teaches us these things. B. We have the transformative power in Christ: Ephesians 1:13-14 Salvation is instant, but Sanctification is a life-long work out However, to the extent that we are committed to follow Christ, we must continually work on these 3 principles: How we "walk" and how we "work". And talk. Otherwise these marks will all too often been limited in success if we fail in these 3 things. The better the fellowship in any church, the better the church and the greater likelihood of growth. Similarly, the better we are in our family, our work places and our neighborhood the greater the likelihood of our fellowship with God. THE PORTRAIT OF A TRUE CHRISTAIAN- MARKS OF A TRUE CHURCH" David’s question and the answer he received from God Let us see all our worries in the light of this ultimate question. Positive (Things to do) : v.2 1) See how practical God is here: How we "walk" and how we "work". And talk WALK: Our feet – goings -"uprightly WORK: Our hands -doings -/ righteousness TALK: Our lips. -/ truth" Negative: v.3 Psalm 1