We live in a globalised world. The world has drawn closer; it is more well-connected and we are not as isolated as before. With commerce and trade facilitated by bilateral or free trade deals, we are able to acquire more things than before.
Yet globalisation does bring about its negative impact on the souls of men.
Connectivity increases the pace of living; we are accomplishing more things in a day than before. A report in the early 2000s suggested that we are squeezing 36 hours worth of workload into a 24 hour day. I suggest that the number have increased ever since. Ironically, connectivity does not mean community. While we are physically or technologically drawn closer, the sense of isolation and alienation persists and perhaps even heightens.
“…globalisation does bring about
its negative impact on the souls of men.”
Commerce brings about ability to acquire. The basic needs of men have evolved from food, water and shelter to having a smartphone and a user ID. Our children are brought up in a world of abundance and convenience. Many go about in life with a sense of entitlement. Ironically, affluence does not mean fulfilment. While we are materially provided for, our souls may remain impoverished and are running on empty.
Scripture reminds us that we are not what the world define us to be. 1 Peter 2:9 testifies that we are God’s own possession, His royal priesthood, a holy nation. Our personhood, our purpose and destiny is in Christ alone. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s workmanship!
Living in a global city, we are called to be a gospel community that shines forth the hope of the gospel to a world that is alienated and impoverished by sin.
We are to be an authentic community that exhibits what it means to be reconciled with Christ. We let Christ become the mediator between us so that we can experience growing intimacy with God and with each other.
We are to be a missional community that is engaged with God’s mission to reconcile the world to Himself. We want others to discover intimacy and fulfilment in Christ too.
“Ironically, affluence does not mean fulfilment.
While we are materially provided for,
our souls may remain impoverished and are running on empty.”
May God continue to shape YCK Chapel to be an intentional disciple-making community that exists to glorify Him by living the gospel and making authentic and missional disciples to reach the world for Christ.
By Rick Toh, Lead Pastor/Elder (YCKC Bulletin 1 January 2017)