As I used to be strolling previous the market on the west coast, I noticed a big statue of the Chinese language God of Prosperity that was raised to greet folks.
I couldn't assist however discover some folks bowing earlier than it, maybe whispering a fast prayer of blessing or prosperity to be bestowed upon them this 12 months.
Which of those are innocent traditions and that are mere superstitions?
Others walked across the statue to learn the great (or unhealthy) fortune notes (and design the fortunate 4D numbers) of their zodiac indicators given by Chinese language soothsayers and mediums, hoping that the approaching 12 months can be extra profitable for them. them.
(I’ve to confess, I used to be additionally very tempted to examine my very own zodiac signal and see if I used to be going to have a “favorable” 12 months!)
Within the midst of all this, a thought occurred to me: Can we as Chinese language Christians rejoice Chinese language New 12 months, particularly when there are features of Chinese language New 12 months celebrations steeped in idol worship and pagan practices that concentrate on heralding good luck and prosperity?
How a lot ought to we comply with these customs and practices? Which of those are innocent traditions and that are mere superstitions?
Whereas not exhaustive, I discover the next factors fairly useful and want to share them with these of us fighting the identical questions.
1. Perceive the core beliefs of every observe*
A Chinese language Christian should have a correct understanding of Chinese language traditions and their that means with the intention to take care of these points correctly from a biblical perspective and to be a superb witness and witness for Jesus Christ.
This contains understanding the unique beliefs and present attitudes in the direction of Chinese language New 12 months practices. The aim is to search out out if any of those practices violate biblical ideas or are non secular and cultural practices.
Let's check out some widespread Chinese language New 12 months practices.
Spring-cleaning
Spring cleansing in preparation for Chinese language New 12 months is a suitable customized so long as we don't get caught up within the superstitious perception that sweeping the ground throughout Chinese language New 12 months will end in us shedding our blessings and luck.
It’s the Lord who offers us our wealth (Proverbs 22:2 – “The wealthy and the poor have this in frequent: the Lord is the Creator of all”).
Catering Yu Sheng
About consuming Yu Shengwhich is an emblem of prosperity: Whereas it isn’t improper to ask the Lord for religious and monetary prosperity and well-being, we should be cautious to not be unduly involved with materials wealth and success.
And when the Lord blesses us, we should always observe what Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “However keep in mind the Lord your God, for it’s he who offers you the flexibility to supply wealth, thus confirming his covenant that he swore to you.” ancestors as it’s right this moment.'
Saying good needs
What in regards to the greetings that the Chinese language give one another throughout this era (for instance, 万事如意 “wan shi ru yi”which suggests “could all of your needs come true”)?
I consider there isn’t a hurt in giving normal congratulations right now, as we do on birthdays and weddings. Nevertheless, a Christian ought to be cautious to not want folks happiness, as a result of the whole lot is determined by God and never by “happiness”. It’s significantly better to say “God bless you”.
Give tangerines
How about going to tangerines, which symbolize gold?
The fruit itself doesn’t have a lot that means, however over time, this fruit started to be related to luck and happiness.
Might God assist us as Christians to keep up an lively appreciation of our cultural heritage with out compromising our religion.
We can provide it to one another whereas reminding ourselves that success comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6).
With regards to Chinese language New 12 months treats akin to barbecued pork, pineapple truffles (pineapple is the so-called “hybrid bee” that means “could happiness come to our houses”), melon seeds, glowing drinks to call just a few, let's not overlook to present thanks, rejoice in them and eat them carefully (1 Corinthians 10:31).
As we are able to see, there are a lot of Chinese language New 12 months practices which are finished with the pursuit of fabric well-being in thoughts. But Jesus clearly advised us that we can not serve God and cash (Matthew 6:24).
So long as we’re conscious of the truth that we should always not worship cash (or encourage others to worship cash), we are able to have interaction in these practices with discernment and focus our consideration on giving glory to God whereas having fun with the blessings of the season with gratitude. coronary heart.
Might God assist us as Christians to keep up an lively appreciation of our cultural heritage with out compromising our religion.**
2. Be constant in our Christian life
There’s a lot in our Chinese language tradition that’s good and promotes good virtues (akin to filial piety, respect, and so forth.) and is consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
As Christians, our true identification is present in our relationship with God… So God should be the middle of our celebration.
Whereas Chinese language New 12 months offers Christians a possibility to indicate our gratitude for household and the aged, such care and love ought to transcend a mere seasonal greeting to tangible lifelong practices.
For instance, kids ought to reassure mother and father of our love and respect for them via common assist, obedience and submission to them in each day life.
Within the case of non secular worship or ancestor worship throughout Chinese language New 12 months, we should attempt to clarify to our family members the explanations for our absence in order that they don’t assume that we’re in any manner unfilial.
We don’t respect our ancestors or elders however refuse to take part as a result of we don’t want to worship different gods or the lifeless. These ought to be communicated in a manner that’s respectful and clear. However, we should always present our love for the household in lots of different methods and alternatives and bear witness to Christ in our each day lives.
Our Christian witness additionally contains being cautious about our participation in Chinese language New 12 months “vices” (playing, extreme consuming, gluttony, and revelry).
Since our our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), we should always honor God by turning away from something that violates biblical requirements.
So how ought to a Christian rejoice Chinese language New 12 months?
Regardless of all of the superstitions and myths surrounding the Chinese language New 12 months, it’s an integral a part of our Chinese language tradition and custom.
The above tips have tried to assist us watch out to not make the Chinese language New 12 months celebration a materialistic expertise.
As Chinese language Christians, we should always rejoice Chinese language New 12 months to protect our ethnic identification and heritage. However as Christians, our true identification is present in our relationship with God, our Creator and Maker. And so God should be the middle of our Chinese language New 12 months celebration.
So how can we rejoice Chinese language New 12 months with a Christian perspective?
- Supply thanks. Chinese language New 12 months is a time of thanksgiving to the Lord. When we’ve dinners collectively, we can provide thanks for our family members and revel in a superb time of bodily refreshment and fellowship. A Christian household could make a dinner collectively a celebration of thanksgiving for the mercy of God in offering and defending the household.
- Present filial piety. Chinese language New 12 months is an efficient time to indicate love and respect to our mother and father and aged kin. By the presents of our phrases and presence, we are able to honor them.
- Worth relationships. Chinese language New 12 months is a time to reconnect with kin and pals. As God advised us to like our neighbors, allow us to use this time to precise our like to the folks in our lives. If there are household or friendship ties which were damaged, let's use this time of prayer to hunt forgiveness and therapeutic.
- Honor the Lord. Remembering that it’s God who blesses us with our wealth, Chinese language New 12 months will also be a time to present and honor the Lord with what we’ve.
- Share the love of Christ. Chinese language New 12 months is an efficient time to share God's love with family members, kin and pals. On this special day, we pray for alternatives to share Christ with these we meet.
Completely satisfied Chinese language New 12 months within the Lord everybody!
* The next factors and directions are taken from the e-book “Celebrating Chinese language New 12 months” by Elder Ng Beng Kiong of Life Bible-Presbyterian Church.
** A latest article on easy methods to search “prosperity” in a biblical manner throughout Chinese language New 12 months might be discovered right here.
This text was first printed by The Bible Church and is republished (with modifications) with permission.
