Sit, Walk, Stand

Dear Friend,
How are you?  I’m well.

Today, I would like to share part of Watchman Nee’s book, Sit, Walk, Stand.

He wrote key words in the book of Ephesians as below.

1. Our Position in Christ—“SIT” (2:6) 
2. Our Life in the World—“WALK” (4:1) 
3. Our Attitude to the Enemy—“STAND” (6:11)

In the previous weeks, I shared God, the Father made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:6).  So, we already have open heaven in us.  Watchman Nee wrote on our walk:
Though the Christian life begins with sitting, sitting is always followed by walking. When once we have been well and truly seated and have found our strength in sitting down, then we do in fact begin to walk. Sitting describes our position with Christ in the heavenlies. Walking is the practical outworking of that heavenly position here on earth. As a heavenly people, we are required to bear the stamp of that heavenliness upon us in our earthly conduct,…

Now, here in chapter 4, it is in view of such fellowship that we find this matter of a holy walk arises. Paul proceeds, in the light of our heavenly calling, to challenge us upon the whole field of our relationships, both domestic and public, addressing himself to neighbors, to husbands and wives, to parents and children, employers and employed, all in a most realistic way. Let us be clear that the body of Christ is not something remote and unreal, to be expressed only in heavenly terms. It is very present and practical, finding the real test of our conduct in our relations with others. For while it is true we are a heavenly people, it is no use just to talk of a distant heaven. Unless we bring heavenliness into our dwellings and offices, our shops and kitchens, and practice it there, it will be without meaning.

And I found it interesting that Paul also wrote this truth to the saints in Colosse.  In the book of Colossians, he wrote in chapter 2 verse 10, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” And he went on to say it’s not about legalism, but Christ and it’s not carnality, but Christ.  Then, he wrote in chapter 3 verse 12~17 on character of the new man:
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

After that, he wrote about the Christian Home, i.e. the relationships between husbands and wives, between parents and children, and between masters and bondservants.  

Friend,
I like Watchman Nee’s writings as well as Paul’s.  I realize we should be down to earth and humble, just as Jesus is.  Our heavenly Father wants us to carry His presence in our home, our workplace and our communities.  We don’t have to be so called clergy or to go to short term or long term missions, in order to be in His will.  It’s a great thing to evangelize in somewhere else and preach and teach the gospel.  But, we first walk in love and carry His presence and show His character in our daily menial work and in our daily relationship.  I heard a story that an elder of a church who owns a business and gives a lot of offerings to church didn’t pay for some money to his Christian employee.  What’s the point of bringing much money to church, while he didn’t treat his fellow believer justly?  I liked a pastor’s teaching who said, “You cannot bring much money to church, while you don’t honor your parents by giving them money.”  And what’s the point of preaching the gospel somewhere else, while you don’t forgive your family in your own home?  He is love.  Friend, it’s my prayer that we, as a heavenly citizen, walk in love.  We love our parents, spouse, children.  We love our coworkers and subordinates and honor our boss.  We love our neighbors like ourselves.  We already sit in the heavenly places with all the spiritual blessings.  The Father has given us what we need, to walk in love.  We obey the Lord who dwells in us.

Have a bliss!
Yunee

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (Ephesians 5:8~10)