In our house, I am the keeper of the files. That's to say, I keep track of all the many files it requires to maintain our lives in Japan.
One thing we realized really quickly is that the Japanese love their forms. There are so many in every facet of life here, and oftentimes, they need to be filled out annually. Sometimes they're relatively simple, and sometimes quite complicated.
But, you know, I have a solution. I make a copy of every single form I fill out and keep them all in a file called "How to fill out Japanese paperwork". That way, I know exactly how to do it next year, and can refer back when I have questions (which I often do). It got me thinking though about patterns and how valuable they can be, especially when you make copies.
In the Bible, Paul writes to Timothy about patterns and looking back to what we've received in order to know what to do both now and in the future.
"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim 1:13
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them" 2 Tim 3:14
"What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." 2 Tim 2:2
Paul, also, to the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 11:23- “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you...”
There is a purity in passing on the essentials . . . in reproducing what we've received in our lives . . . in holding fast to the tenets of our faith. The facts. It's both our life-changing treasure and our legacy to pass on.
In essence, we need to make a copy for the next generation.
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." Ps. 71:18
Forms of worship may change. Church buildings look different around the world—different even from generation to generation. The languages spoken in them will vary. Expression and cultures will vary. Outreach will vary. Paul certainly wasn't using Twitter, but good old-fashioned ink and paper.
The Word of God never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
In this shifting age we are living in, when we have questions or doubts or worries, we go back to the Word and what was handed down to us. What does the Word of God say?
We follow the pattern of sound words in faith and love. Despite the consequences.
And in the process, day by day, we intentionally pass it on. Not at the end of our days but in the “every” days.
Many blessings to you as you head into this next month,
By Janine Alvarado, CCEA Missionary to Japan