In the month of May, we delved into the study of ‘Portrait of the Diasporan Christian’.
We discovered that a diasporan is an individual who disperses from their homeland and settles in another land with the intention of establishing God’s will and influencing the systems of that new land. As born-again Christians, we automatically become diasporans, for we are “in this world, but no longer of this world” (John 15:19). Through our examination of the Bible, we observed that God consistently employed diasporans to manifest His Glory among people. Prominent examples include Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and Abraham, who influenced the foreign territories they were sent to, and in some cases, even transformed their homelands (like Joseph and Daniel).
One sign that God is about to bring about change in a land is the sudden influx of individuals relocating there to expand His Kingdom. This pattern can be found throughout Scripture, from the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:1) to Nehemiah (2:10) and beyond.
As diasporans and ambassadors of Christ, we are expected to live in a manner that accurately represents Him. Consequently, we explored the qualities a Diasporan Christian should possess in order to thrive and effectively impact the territory they find themselves in. The following are some key elements we examined during the month of May:
1. Calling: Every diasporan must have a strong sense of calling. This calling enables us to discern between a testimony and a distraction. While we share the same calling as Christians—to see Jesus glorified—we each possess unique gifts through which we express that calling. A diasporan always places God’s will at the centre of their life.
2. Conviction: Your calling must be supported by conviction. This is the point at which God meets you. We studied the story of Abraham, who became the father of many nations only after God saw that Abraham genuinely placed Him above everyone else, including his only son. Similarly, we saw that Esther risked her life to ensure that God’s will was established and the Jews were saved.
3. Consecration: Consecration refers to the environment or atmosphere you create to safeguard your calling. Just as everything God created has an atmosphere in which it thrives, your calling requires a set of principles that protect its essence. Some examples of corporate consecrations include prayer and fasting, sexual purity, Kingdom service, immersion in the Word of God, and personal development.
4. Covenant Relationship: Every Diasporan Christian should cultivate covenant relationships. A covenant relationship involves establishing bonds with individuals who share similar values and goals, all in pursuit of revealing God’s glory. When you stand and rise together, you prevent the enemy from finding a way to penetrate through.
5. Competence: Diasporan Christians are individuals whom God can entrust with the mandate of His Kingdom. Competence implies possessing the knowledge and ability to successfully develop something. You must develop your skills and enhance your productivity to demonstrate that you are capable of fulfilling God’s purpose in the territory you inhabit.
6. Courage: Courage is the art of confronting challenges and displaying strength in the face of pain or grief. Between you and the manifestation of your destiny lie mountains that must be overcome. Some obstacles may require a direct confrontation, while others may need to be circumvented. Referring to the story of Gideon, we learned that God first separated the brave from the fearful before assigning tasks. This is because God works exclusively with those who are courageous. Fear is the antithesis of courage, and we must overcome our fears by confronting the things we find most intimidating. It is when we acknowledge our weaknesses and yet stand in the face of adversity that God reveals His strength within us, propelling us towards our goals.
7. Character: Every Diasporan Christian must possess the appropriate character that aligns with their calling. As ambassadors of Christ, we represent the values of God’s kingdom, and people are constantly observing us. We must internalize the values of a Diasporan Christian and integrate them into our lives consistently until they become an inseparable part of who we are. Your character will attract those destined to uplift you. For instance, Joseph exemplified the character of abstinence, which ultimately led to his rise to the position of Prime Minister of Egypt.