God’s programme is to do good. Updates happen in divine services and only become active if we want them to. District Apostle Helper Elie Tatien Mukinda from the DR Congo-West shares his thoughts on our annual motto.
It is impossible to imagine a modern world without programming and synchronisation. From the simplest to the most complex, many daily activities rely on programming: a simple watch or traffic lights, for example. Biology explains how life itself begins and works within a tiny program. Failures in this program’s execution can cause disturbances or even serious accidents. Many scholars and scientists work daily to improve tech and biology programs to make these programs better. They also seek updates to build stronger, more reliable systems.
On a spiritual level, we come to believe that we too, as children of God, are programmed. Paul told the Ephesians, “… created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). This is our program: DOING GOOD – PRACTISING GOOD WORKS. We are programmed this way by nature. We run and don’t get tired, walk and don’t faint, like eagles that soar (Isaiah 40: 31). In fact, we should not feel tired or exhausted from these works. These are works long prepared by God. It is a matter of seeing them, recognising them, and putting them into practice. Thus, to do good, we are not bound to any calendar, or condition, or recognition because we are programmed for good works. It is our nature. It is the nature of our heavenly Father. In His programming, He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good. The Lord told the lawyer about the greatest commandment: to love God and to love your neighbour.
This program was installed when we were sealed. It works wonderfully, but it needs updates. These updates happen at each divine service. They occur when we receive the word with a believing heart. They also take place when we accept forgiveness with a repentant heart. Finally, they happen during the reverent and dignified celebration of Holy Communion. This program produces a light that human beings, both good and bad, can see and ultimately glorify God (Matthew 5: 16). Glory is His because these are His works. He has programmed us to practise them. We are instruments to carry out His plan. Yet, the execution of this program is not automatic. He asks us if we want to execute it and if we want the updates. It all depends on us. God, the designer of the program, gives us freedom.
May God open our eyes so that we can see these works. And may God help us recognise these good works waiting to be done and give us even more strength to practise these good works for His glory!