The Koinonia College of Theology recently published its annual magazine full of thought-provoking articles from both faculty and students. The theme of this year is taken from the book of Matthew 5:16, “Let Your Light Shine”.
KCOT has been instrumental in training a number of young men and women for the Lord’s work over the past fifteen years. We have been educating and preparing emerging pastors and leaders for the pioneering ministry. It is wonderful to see several young men and women coming from humble background, being equipped and groomed into matured and well-prepared servant leaders, ready to serve the Lord both locally and cross culturally.
We look back with a great sense of satisfaction, praising God for His faithfulness in bringing KCOT thus far and we look ahead with hope and aspiration to take this institution to greater heights for the glory of God.
We are committed for the holistic development of the students thereby preparing them to be strategic, passionate, and biblically sound servants of the Lord. It is our vision to make Christ known while walking in the footsteps of Jesus and shine for His glory. We invite you to pray, partner and serve with us as the Lord leads for His Kingdom.
Rev. Dr. Bishop Joseph L.G. Hiwale
Created to Shine
By Albert
Dip.Th First Year Student, KCOT
Introduction
The word workmanship is derived from the Greek word poiema which means product – the result of work that is produced contrasted to poiesis which is the act of making and not that which is made. Christ created us and He wants us to do His work through our lives.
We are saved not by our works but by the grace through faith in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8) However, it is our works that displays our faith. It is our work that manifests the goodness and love of God in us and through us to the world. As Christ lives in us, He wants us to continue doing good works just as He did while He was on this earth.
Reflecting the Light of the Father
Clinton E. Arnold states, “Just as the lives and conduct of children reflect on their parents, our lives are a living canvas portraying the glory of our Creator and Redeemer.” As we live in this world we must strive to refrain from the evil things of this world and make complete efforts not to walk in darkness. Our lives must inevitably demonstrate that we are God’s children, walking in His light. And just as light eliminates darkness and is radiant, our presence too must eliminate the dark things of this world and we must radiate for Jesus Christ. Since we are the children of God our works must demonstrate good works. In doing so, we are reflecting the light of our eternal father. There are several ways to shine the light of God to this world.
But the primary criterion according to me is to love God. If we love God just as Jesus commanded us in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” then, according to me, we will certainly shine for God. It is overwhelming to fathom the love God demonstrated to us by sending His son Jesus Christ to die on our behalf on the cross. As a result of this immeasurable love, it is vital that we wholeheartedly reciprocate our love to God.
Producing the Good Works of the Father
Another criterion is to love our neighbor. In the second commandment Jesus clearly states, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:38. As we are the workmanship of God in Christ, we must reflect the work of our God to our neighbors and that is by, loving one another.
The taste and the quality of a fruit are determined by the origin and the growth of the plant from which it is obtained. Similarly, through our fruit producing actions it will be determined whether we are His workmanship or if we belong to the world of darkness.
The following story very beautifully explains how we as God’s workmen do good works which in return produces good fruits. A pastor told his friend about a Christian lady who often visited a retirement home near her house. One day she noticed a lonely man sitting, staring at his dinner tray. She asked kindly, “Is something wrong?” “Is something wrong!” replied the man in a heavy accent. “Yes, something is wrong! I am a Jew, and I cannot eat this food!”
“What would you like to have?” she asked.
“I would like a bowl of hot soup!”
She went home and prepared the soup and, after getting permission from the office, took it to the man. In succeeding weeks, she often visited him and brought him the kind of food he enjoyed, and eventually she led him to faith in Christ. Yes, preparing soup can be an act of good work to the glory of God.” Thus, through our good deeds we show our godly character to other people.
Conclusion
Just as God has called us the light of the world, we must ensure that God’s light shines on people through our good deeds in Christ Jesus our Lord. In doing so, we truly are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
