Remaining In the Words of the Lord

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."  John 15:7

I am reading an excellent book entitled Truth and Transformation by Vishal Mangalwadi, a Christian lecturer, social reformer, author, and political columnist.  I have only read a few chapters, but I have learned so much already.  Coincidentally, our Bible study class discussed Jesus' discourse on the vine and the branches in John 15:1-17 this morning.  We discussed remaining, or abiding, in Jesus' Words.  The original Greek word that is translated remain, has to do with the idea of standing with another, or remaining united with one in heart, mind, or will.  The passage in Mr. Mangalwadi's book that I read this afternoon gave me a new perspective on John 15.  Specifically, Mr. Mangalwadi sought to determine the differences in the West and its successes in the fields of technology and social reform as opposed to the East and its reliance on human work.

Mr. Mangalwadi's perspective as an Indian who is seeking to reform the poverty of his country enables him to view his culture without the romanticism that so often clouds the judgment of outsiders.  He uses the example in his book of the nation of Uganda, which has so much electric power that it sells its excess power to Kenya.  Still, the poor women of Uganda have to draw water in jugs which they carry on their heads back to their families.  Mr. Mangalwadi wondered why women in the west do not have to do such things.  How did the West determine to use their minds to solve their problems?

Simply put, the progress of Western civilization can be attributed to medieval Christian monasteries, which placed a premium on rational thought.  After all, the monks posited, since man is made in the image of God, he must be able to understand goodness and truth.  They developed complex theories and developed technologies to aid them in their work so that they could devote more time to study and reflection.  How this applies to John 15 concerns the Christian monks' determination to study the Words of Jesus, and to engage in thought.  Mr. Mangalwadi juxtaposes this determination of the Christian monks to those of the Buddhist monks, who sought to empty their minds of rational thought altogether.

One can see the danger of attempting not to think.  Simply, no progress is made; no technology is born.  Buddhist monks were required to beg for food by their Buddha.  Christian monks worked because the Bible says that those who do not work must not eat.  Daily work is modelled by God; therefore, it must be a worthy pastime.  However, the Lord also says to abide in His words and to obey His commands.   That, too, must be worthy.  In short, for the Christian, thought is good.  Thought is encouraged, as long is it is centered on what is pure, lovely, excellent, praiseworthy, righteous, noble, and true (Philippians 4:8). 

I look forward to continuing to read Mr. Mangalwadi's observations in Truth and Transformation.  It encourages me to continue to seek truth as it is found in God's Word.  It also shows me the danger in allowing New Age mysticism based on the tenets of Hinduism and Buddhism to take root in our country.

Blessings and peace,

Jennifer