Sermon Text: Psalm 102
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th February 2025
Sermon Text: Psalm 102
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th February 2025
1b That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Herein we have the solemn instruction of the apostle Paul concerning what entails genuine worship of God. Two words here, “sacrifice” and “service”, evoke the idea of worship. The word “sacrifice” (thusía) is used here in the sense of an offering rendered to the Lord in worship. Likewise, the word “service” (latreía) denotes a service rendered in worship of God.
All Christians are exhorted to “present your bodies a living sacrifice”. The Greek word for “present” is also translated as “yield”. We are to yield our bodies not as a dead sacrifice on the altar (as in Old Testament sacrifices), but as a living sacrifice. We need not offer our body or anything else as our substitute on the altar. Christ has offered Himself on our behalf as a perfect sacrifice to redeem us. So, no more substitutionary sacrifice is required of us. Here, we are exhorted to yield our bodies not as carcasses on the altar to be burned, but as lives consecrated to God.
Our bodies are to be consecrated to God as “holy”. As Paul exhorted earlier in chapter 6, verse 13, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” True worshippers of God ought to consecrate themselves to live holy lives before the Lord. Our bodies must be instruments of righteousness. Only when we yield ourselves and our bodies to live in holiness, can we glorify God. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). We must strive to order our lives so that “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death” (Philippians 1:20).
The worship that is acceptable and pleasing to God can only be rendered by those who live holy lives as true children of God. It is a despicable thing for a worshipper of God to continue to live in sin. Unholy living is most displeasing and outrageous to God. No true worship exists in hearts that have no commitment to live in obedience to His holy Word. Any offering of worship presented by unholy hands is an outrageous act in His presence. It is unthinkable and illogical to think that the Most Holy God can be served with unholy hands. The reasonable service to God can only be rendered when our bodies are His holy temples (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:18-19).
1a I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God….
Though the apostle Paul was a firm, uncompromising teacher and defender of God’s Word, his exhortations were affectionate and gentle. Teachers of God’s Word, whether at home or in the church, while unwavering in their commitment to God’s truth, must nonetheless teach it with tenderness and longsuffering.
The word “beseech” can mean “to call alongside, summon” and thus “exhort” or “encourage”. It is a word that carries both the firmness and affection expressed in one’s communication. The apostle’s language does not give a hint that compliance to his exhortations is an optional matter. The great doctrines of the Bible are not static, but dynamic. They produce great acts of godliness in those who were once indifferent to the Lord and wallowing in sin.
In his epistle to the Romans, Paul has hitherto been teaching them the unchangeable truths about salvation by grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He has taught them that in Christ, all their condemnations are removed, and that they stand justified and accepted before God. Their glorification is guaranteed, even though they have been persecuted and maligned by the wicked world.
Now, the apostle is about to urge the readers to act on the truths they have received, making the truth of God’s gracious salvation the foundation of their Christian practice. That is why he began by saying, “I beseech you therefore…” Then Paul adds a note of warmth and earnestness to his exhortation by addressing the readers as “brethren”. He expects that the believers will not only listen with high esteem, but also obey with enthusiasm.
To excite the believers to greater compliance to the truths of God, the apostle then proceeded to appeal to God’s mercy. The summon to an obedient life does not come in a vacuum; it is wrapped in God’s mercies. It is the outpouring of divine mercies that exhorts us to live a life that is adorned with the divine truths. We recognise that the word “mercies” (in plural) denotes all that God has done for us in His Son, which Paul has surveyed in chapters 1–11. Everyone who gratefully acknowledges the abundant mercies of God extended to him in Christ, would happily yield to every divine counsel and appropriate it.
22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
The LORD is our burden-bearer. When He permits a burden to fall upon us, He does not move away from us. He stays with us in our troubles. He is ever near us to bear our burdens. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Because He is by our side, ready to bear our burdens for us, we can cast all our burdens upon Him. So He urges us not to be worn down by our burdens, but to cast them upon Him. Often we tend to bear our burdens on our own for too long. Such an attitude is not pleasing to the LORD. He wants us to cast all our burdens on Him at once. It is stubbornness to refuse to lay our burdens on Him and stop worrying about them. It can also mean that we do not trust Him fully.
Let us remember that there is none like our LORD who Himself stooped to carry our load of sin and burdens. According to Isaiah 53:4, “Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” According to the apostle Peter, He has by “his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The guilt of sin has been our heaviest burden, for it has eternal consequences. But He has carried them all away for us.
How often we bear our own burdens, which we neither need nor ought to bear! It is being disobedient. We ought to cast them quickly on Him. If we have laid them on Him, we have nothing to be afraid of, for “he shall sustain thee”. The Hebrew word translated “sustain” has meanings like “measure”, “contain”, “nourish”, etc. Hence, it carries the idea that God will give such a measure of His grace, wisdom and strength as we would need in our trials, that we shall be sufficiently supported and sustained. His nourishment shall be abundant to all who turn to Him for help.
Also, we are assured that “He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” The greatest desire and purpose of the righteous is to be a vessel of His glory in good times and bad times. The LORD will not allow such a man to stagger or be shaken. Many trials may come upon him and even his own life may be threatened; but the LORD shall hold the righteous fast and grant him the strength to remain steadfast, unmoveable to the end.
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Those words of Christ are most disconcerting, terrifying and unsettling to everyone who claims to be a Christian and yet does not abide in Christ. He who lives in sin habitually without genuine repentance, or he who lives without bearing spiritual fruit that Christ seeks to find in a Christian, is unequivocally declared damned for eternal fire. Those words are spoken with such absolute clarity and jurisdiction that a professing Christian has no room for assurance. Unless the pretentious man repents, he will be cast into the fire! What an unambiguous, thunderous voice of judgment upon professors of religion who have no heart to live for Christ!
When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, Judas had already gone out from among their midst to betray Christ. Those who live their lives like Judas, secretly cherishing materialism and other ungodliness while professing to love the Lord, will suffer the tragic end forewarned by Christ in this verse. Their attitude and actions will prove that they do not abide in Christ, and that they do not possess genuine faith in Him. If one claims to believe in Christ, and yet live without an abiding dependence on Him that produces spiritual fruit, he is not a Christian. In fact, Jesus said that if a man does not abide in Him, “he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered”. The word “withered” shows that he is dried up and without any evidence of life and fruit. In other words, an individual who does not abide in Christ may linger on in this life for some while, but he would not manifest any fruit of the life in Christ.
Every Christian ought to abide in Christ, like a branch that abides in the vine. Earlier Jesus had said, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2). In fact, Jesus said again that everyone who abides in Him will bring forth “much fruit” (v. 5). What is then “the fruit” that the one who abides in Christ would produce? From the subsequent verses of John 15, we learn something concerning the spiritual fruit of the one who abides in Christ. They are: (i) abiding in the Word and prayer (v. 7); (ii) glorifying the Father through a life of prayer (vv. 8, 16); (iii) continuing in His love (vv. 9, 10); (iv) obeying His commandments (vv. 10, 14); (v) rejoicing in Christ (v. 11); (vi) loving one another (vv. 12-13); and (vii) being a witness to the world (vv. 16, 27).
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s Christian life was characterized by an unstoppable zeal for Christ. He did not want to be weighed down by his past experiences or distracted by the present issues. This he testified in the preceding verse, “but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (v. 13).
Paul was determined to pursue with earnestness and diligence “the mark” he aimed at. He would not yield to any dissuasion or opposition that would come his way. His mind was genuinely and firmly set on the goal. Why was Paul so resolute in his Christian life? Because he was captivated by “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. His foremost desire was “the prize” or the reward which God had called him to attain. He regarded it as “the high calling of God”, far superior and nobler than any earthly goal. It was above all other human agendas and persuasions, for it was God’s appointment for him. As a Christian, it was his highest, greatest, grandest and utmost passion.
The certainty of the mark of the high calling that God has given him is grounded “in Christ Jesus”. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” The prize that God gives in Christ Jesus to His people is imperishable. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:25, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” So, all his life as a Christian, his heart was fixed on that celestial, eternal prize; he never let anything distract him from it. When he approached the end of his earthly life, he exclaimed with great expectancy, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
Our eternal inheritance in Christ demands our maximum exertion all through our life for His glory. As Hebrews 12:28 exhorts us, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Once Christ becomes the most cherished desire of a soul, everything that was dear and profitable till then would quickly fade in its appeal and significance to his thoughts. The apostle Paul was such a person. Since his soul has embraced Christ as his Saviour and Lord, he has been totally captivated by the glory of Christ. Nothing has ever fascinated his soul as much as Christ’s love, grace, truth, glory and His person. Everything he once considered “gain” became worthless and unappealing. And all that impeded his single-minded devotion to Christ were utterly repulsive and rejected right away as “loss”. The word “loss” (zēmía) was used in Acts 27:21 with reference to the valuable goods which the mariners threw out into the sea, for the sake of people on board the ship who were imperiled by a great storm. Like those mariners, for the sake of his life with Christ, Paul cast off everything that was once utterly important to him.
In the previous verses, Paul listed the things which were once of great importance to him and in which he had placed all his confidence in the past: “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (vv. 5, 6). Seven advantages were listed. The first four in the list constitute his prestigious heritage which the apostle inherited by birth – circumcision he received as the sign of the covenant, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, and a Hebrew son of Hebrew parents. Those things were very important to him for they gave him great confidence about his rights, position and prominence.
But he tells us in our text that he has renounced all those fleshly confidence in order to gain Christ. Once he thought them to be of gain, for they brought glory to him personally. However, they were of no profit in the spiritual realm; they did not bring glory to God who sent His Son to be the Saviour of His people. Hence, he counted the past gain as loss so as to gain Christ, who alone could grant him the righteousness of God. Nothing else really mattered to him any more. Having Christ as his Saviour and Lord far surpassed the reputation and everything else he had in Judaism.
Jim Elliot, a great missionary, once said: “He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
15b In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Christians are not to merge with the world in such a way that nothing about their faith and commitment is discernible to others. Such an idea of a Christian life is totally unbiblical. In fact, genuine Christians, being committed to a blameless and harmless life, will find themselves at odds with the rest of the society that is lost in their sins and unbelief.
According to the Scriptures, the world is “crooked and perverse”. Moses had used similar words to describe Israel who had gone astray - “They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: They are a perverse and crooked generation” (Deuteronomy 32:5). The Scriptural description of the world we live in is grim and sobering. It cautions Christians that the world’s sentiments and aspirations are perverted in the sight of God.
Hence, Christians cannot be an unobtrusive or a harmonious part of the world by being similar in appearance or behaviour. To blend in with the world, in God’s sight, is to be dark as the world. He expects us to be quite the opposite. He exhorts us to shine as lights in this dark world.
In the Bible, “light” symbolises the Gospel of salvation, truth, holiness, wisdom, joy, and everything pleasant and bright in the sight of God. So Christians are appointed by God as lights to declare and demonstrate to the world His character and purposes by all that they say and do. This has been underscored by the Lord Jesus. He said to all who followed Him, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
When we shine as lights in this dark world, we don’t become isolationists. The Bible does not teach us to live a hermit’s life by moving out of society. Rather, we are instructed to engage with others, not by following after their ways, but by showing them the light of Christ and His truths via our words and deeds. The designated place for light is the darkness where it is needed. Let us live in our societies as God’s luminaries to guide those who grope in sin’s darkness unto His salvation, joy, wisdom and peace.
Sermon Text: Psalm 101
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd February 2025
The Topic of Study for 26th BW Retreat
“Heaven” is the topic for the forthcoming 26th Bible Witness Retreat (19-21 March 2025). It is a subject of great importance to all genuine Christians, as it is the eternal home of all who trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Our earthly life will not last long; the end is very near for some of us. This brief earthly life is a time of preparation for the glorious heavenly home that Jesus is preparing for us. Jesus promised, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2-3).
Saints, like the apostle Paul, should be ever ready to depart from this life for the heavenly home. Paul said, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6). How about you? Are you ready to leave this world for the heavenly home?
When planning a journey, we often attempt to learn as much as we can about our destination from reliable sources. Similarly, regarding heaven—our ultimate destination—God has graciously revealed vital truths in His Word which we are called to explore and cherish, in preparation for the time of our departure from this life for the heavenly home.
Join us for the upcoming Bible Witness Retreat, where we will delve into the Scriptures to discover what God has revealed about heaven. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding of our eternal home, and prepare our hearts for what lies ahead. Don’t miss this enriching study on heaven! Sign up at once. Come and be blessed as we study God’s Word together.
“Choosing the Right Company”
By Jordy Kay
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).
Who should my friends be? National Service was a time when this question kept coming up. There were times when I was surrounded by many people, yet I felt that I was alone. Alone by choice because I could not join in with others as they were not doing what was pleasing in the sight of God; and sometimes alone because I was excluded by others as I did not fit into their thinking and mindset. As time passed by, I realised that being alone was not as bad as it sounds; in fact, often I felt that it was rather enjoyable. It was enjoyable because it gave me a quiet time to think and ponder about spiritual things, and even read Christian books. This “alone-ness” (which is not quite the same as loneliness) was actually a result of a deliberate decision to be separate from the worldly company that I was in the midst of.
Psalm 1 was a psalm that I held close to my heart during the 2 years I was in NS. In each stage of my NS journey – from basic military training (BMT) to cadet school, and to being in an operational unit – I had to evaluate again and again who I should be close to. There were people who were constantly using foul language and abusing the name of God, there were also people constantly cracking unwholesome jokes, as well as people always looking out for the latest and most exciting places to indulge in sensual pleasures over the weekends. So how was I to decide who to be close with? Psalm 1 instructs that we should separate ourselves from the ungodly, the sinners, and the scornful. It may seem unpopular to reject invitations to parties at nightclubs, or even refuse to engage in certain less than honest practices, but that is the way of the Christian. I also learnt along the way that the earlier you start making deliberate decisions to practise biblical separation, the more God will give you the holy confidence and conviction to continue to do it.
Soon, the alone-ness became not so strange. And I also soon realised that God is gracious, and would place certain like-minded brethren in your life to encourage you in this “fight of faith”. Like the saying goes, “Birds of the same feather flock together.” That’s also perhaps why the ungodly in the world tend to be in large groups. But fear not - God knows when and how to send encouragement to you. In each stage of my NS journey when I was a young Christian, God sent different groups of Christian brothers to encourage me. In the first 3 months of BMT, there was a school friend who started to collect mobile phone numbers from Christians and sent out weekly text messages to encourage us through the BMT journey. Back in the day when we were only allowed “brick-phones” (mobile phones with no cameras, which also happened to be older with less functionality), such text messages were like an oasis in a desert!
During cadet school and after being sent to an operational unit, I found a group of Christian brothers who banded together to stand in solidarity not to partake in ungodly practices in the unit. I share the following as a wonderful testimony: It was common in the army to have initiation ceremonies, where one was required to drink alcohol to prove their mettle to be part of a certain group - in this case, it was to join the “mess” which is a place that you can relax after hours, and have some snacks and drinks. In my unit, we had to drink 3 cans of beer as a show of our alleged toughness. If you did not drink alcohol, the ‘exchange rate’ was 9 cans of coke. There were 5 or 6 of us who were resolute not to drink alcohol, and instead opted to drink the 9 cans of coke at a go. Needless to say, we all puked up the coke as it was just too gassy. But the unease of foaming from our noses and mouths did not deter us from our commitment not to drink alcohol.
I can only thank God for such company given to me. While I was prepared to endure the test myself, God had graciously sent other Christian brethren to go through this ordeal together - drawing strength from one another, and silently cheering each other on as we witness each other suffer the price for not yielding to the ungodly tradition of alcoholism. As I end my testimony, I would urge all to beware of bad company and to purpose in your hearts to practise biblical separation right from the start. I conclude with this verse from 1 Sam 2:30, where God says “… for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
“Managing Expectations”
By Titus Ho
Managing Expectations for Pre-Enlistment
Prior to my enlistment into the SAF, I heard many terrifying stories from friends and seniors concerning the unit I was being posted to. I was privileged to have strong spiritual support from both my parents and church, which strengthened my desire to stay close to the Lord. I remember thinking that even if those stories of injuries and physical suffering were to happen to me, I believed everything would unfold according to His sovereign will.
Thank God for Pastor’s constant reminders of Biblical values and principles to uphold as a Christian, which were relevant against the unavoidable bad company and worldly influences. Additionally, some older youths had advised me on setting the right expectations as a Christian soldier, and encouraged me to use my remaining free pre-NS days to spend more time with the Lord.
Managing Expectations During Enlistment
During the BMT phase, the experience was bearable if one was attentive and obedient to instructions. However, the stress intensified when I was selected for a pre-command course lasting 65 days. Each day was a test of my physical stamina and mental endurance during the instructors’ gruelling sessions, which inevitably caused a feeling of uncertainty to loom over me. This phase was filled with jungle missions, sleep deprivation, and constant exposure to vulgarities from trainers and course mates.
During that trying period, Psalm 23 encouraged me to stay strong as a Christian, knowing the Lord is near. While bouts of anger and frustration clouded my course mates, I frequently recalled the comforting ‘Scripture-in-Song’s sung during my youth in church. These equipped me to set clear expectations amidst such tumultuous period.
By God’s grace, I subsequently entered command school, which brought a new challenge: resisting social influences. Coming from an elite vocation, both instructors and buddies showed greater respect towards me though I was still a cadet, but they often invited me to drinking parties or weekend gatherings. Knowing that such activities would tarnish my Christian testimony and service in the church, I decisively declined. When questioned, I explained that I had to go to church, which elicited some light-hearted teasing but nothing seriously disrespectful. This eventually turned into an opportunity to share the Gospel with them and even invite them to church meetings. Indeed, Romans 8:28 resonated with my trusting in the LORD, for He makes all things work together for good!
Upon completing command school, I was assigned a special role in my operational unit, giving me the freedom to make critical decisions alongside regulars. Everything seemed smooth until my commanding officer (CO) requested a decision that indirectly involved “cheating the system”. This shocked and discouraged me, as I had looked up to him as a role model. During this conflicted period of choosing between obeying my superiors or upholding my Christian values, the Lord reminded me of His sovereignty through Deuteronomy 31:6. In the end, the Lord granted me wisdom to suggest an alternative. Apart from a mild scolding for not following instructions, my CO eventually adopted the suggested alternative, leading to another successful mission.
Managing Expectations in Service to the Lord
By God’s grace, whenever I had the opportunity to book out for the weekend, I made it a point to attend GYF meetings and Sunday services. It was exhausting, but these moments in church reassured me through the hearing of God’s Word. The Christian fellowship among youths and adults strengthened me to persevere.
During this period, my parents frequently reminded me of brethren praying for me. I am deeply thankful for their thoughtfulness and love. The Lord also allowed me to serve in church, such as taking up the pianist role in church and serving in the GYC. Though juggling limited book-out time and added responsibilities was challenging, I thank God for the strength He bestowed upon me. This was an important learning opportunity which showed that service to the Lord is never easy, but it is a test of faith to remain consistent in Him. Truly, as 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Conclusion
Preparing for enlistment into the army is a multifaceted process that requires not just physical and mental preparation, but most importantly, spiritual preparation. Unfortunately, this was often neglected by many of my Christian army friends, and I have seen this take a toll on them during times of distress. It is most important to have your trust built in the Lord, and to maintain spiritual discipline rooted in Biblical teachings learned over the years.
“Managing Money and Time”
By Cornelius Koshy
My National Service was spent in the Singapore Police Force (SPF). I never thought I would serve my NS in the SPF. In fact, when I opened my enlistment letter, and saw that I was enlisted into the SPF, I teared up because I felt I was unworthy of the SAF, and was ‘relegated’ to the SPF. My mind was conditioned, by stories of others, to think that NS = SAF. I always thought I would end up in Pulau Tekong for BMT. I never thought I would end up in Home Team Academy in Choa Chu Kang for Basic Police Training. Later, I realised it was my non-local heritage which did not grant me the “security clearance” needed to serve in the SAF.
Despite the initial resentment and uncertainty, I thank God for helping me to face the unknown with much courage and trust in God. My immediate squad of police trainees was a mix of very educated boys, as well as some from gangs, who were hardcore clubbers and smokers. In such an environment, there were many instances where I had to be honest, against the cover-ups and hidden things which my squad mates did. I had to walk away from filthy conversations, and take a stand for the God of the Bible in the midst of a predominantly Muslim cohort. God prospered my training, and I was promoted quickly and granted many privileges. The privileges came with increased pay, and the power to manage my own time and other officers under me. Soon, I found myself in a position of some authority, together with Commanding Officers of the Bedok Police Division – the division of the SPF which oversees crime in eastern Singapore.
Managing Money
For the first time, I had quite a lot of money in my bank account. Furthermore, this was my own money. It was not allowance from my parents. For the first time, it felt like I could buy whatever I wanted and eat wherever I wanted. This was a spiritual test which I was not prepared for. I bought things out of greed, to satisfy the lust of my eyes and flesh. While I saved most of it, looking back, I wish I was more prudent. Paul warns, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim 6:9-10).
I think this is why many youths fall into temptations and traps (which Scripture calls “a snare”), and find themselves guilty of foolish and hurtful lusts. Many NS men have “drowned” in their sea of wealth, which led to their own destruction and perdition. While NS men are not as rich as millionaires, one can certainly save a lot of money during the two years. It is a huge temptation to engage in things without accountability. You can travel from location to location quickly, instead of waiting for the bus or your parents to fetch you. You can go to places without others knowing and in quick time. You can take part in activities which cost a lot, go overseas without “burning a hole” in your bank account, but these are all temptations to lust and sin.
With the monthly stipend received, I learnt to give tithes and offerings. I learnt to give cheerfully to funds and those in need. I learnt to save and not to splurge. I hear from youths today that many learn to invest while in NS, but their motivation for investing is the love for more and more money! Christian youths must be more willing to give than to invest. It was in NS that I learnt to be content with what I have, and that just because I have the ability to spend, it does not mean that I should spend.
Managing Time
There will be lots of spare time, especially at night, when obligations and duties are completed. Most will indulge in Netflix (again, a luxury which comes with the newly found ability to pay for monthly subscriptions) and fill their minds with very worldly, ungodly movies. Few will spend time wisely. As a Christian youth, I would advise that you spend your nights in camp to do your devotion (if you could not do it in the morning) and listen to online classes, whether of GBI or FEBC. During my NS stint, I served a mix of shift work (similar to Bro. Benjamin Cho), and office-hour vocations. I thank God for working in my heart to spend my time during free nights to take FEBC classes for credit, and to read good Christian literature. We must redeem the time, for the days are evil (Eph 5:16)! Many say that they need to rest in the weekend, having just booked out of camp. But the best place to rest is in God’s house with God’s people. After all, what will you be doing as “rest” at home? You cannot be sleeping the whole time! In church, you are resting (and seated!) in God’s presence and nourished with God’s Word!
In conclusion, I urge all youths enlisting and in NS, to be exemplary and biblical in your spending of time and money. The world says, “time is money, and money is time.” God says, “Your money and time are mine.” God owns them all, and we must be good stewards of the money and time which God gives us. All things are of God, so let us show our gratitude to God by using all that God has given us wisely.