I awoke one morning, with the words, “What does the Lord require of you?” coming into my mind. Through half sleep I responded, “To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before thy God,” instantly connecting back to High School assembly, which, each morning, the Principal began with a Scripture verse. The school would respond, in unison, with the response learnt on arrival in Grade 8. I felt grateful for the inspiration and the memory.

 

Thinking back to the array of verses we’d learnt, I marvelled at the wisdom and sound instruction that still enriches my daily life. I appreciated assembly, whether we were being praised or castigated, because I always learnt so much. I’m so grateful to God for this committed woman, with high integrity, who “continued” in her faith, in her approach to educating students with knowledge and understanding of the significant things in life.

 

James emphasises significance too – of looking “intently into the perfect law” of God’s Word, hearing the gospel of Salvation, and forgiveness of sin, but understanding that we need to accept His grace which sets us free from sin and shame, and gives us new life in Christ. This is a call for action to live by faith in Christ, forgiven and free, and “continue in it.” But, when we hear the gospel, but don’t connect with God’s heart, and then forget what we’ve heard, we go back to square one and become disillusioned and unfulfilled.

 

It enables me to appreciate why Paul encouraged the Colossians to allow “the word of Christ [to] dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs …” (Colossians 3:16, ESV) Sharing in this together encourages us in trying times, and keeps us rich in memories as we mature.

 

This is a far cry from what’s portrayed in the book that has recently won the Booker prize, which describes a barren experience of life. In a transcript of a conversation between a journalist and a book critic discussing the book, the critic observes, “We’re living in this world … that lacks moral champions … this book makes you feel that with almost a physical ache. There’s no one in this book to admire ... There’s no sense that a better education, a better upbringing, makes you a better person. It’s an amoral world that Szalay shows us.”

 

Living in Jesus brings fulfilment and blessing. As we remain steadfast in Him, not abandoning our belief when times are tough, we grow rich in faith that is “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7, ESV) and experience peace, hope and joy, found in nothing else.

 

Have you experienced this fulfilment and joy?