According to what we have come up during Sunday’s message time, if we ever have to document a Mosaic Baptist covenant for 2010, it will look as follows:
“We promise to read, reflect, pray and act upon God’s Word. We promise to pray and care for someone within our faith community and/or outside of our faith community. We promise to practice simple living.”
I thought this is wonderful. This is exciting for it offers a fresh start for 2010. Something that is directional and accomplishable for our faith journey.
Then I thought if we would really follow the tradition of Nehemiah 10, or even that of the Mosaic tradition; i.e. put in a clause to state the consequences of not being able to stick with this covenant; as a community and as an individual? Or on a lesser note, how do we hold ourselves and one another accountable for it?
Let me perhaps suggest three action points based on Deuteronomy 6:6-9:
“6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
1. SAY IT.
Talk about these promises at home and with one another at the Mosaic Baptist gatherings.
“This week, I have read John 6 and I feel that God is saying …” “I have not been looking at flyers for bargains or making a purchase for two weeks …though I was tempted many times …” “It is amazing how things have worked out for this person whom I have been praying for …”
2. MEZUZAH IT.
Find a way to remind ourselves of these promises. Like the Jewish mezuzah, we may need to place these promises on our refrigerator door or carry them in our wallets to remind ourselves daily.
3. WRITE IT or should I say BLOG IT.
Put your experiences into words will help you slow down your life and reflect upon it in these regards. Do not afraid to write about your failure as well. It will really put the faith community to test when an individual fails in his or her journey. It demonstrates whether a community is truly a community of Christ (forgiveness, love and encouragement) or a community of legalism (cast away the remorseful sinner).
Well, it does not seem to be that difficult, does it?
Shall we then, follow the Nehemiah 10 tradition and put a curse on ourselves for not being able to fulfill this covenant? A thought still lingers in my mind …
