BE STEADFAST IN YOUR FAITH

Thank God for the testimony of Bro. Allan in the recent bereavement of his beloved mother. I heard Allan had to endure pressure from relatives to participate in the Buddhist rituals. Thank God that he stood firm for the Lord and did not participate at all.

Such time is most trying for the bereaved Christian. It is in times like this that one must be steadfast in his/her faith and do not compromise at all with the Buddhist or Taoist rituals. Stay clear of these things. Do not go along with the Buddhist monk. Do not participate in the religious rites at all. We must know that we have nothing to do with the non-Christian rituals. This has nothing to do with filial piety. We honour our loved ones when they are alive (Ex. 20: 12; Eph. 6: 1-3).

I have seen Christians participating in such rites. The reason given: It is okay. It is only the last time the person is saying his/her farewell to the deceased. In fact many Christians think that it is alright to participate in the rituals. This is most unfortunate. These Christians do not know their Bible. Their faith is shallow and they show their ignorance by their action. Such Christians become a stumbling block to others. What is the difference between a Christian and a Buddhist or a Taoist than?

When the Roman Catholic missionaries entered China they told the Chinese that if they believe in Jesus they can also participate in the worship of their ancestors. They got many "converts".

Jesus said that we must be a light shinning for Him. Non-Christians must see the difference in us.

It important that we know that joss-sticks are burned to worship the dead and to make contact with the soul of the deceased. The people who follow this custom know that this practice has this meaning. So we Christians do not use it at all. This is not a matter of custom or culture but that which is religious in nature. We are not to worship the deceased.

The burning of joss paper signifies the continuing interdependence between the living descendants and the dead relatives. It is said that paper money is often offered as an attempt to "bribe" the spirits (i.e., the hungry ghosts, so that they would not harm us and also to win merit for our ancestors; and our ancestors, so they would bless us).

We do not get involve in such rituals. We are told to abstain from every form of evil (1 Thess. 5: 22).

If you are the eldest son, you will face the most pressure to participate. You will have to be prepared for such pressure. Not to participate will render you a rebel in the family. But as a Christian we will have to stand up for the Lord. We would rather honour Him by our Christian testimony.

Pastor