A Day-by-day devotional

May 7, 2023

Conquering weapon

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 8-11

Scripture of the Day: John 17:3

History has it that the Spanish fleet, led by the Portuguese Magellan, landed in what they later called as the Philippine islands, in honor of Spain‘s then king, Philip II. Bringing with them the sword and the cross, they invaded the country and introduced Western religion to the archipelago. The sword signifies the brutal force used to make the natives accept their stay, and the cross was used as an extension of the sword, to pacify them. Through this, Christianity spread in the islands.

True Christianity, however, is not conquest by force. To be a real follower of Christ entails the acceptance of the beginning of a relationship with Him. It is not mediated by anything else but a realization that one has sinned and needs a Savior. The heart is conquered by God’s Spirit, humbling it to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ in one’s life. The only type of sword that plays a role as a conquering weapon in this occasion is the Word of God. No lives are claimed unto death. Instead, lives are claimed for eternal life. Not a single drop of blood is shed, apart from the blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God.

Christianity is considered as a religion, which is a system of faith and worship. Nevertheless, authentic Christianity calls for more than just a system of beliefs and traditions. It is a life-long commitment to follow Jesus Christ, living a life in constant communion with Him, possible only through a personal relationship. It is not a forced system of doctrines, nor a blind dogmatic following of rules and traditions. It is a voluntary decision resulting to an act of freewill.

To be a Christian is to be in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not a religious title obtained through membership alone.

Reflection: Sometimes, it is too easy to treat the church as a social club. In a club, membership via payment of annual fees suffices. Real Christianity, however, takes more than mere church attendance. It requires a relationship with Christ, that is reflected in one’s life, by the fruits that one bears.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is not easy to follow you. Oftentimes, I feel trapped in a cycle of just fulfilling my religious obligations of church attendance and connected activities. Stir my heart to truly want to know you, and be in a relationship with you. For it is only through knowing you, that I would be able to learn who and how to follow. Amen.