You go to the refrigerator, take out a jar that you opened not too long ago, and happen to notice that there is a little bit of mould near the rim! It is only a tiny amount—you can barely see it. It isn’t any bigger than the head of a pin. You are tempted to think: “That little bit of mould shouldn’t be such a big deal. It would be a shame to throw away the whole jar just because of that! But you know: this tiny bit of visible mould is an indication that the spores in the jar have already begun to spread. So away with it!

Sometimes you realise that a little offence, a little disappointment, or perhaps a little bitterness has settled in your heart. So do you have to act on it immediately? After all, other than that tiny issue, everything else is totally fine in your life! But be careful! That little annoyance can infect your whole life of faith. Over the long term, that little offence could change your relationship with your brothers and sisters, with the ministers, and ultimately, with God Himself. Just like mould—or sourdough—that tiny bit of evil can quickly pervade everything. So just get rid of it immediately!

Food for thought from a divine service by the Chief Apostle

Source: nak.org

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our greatest wish is to have fellowship with God and with one another forever. Jesus Christ has created the conditions required for this. His life and death, His resurrection, ascension, and return are geared toward precisely this purpose. If we remain at His hand in faithfulness, He will lead us safely and securely into His kingdom.

However, we also want to be happy in our lives. This is possible for us as we follow Jesus Christ:

• a humble person who is determined to do good works, and who loves and helps his or her neighbour, will always find a place in society.
• God blesses those who believe, and grants them peace – which enables them to remain composed, no matter what happens.
• Jesus Christ liberates us from the fear of commitment. Jesus enables those who are determined to do His will to be happy spouses and parents, and also creates the conditions necessary for this.

Christ liberates those who put His word into practice. He makes it possible—and creates the conditions—for them to become that which they have decided they want to be. Thanks to Him we can overcome evil, grow into His image, and become worthy to enter into His kingdom. And already today, we can lead a happy life and be a blessing for others.

Sincerely,

Jean-Luc Schneider

Source: nak.org