A short time ago, I had the privilege of visiting a very dear friend of mine - a retired minister - in the hospital one last time. He would have turned 83 this year, but the dear God called him away just before the past year ended. From our conversations, it was clear he had no worries in this respect. Having fought the good fight of faith, and having endured in faithfulness to Christ to his very last breath, he shared the same conviction as Apostle Paul, namely that the crown of righteousness was also laid up for him (cf. 2 Timothy 4: 8). 

Through the years, I always found him a tremendous inspiration and a wonderful discussion partner. We would talk about our faith quite often, and even discuss it right down to the tiniest details. Whenever theology and reason reached their limits, it was always faith that carried the day. In fact, it was his faithfulness in believing and following - despite all the difficulties, adversities, and even doubts he faced at times - that so often inspired me to keep faith too, both personally and in ministry. What a relief and comfort that we do not have to fight the battle of faith alone! After all, we will not be saved as individuals, but as the bridal congregation. Today I am deeply grateful for the example, encouragement, and intercessions of this man of God - and he was only one of many.

As I recall, I was not always so firm in my youth - not yet at least. And I came from a believing New Apostolic Christian household! My father was a minister! We never missed a service! I was totally sincere when I gave my confirmation vow! However - even though I truly believed that my first priority was the kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 6: 33) - the reality was often rather different. My own concerns about school, vocation, money, social life, and leisure actually featured much more prominently in my prayers (and my use of time) than anything else. And there were so many options available to me outside of church! So many other ways to use my time! To this day, I am grateful for the inspiration, gentle “nudging”, and prayers of other faithful brothers and sisters. 

In Matthew 16: 24-26, Jesus calls upon us to follow Him: “…If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me...” 

Our response to this call is comprised of various elements: 

• first and foremost, we need to remain faithful ourselves. This includes being a witness to the love of Christ and the promise of His return in our own surroundings (Acts 1: 8). Such conduct will also have an impact on others, including our younger members.
• we are also called upon to encourage others in remaining faithful until we reach our goal. Let us therefore never judge or “lord it over” others, but rather help them cultivate a joyful faith (2 Corinthians 1: 24), and let us be role models to those around us, especially our youth and Pillars. Let us help them see the relevance of our faith even in this modern age. 
• naturally, we also need to intercede on behalf of others. Let us pray for one another, in particular, our younger brothers and sisters, such that their faith does not fail (cf. Luke 22: 32) and such that we may all remain faithful to Christ until the moment of His return.

In their lives of faith, even the most sincere of our younger members go through similar (perhaps even more challenging) doldrums than those I have described. Added to that is the abundance of obligations incumbent on them today. They need our example. They need our encouragement. They need our prayers. Let us be there for them. Our response to the call of Christ is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing endeavour. Together let us persist in remaining faithful to Christ to the end and, in so doing, help others do the same.