Secular institutions are organizations of people who are consecrated and offer evangelical support related to chastity, poverty and obedience. They live in society and interact with various people in the world. Christian institution is groups of individuals who are charity committed to upholding the truths of the bible. Both secular and Christian institutions have the responsibility to provide support and help to different people in the society.
Based on a Christian faith perspective, the role of every Christian is to help those who are in need, just like Jesus did while he was on earth. Christ ministered to various peoples’ needs, and he met them and their points of need. From a Christian point of view, the course of the secular institution and Christian institution focus more on the theme of love. Both secular and Christian institutions must show love for those in need. They have to sacrifice their self-interest and needs to provide those in need with basics. While he was on earth ministering unto people Jesus instructed his disciples and followers in the book of John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (Carroll & Prickett 2008). Based on this verse, the primary objective of both secular institution and Christian institution is to fulfil the new commandment that Christ gave. By providing support to the needy, they are fulfilling what Jesus commandant in the bible. When these institutions get concerned about the poverty rate in society and deliver solutions so that people can live better, they show love. The greatest commandment is to love one another, which is above all other commandments.
In the book of Galatians 6:2, the Bible instructs people to carry each other’s burdens to fulfil the law of Christ. Secular institutions main focus is to bear one another’s burdens in society. They support needy student’s school fees, build health facilities and care for the older people. Christian institutions do not only provide spiritual guidance but also provide for their physical needs. As they preach and gather souls for Christ, they also meet people at their points of needs. This is what Christ was doing while he was on earth ministering unto people. Based on the above verses, I think students and teachers should stop focusing on the differences between secular and Christian institutions; instead, the focus should be on the shared theme of love for one another.
Benner (1998) noted that building a church does not merely mean having a structure where people can worship, but it is about winning souls and bringing sinners back to Christ. As noted in 1 Corinthians 14:12, being eager for the gifts of the holy spirit is not enough; we should try to excel in those that build up the church. Building up a church means winning souls to Christ, and this can be done through actions that show the love of Christ. The love of Christ is a love that goes beyond spiritual needs and extends to physical needs. This is what both the secular institutions and Christian institutions do and share in common. Apart from being public figures and places of rescue for the weary, such institutions help people in society meet their daily needs. From the above analysis, the course of secular and Christian institutions at Belhaven College can be understood based on their role in the society; and their primary purpose is to show the love of Jesus Christ as instructed in the bible. By showing the love, they fulfil Christ’s mission
- Benner, D. G. (1998). Care of Souls: Revisioning Christian nurture and counsel. Grand Rapids, MI
- Carroll, R., & Prickett, S. (Eds.). (2008). The Bible: Authorized King James Version. OUP Oxford. Baker Books. ISBN 10: 0-8010-9063-6
