Our Christian ethos

I’m involved with an aged care provider whose vision is “Christ’s love compels us to care for and enrich our community”. Our mission is “To excel in the provision of loving Christian care for seniors”. And our values include a “Christian ethos”. Our Strategic plan says: “We are a Christian organisation. We believe that all people are created in the image of God and care for those entrusted to us to the best of our God-given ability. Our caring reflects the attitude of service shown by Jesus Christ. Our work is not ‘just a job’ but an opportunity to serve others.” Our Christian ethos can make a difference to the people around us.

An example of a Christian ethos is when Paul told the Christians at Thessalonica to, ^“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Th. 5:16-18NLT).

The church at that time in Thessalonica was being persecuted (1 Th. 3:3-4). Here they are commanded to be joyful, prayerful and thankful. You may say that these are impossible commands. But they are always God’s will for Christians.

Joyful

Their adverse circumstances were not to alter their joy. Unlike happiness, true joy transcends our circumstances. Joy is deeper than happiness which can fluctuate according to the situation. For a Christian, joy is anchored to our relationship with God. Elsewhere Paul says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord” (Phil. 4:4). Biblical joy rests in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Who God is and what He does is the foundation of a Christian’s joy. They are to focus on their spiritual blessings and glorious future. And on the nature, character, and promises of God.

Prayerful

The Thessalonians were to pray regularly. Prayer should be part of our relationship with God. This means to constantly have a sense of our dependence on God and praying short prayers throughout the day.

Thankful

The Thessalonians were to give thanks for everything that came into their lives because it came by the will of God. We can give thanks for everything because God is in control. Elsewhere Paul says, “give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20). We can do this because God is sovereign and rules over all our circumstances and God is good. Developing a habit of trusting God will help us to thank Him.

So, let’s be joyful, prayerful, and thankful Christians! At home, at work and at play. That’s the kind of atmosphere we want to cultivate. What a difference it would make to the people around us!

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for the reasons you give us to be joyful, prayerful and thankful. We thank you for sending Jesus Christ as our Savior who can give us forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven. Please help us practice our Christian ethos in our daily lives. Amen.

Posted, November 2024