March 7, 2015 at 3:38pm
Tomorrow marks the 1st anniversary of the MH370 disappearance, apart from the usual International Women's Day and some Malaysian political event that happened 7 years ago.
But for me, tomorrow is a personal day, because it marks the 9th death anniversary of my late paternal grandfather.
On my grandfather's gravestone, it is written, "Jesus said: I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live - John 11:25". I don't know whether my fellow family members would understand this cliche verse commonly seen on Christian gravestones. But I pray they eventually would.
"Though he were dead, yet shall he live". Faith and belief could not spare a believer from the physical death (as clearly shown in the verse above), "yet shall he live" - the believer shall live thereafter, where the believer would not experience spiritual death (eternal separation from God), but eternal life spiritually (eternal union with God). All of this is akin to a resurrection, and this can only be made possible by the author of the resurrection - "I am the resurrection, and the life": Jesus.
When Jesus spoke the verse above, I suppose that there is difficulty upon the listeners to comprehend or believe His claims of being "the resurrection" even though He had raised two persons prior to Lazarus (Jairus' daughter in Mark 5 and a young man in Nain in Luke 7). But now we have this blessed assurance and confidence on this truth for the fact that He was raised to life after the death on the cross 3 days prior.
While the fact that He is the author of resurrection is important, we cannot ignore the other half of his claim: "and the life". In fact, there are multiple times in the Bible that the claim was reiterated. John 14:6 says "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me."; in John 6 two times a few times Jesus has said that He is the "bread of life" (v. 35, 48); John wrote in 1:4 "In him was life". He is the source of life, be it natural (in the case of birth and a physical resurrection like Lazarus and the other two persons) or spiritual (as mentioned earlier).
Jesus, the Author of Resurrection, the Source of Life, the Creator Almighty, fully man and fully God, was sent by the Father to redeem us from our sins by His death on the cross of Calvary, and through the Spirit He was raised to life; and now He is in heaven, which in due time will come to earth again to take us back to our home in Heaven; and whosoever believes in Him will receive eternal life - the eternal union with God. Would you acknowledge this author of resurrection, the source of life?
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Saturday, May 23, 2015
The Sharing Series: Better and Necessary
March 1, 2015 at 12:01pm
"...mallon kreisson | to de..." - Excerpt of Philippians 1:23-24 in Greek, which means "...far better | nevertheless..."
The Apostle Paul mentioned here that to depart and be with Christ is far better than to live in this world, but the real dilemma is not that of whether to live in this world or to live in heaven; but to serve Christ in this world (and in the context of Philippians 1, to meet the needs of the fellow believers in Philippi) or to be with Him. But as how Matthew Henry in his commentary put, "those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do". Therefore, Paul has put aside his personal desire for the more important and necessary item: the needs of the people in Philippi, and to continue living for Christ. While acknowledging the personal "mallon kreisson", there is still the "anankaioteron (more necessary)" to be addressed, hence the "to de".
No guesses on who is Paul's inspiration though. Look no further than the following chapter in Philippians, where the Lord Jesus Christ, "being in the form of God...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:6-8). I suppose that the "mallon kreisson" would be His heavenly throne, but the "anankaioteron" would be the salvation of all mankind. And thus, he is the ultimate example of putting others' interests ahead of His own like "the form of a servant".
And that this act of ultimate humility was the "kreittosin thysias" - the better sacrifices (Hebrews 9:23), which was "ananke" - necessary (Hebrews 9:23).
"...mallon kreisson | to de..." - Excerpt of Philippians 1:23-24 in Greek, which means "...far better | nevertheless..."
The Apostle Paul mentioned here that to depart and be with Christ is far better than to live in this world, but the real dilemma is not that of whether to live in this world or to live in heaven; but to serve Christ in this world (and in the context of Philippians 1, to meet the needs of the fellow believers in Philippi) or to be with Him. But as how Matthew Henry in his commentary put, "those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do". Therefore, Paul has put aside his personal desire for the more important and necessary item: the needs of the people in Philippi, and to continue living for Christ. While acknowledging the personal "mallon kreisson", there is still the "anankaioteron (more necessary)" to be addressed, hence the "to de".
No guesses on who is Paul's inspiration though. Look no further than the following chapter in Philippians, where the Lord Jesus Christ, "being in the form of God...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:6-8). I suppose that the "mallon kreisson" would be His heavenly throne, but the "anankaioteron" would be the salvation of all mankind. And thus, he is the ultimate example of putting others' interests ahead of His own like "the form of a servant".
And that this act of ultimate humility was the "kreittosin thysias" - the better sacrifices (Hebrews 9:23), which was "ananke" - necessary (Hebrews 9:23).
Saturday, May 16, 2015
The Sharing Series: A Strong Worship and Of Chief
February 22, 2015 at 5:01pm
In Genesis 22, a ram that was caught in thickets was offered as sacrifice in the stead of Isaac's place in the first mention of worship. The Hebrew word for "ram" also refers to the meaning of chief, or strength.
In Matthew 27, the Lord Jesus, being the omnipotent Chief of Chiefs, willingly left His throne of glory to be in the form of man, wore a crown of thorns, and offered himself as sacrifice (as mentioned in Hebrews 7, 9 and 10) through His death on the cross of Calvary, in the stead of our place for the atonement of sins. This worship is a far better worship (than the offerings and sacrifices done by the priests): one of the reasons being that the offering is done once, yet more sufficient than the daily offerings done by the priests in the Old Testament, where there would be no more offering for sin after the remission of sins conducted by the Creator Himself (Hebrews 9 and 10). Feel free to read the other comparisons in the previous chapters in Hebrews.
In Genesis 22, a ram that was caught in thickets was offered as sacrifice in the stead of Isaac's place in the first mention of worship. The Hebrew word for "ram" also refers to the meaning of chief, or strength.
In Matthew 27, the Lord Jesus, being the omnipotent Chief of Chiefs, willingly left His throne of glory to be in the form of man, wore a crown of thorns, and offered himself as sacrifice (as mentioned in Hebrews 7, 9 and 10) through His death on the cross of Calvary, in the stead of our place for the atonement of sins. This worship is a far better worship (than the offerings and sacrifices done by the priests): one of the reasons being that the offering is done once, yet more sufficient than the daily offerings done by the priests in the Old Testament, where there would be no more offering for sin after the remission of sins conducted by the Creator Himself (Hebrews 9 and 10). Feel free to read the other comparisons in the previous chapters in Hebrews.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
The Sharing Series: Sight and Light
January 18, 2015 at 5:32pm
John 1:36,39a - "And (John the Baptist) looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith. B̲e̲h̲o̲l̲d̲, the Lamb of God!", "He (Jesus) saith unto them. Come and s̲e̲e̲..."
Two verses distanced 2 verses apart, both talking about seeing. As we have learned in Physics or Science class, the sense of sight is stimulated in the presence of light. Thus, it is so fitting that we should, in the spiritual sense, be able to see God, for God is light (1 John 1:5, Psalm 27:1, John 8:12).
However, there would be one condition if we cannot see God, and His glory: being blind spiritually (2 Cor 4:4). The fall of Adam and Eve caused the human race to be born with sin, and thus being in darkness (John 3:19-20). Because the deceitful nature of sin, it blinds us from knowing God from birth.
Thankfully, there is the "light of the glorious gospel" (2 Cor 4:4-6), in which Christ, the light of the world and light of life (John 8:12), came down from His heavenly throne to dwell on earth (John 1:14) as both human and God, and to die on the cross of Calvary, where He shed His blood to atone for our sins, and to redeem us, thus delivering us from darkness and translated us into His kingdom (Col 1:12-14). The Light of the world has brought us "out of darkness" (Psalm 107:14), and enable us to see God (Matt 5:8) by purifying our hearts from sin.
On our part in response to what Christ has done, we need to be born again (John 3:3), which is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13, John 12:46). We would then follow Him and walk in the Light (John 8:12, 1 John 1:).
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, let us rejoice in thanksgiving that by God's grace we can now see Him, and be in the light and out of darkness; at the same time we, now as children of light, should ensure our conduct is acceptable in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8) by the workings of the Holy Spirit within us, so that we as the light of the world can shine before others, and be a testimony to others, and at the same time, glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
For those who have yet to know Christ, reiterating John 1:39, "Come and see", because the Light has come to the world that was once in darkness, and allowing all to be able to "see". Would you, then, come, and to experience Him, to taste and see, that the Lord is good? (Psalm 34:8)
(Underline words and added parentheses are added for emphasis and context.)
John 1:36,39a - "And (John the Baptist) looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith. B̲e̲h̲o̲l̲d̲, the Lamb of God!", "He (Jesus) saith unto them. Come and s̲e̲e̲..."
Two verses distanced 2 verses apart, both talking about seeing. As we have learned in Physics or Science class, the sense of sight is stimulated in the presence of light. Thus, it is so fitting that we should, in the spiritual sense, be able to see God, for God is light (1 John 1:5, Psalm 27:1, John 8:12).
However, there would be one condition if we cannot see God, and His glory: being blind spiritually (2 Cor 4:4). The fall of Adam and Eve caused the human race to be born with sin, and thus being in darkness (John 3:19-20). Because the deceitful nature of sin, it blinds us from knowing God from birth.
Thankfully, there is the "light of the glorious gospel" (2 Cor 4:4-6), in which Christ, the light of the world and light of life (John 8:12), came down from His heavenly throne to dwell on earth (John 1:14) as both human and God, and to die on the cross of Calvary, where He shed His blood to atone for our sins, and to redeem us, thus delivering us from darkness and translated us into His kingdom (Col 1:12-14). The Light of the world has brought us "out of darkness" (Psalm 107:14), and enable us to see God (Matt 5:8) by purifying our hearts from sin.
On our part in response to what Christ has done, we need to be born again (John 3:3), which is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13, John 12:46). We would then follow Him and walk in the Light (John 8:12, 1 John 1:).
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, let us rejoice in thanksgiving that by God's grace we can now see Him, and be in the light and out of darkness; at the same time we, now as children of light, should ensure our conduct is acceptable in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8) by the workings of the Holy Spirit within us, so that we as the light of the world can shine before others, and be a testimony to others, and at the same time, glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
For those who have yet to know Christ, reiterating John 1:39, "Come and see", because the Light has come to the world that was once in darkness, and allowing all to be able to "see". Would you, then, come, and to experience Him, to taste and see, that the Lord is good? (Psalm 34:8)
(Underline words and added parentheses are added for emphasis and context.)
Saturday, May 2, 2015
The Sharing Series: On Assurance
December 24, 2014 at 8:16pm
Assurance. That's the word for my Christmas this year.
Nothing material can give you total assurance. Job security may provide some sort of assurance, but at best until retirement, not to mention the possibilities of the organisation failing for various reasons.
Money can't give you total assurance. Fiat money, or currency as we know it, is backed by promises from the government about its value, but just as we see in recent times, governments may fail, and so are those temporal promises.
What else seems to give you total assurance? Insurance? A reliable car? A safe house? Intelligence?
What could give you assured happiness-one that lasts more than a lifetime? It's definitely not something man-made, as explored earlier. That something must be both certain and not of our own creation. That something is the living hope of the fact-Jesus, whom His birth being cherished in this season; whom walk upon the earth as both fully man and God; whom upon His 33 years of sinless life upon earth tasted suffering and death, so that to those who believe in Him may obtain the assurance of eternal happiness lasting beyond lifetime on earth; whom has resurrected and will one day return to restore justice ultimatum. And most of all, He never fails, for He is not man-made. "The heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away," He said in the Gospel of Matthew.
This is the imperishable assurance, enduring time and age, across societies and generations. Do you have such assurance?
A blessed Christmas to everyone, and may this Christmas be filled with peace and joy stemming from blessed certainty and blessed assurance.
Assurance. That's the word for my Christmas this year.
Nothing material can give you total assurance. Job security may provide some sort of assurance, but at best until retirement, not to mention the possibilities of the organisation failing for various reasons.
Money can't give you total assurance. Fiat money, or currency as we know it, is backed by promises from the government about its value, but just as we see in recent times, governments may fail, and so are those temporal promises.
What else seems to give you total assurance? Insurance? A reliable car? A safe house? Intelligence?
What could give you assured happiness-one that lasts more than a lifetime? It's definitely not something man-made, as explored earlier. That something must be both certain and not of our own creation. That something is the living hope of the fact-Jesus, whom His birth being cherished in this season; whom walk upon the earth as both fully man and God; whom upon His 33 years of sinless life upon earth tasted suffering and death, so that to those who believe in Him may obtain the assurance of eternal happiness lasting beyond lifetime on earth; whom has resurrected and will one day return to restore justice ultimatum. And most of all, He never fails, for He is not man-made. "The heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away," He said in the Gospel of Matthew.
This is the imperishable assurance, enduring time and age, across societies and generations. Do you have such assurance?
A blessed Christmas to everyone, and may this Christmas be filled with peace and joy stemming from blessed certainty and blessed assurance.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
The Sharing Series: 自主
December 31, 2014 at 2:03am
夜深人静，在床上翻覆难眠。
偶然睁眼，静悄地对主祷告。
顿时发觉，自主：非单自我作主，
自主权应当与承担选择之责并行。
耶稣在花园的那一夜，对其在天之父展现的自主，是自愿选择遵从天父之旨，承忍十字架之苦：这必喝的苦杯，是对其父之爱，更是对世人之爱；假若这杯没喝，此世绝望，再也没有拯救的途境了。
夜深人静，在床上翻覆难眠。
偶然睁眼，静悄地对主祷告。
顿时发觉，自主：非单自我作主，
自主权应当与承担选择之责并行。
耶稣在花园的那一夜，对其在天之父展现的自主，是自愿选择遵从天父之旨，承忍十字架之苦：这必喝的苦杯，是对其父之爱，更是对世人之爱；假若这杯没喝，此世绝望，再也没有拯救的途境了。
Saturday, April 18, 2015
The Sharing Series: Last Day
December 31, 2014 at 8:59pm
Last day of 2014. Technically, this is just another day. And so is tomorrow.
Many people would spend New Year's Eve simply doing things: watching the night, reflecting upon the year, or counting down to the new year. It's a shame that I am unavailable to take part much of these due to circumstances.
Nevertheless, it allows much time and space for thoughts and reflection, and simply a time to cherish and ponder.
Usually, New Year's Eve provides more hype than what it suppose to be an eve of. You see celebratory events on New Year's Eve but not on New Year's Day. Perhaps people are overhung from the celebrations the night before.
Usually the phrase "last day" or its plural form signifies the end of a time period. Obviously today we would merely experience the end of 365 days within the Gregorian year of 2014; it does not indicate the end of unpleasant series of events although we would hope that is the case.
The actual end of all evil, in a very quirky irony, must go through a time period known as "the last days" (2 Tim 3:1). These "last days" are the end of the current world as we know it, but by no means having evilness to cease: in fact, the pace of rampantness accelerates (1 John 2:18, Matthew 24:23, 2 Tim 3:1-5). The end of these "last days" is when Christ returns for ultimate judgement, and the end result would be the new heaven and earth. And on that ''New" day, there will be no end of celebratory praise, because there's no more night to end with (Rev 22:5).
And that is one time that the Day itself matters more than the Eve.
Last day of 2014. Technically, this is just another day. And so is tomorrow.
Many people would spend New Year's Eve simply doing things: watching the night, reflecting upon the year, or counting down to the new year. It's a shame that I am unavailable to take part much of these due to circumstances.
Nevertheless, it allows much time and space for thoughts and reflection, and simply a time to cherish and ponder.
Usually, New Year's Eve provides more hype than what it suppose to be an eve of. You see celebratory events on New Year's Eve but not on New Year's Day. Perhaps people are overhung from the celebrations the night before.
Usually the phrase "last day" or its plural form signifies the end of a time period. Obviously today we would merely experience the end of 365 days within the Gregorian year of 2014; it does not indicate the end of unpleasant series of events although we would hope that is the case.
The actual end of all evil, in a very quirky irony, must go through a time period known as "the last days" (2 Tim 3:1). These "last days" are the end of the current world as we know it, but by no means having evilness to cease: in fact, the pace of rampantness accelerates (1 John 2:18, Matthew 24:23, 2 Tim 3:1-5). The end of these "last days" is when Christ returns for ultimate judgement, and the end result would be the new heaven and earth. And on that ''New" day, there will be no end of celebratory praise, because there's no more night to end with (Rev 22:5).
And that is one time that the Day itself matters more than the Eve.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
The Sharing Series: What a friend we have in Jesus
November 30, 2014 at 12:42pm
What a friend we have in Jesus.Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Jeremiah 31:3
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
John 17:22-23
The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 10:15
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
The Sharing Series: Grace and mercy from a viral video of road rage
July 17, 2014 at 8:13 am
After observations of posts relating to the video about the car accident rage, one element that I see that is extremely contrasted, is grace. Yea, the woman had not been very graceful with her outrageous behaviour, but so are many of the posts condemning her out there. Have there been any thought on how we have dealt disgraceful people, that it might bring up to mind that our own actions in such dealings were not that graceful also?
Yet, you have this elderly man, being the example of grace. Yea, he may be at fault in that accident, but certainly he bore the rounds of verbal fire and even beatings that dented his car, and was willing to pay for the little damage on the woman's car. And above all, he was rather quick to forgive. How patient and merciful this old man is!
Doesn't that remind us of the Lord God Himself? He dispensed immense grace and mercy to us, and was patient and quick to forgive our rather despicable, sinful behaviour. He even set out a plan to reconcile with us, the fallen mankind, by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell on earth and die for the sins of all men. And the difference between that old man and Jesus is this: the old man may have "kissed" the woman's car bumper; Jesus is not even at fault in anything.
All my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, do keep watch your moves, your tongues, your minds. Remember to show grace and love to others, as how we have been shown grace and love by God himself.
After observations of posts relating to the video about the car accident rage, one element that I see that is extremely contrasted, is grace. Yea, the woman had not been very graceful with her outrageous behaviour, but so are many of the posts condemning her out there. Have there been any thought on how we have dealt disgraceful people, that it might bring up to mind that our own actions in such dealings were not that graceful also?
Yet, you have this elderly man, being the example of grace. Yea, he may be at fault in that accident, but certainly he bore the rounds of verbal fire and even beatings that dented his car, and was willing to pay for the little damage on the woman's car. And above all, he was rather quick to forgive. How patient and merciful this old man is!
Doesn't that remind us of the Lord God Himself? He dispensed immense grace and mercy to us, and was patient and quick to forgive our rather despicable, sinful behaviour. He even set out a plan to reconcile with us, the fallen mankind, by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell on earth and die for the sins of all men. And the difference between that old man and Jesus is this: the old man may have "kissed" the woman's car bumper; Jesus is not even at fault in anything.
All my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, do keep watch your moves, your tongues, your minds. Remember to show grace and love to others, as how we have been shown grace and love by God himself.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
The Sharing Series: Still
June 22, 2014 at 9:07 pm
"Don't be too hard on yourself." This was an advice someone had told me.
And indeed, I have to know that if I do not be 'still', or "leave off my own attempts" as explained by the root word 'raphah', I wouldn't react as someone that knows who God is. And if I were to truly know God, about His character, His stature, I would be still, and realise that if I were to solely depend on self all efforts would be futile; and in this way I would exalt Him.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
"Don't be too hard on yourself." This was an advice someone had told me.
And indeed, I have to know that if I do not be 'still', or "leave off my own attempts" as explained by the root word 'raphah', I wouldn't react as someone that knows who God is. And if I were to truly know God, about His character, His stature, I would be still, and realise that if I were to solely depend on self all efforts would be futile; and in this way I would exalt Him.
"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
The Sharing Series: Magnanimous
May 25, 2014 at 9:38 am
I've started reading this book, which in its very first chapter the word "magnanimous" occurred twice:
1) But in His usual magnanimous manner He took the second step in attempting to restore this relationship which is repeatedly breached by men who turn their backs upon Him.
2) He was magnificent in His magnanimous spirit of forgiveness for fallen folk but a terror to those who indulged in double talk or false pretenses.
2) He was magnificent in His magnanimous spirit of forgiveness for fallen folk but a terror to those who indulged in double talk or false pretenses.
The word may sound a little too big for many people, and most of us would just take that word at face value. But little did we know, that word speaks volumes: magnanimous is defined as "noble in mind; high-souled; especially generous in overlooking injury or insult; rising above pettiness or meanness" (Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th ed.)
Truly, how noble is He who is eternally faithful, to look beyond our fault and strive to reconcile; how generous is He who is so merciful and forgiving, to even overlook the injury and insult unto Him, and uttered "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" to those who have wronged Him.
Behold, this is the Lord that is magnus (great) in animus (spirit). No wonder Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord", not that He can be greater than He is, but that such greatness that can only be exuded by Him is properly ascribed, declared, and extolled.
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Additional Note: The book mentioned was "A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller.
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Additional Note: The book mentioned was "A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23" by Phillip Keller.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
The Sharing Series: Performance with consistency
May 26, 2014 at 12:44 am
Tonight's Thomas Cup Finals display is a lesson in management: performance must be accompanied by consistency in order to achieve success, or in this case, victory. Only then the worth is proven.
If anything, this is also a reminder about Christ. There is no man that can be able to fulfill the Law except for the perfect man-Jesus Christ, in which He was born with no sin, and knew no sin, and did no sin throughout his life of 33 years on earth. And with that, he was qualified to be our kinsman redeemer and the perfect sacrifice for the atonement of our sins, so that we can be spared from the wrath of judgement, and instead be shown the grace of God-salvation.
That, is performance with consistency at its best.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
The Sharing Series: On Prejudices as Christians
From this post onwards, there will be a series of blog posts/articles that would be re-publications of some Facebook posts and other sharing that are mostly based on the Scripture. The following is one of my earliest, if not the earliest, Christian writings.
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May 3, 2013 at 4:08 am
In this middle of the night that gradually approaching dawn, I was compelled to write this.
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement." -John 7:24 (ESV)
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." -Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV)
What led me to the above verses was one simple word-stereotypes, or being judgmental in an unfairly manner. Day in and day out, we constantly (or maybe occasionally) face non-believers having perceptions that Christians are "holier than thou", "arrogant", "hypocritical" and many more. But the truth is that, we all are human, we all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But does that provide us a justification that we can live complacently in those perceptions? I don't think so. Instead, we should resort to grace as our teacher to thwart away from ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12), and ultimately, we should be more like Christ. We ourselves shouldn't be over-judgmental to anyone, but rebuke wrongdoings in a reasonable manner, like how it is stated in Leviticus 19:17, "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him." (ESV)
Still, ultimately, when we call ourselves as Christians, there will be a certain expectations out there: that you will act Christ-like, like how Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." What we can do is to allow God to take full control in our lives; let the Holy Spirit guide us away from evil; and be a disciple of Jesus that really FOLLOWS him. Don't take the task of living up to reverse stereotypes too harshly, but pray (for) and do what is necessary to do.
Lord, I pray that non-believers will understand that, at the end of the day, we are all imperfect humans, but through You we can be made whole and complete. So let us be more like You, and let us love You, as well as love others as how we should: love our neighbours as how we love ourselves. In that sense, we'll be living testimony of the love of God, and able to be the salt and light of this world. Let us be amiable people, just as how Jesus is. Let us be kind, just as how Jesus relentlessly is. May you teach us to love and be kind, and to be more like You. Amen.
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May 3, 2013 at 4:08 am
In this middle of the night that gradually approaching dawn, I was compelled to write this.
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement." -John 7:24 (ESV)
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." -Matthew 7:1-2 (ESV)
What led me to the above verses was one simple word-stereotypes, or being judgmental in an unfairly manner. Day in and day out, we constantly (or maybe occasionally) face non-believers having perceptions that Christians are "holier than thou", "arrogant", "hypocritical" and many more. But the truth is that, we all are human, we all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). But does that provide us a justification that we can live complacently in those perceptions? I don't think so. Instead, we should resort to grace as our teacher to thwart away from ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12), and ultimately, we should be more like Christ. We ourselves shouldn't be over-judgmental to anyone, but rebuke wrongdoings in a reasonable manner, like how it is stated in Leviticus 19:17, "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him." (ESV)
Still, ultimately, when we call ourselves as Christians, there will be a certain expectations out there: that you will act Christ-like, like how Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ." What we can do is to allow God to take full control in our lives; let the Holy Spirit guide us away from evil; and be a disciple of Jesus that really FOLLOWS him. Don't take the task of living up to reverse stereotypes too harshly, but pray (for) and do what is necessary to do.
Lord, I pray that non-believers will understand that, at the end of the day, we are all imperfect humans, but through You we can be made whole and complete. So let us be more like You, and let us love You, as well as love others as how we should: love our neighbours as how we love ourselves. In that sense, we'll be living testimony of the love of God, and able to be the salt and light of this world. Let us be amiable people, just as how Jesus is. Let us be kind, just as how Jesus relentlessly is. May you teach us to love and be kind, and to be more like You. Amen.
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Additional thoughts: To add on to what I have written, I thought of the exhortation that we are the "light of the world" and that we have to let our light "shine before men, that they may see your good works" (Matthew 5:14-16). We, living as Christians, would always be subjected to being in a different limelight than others. But as mentioned above, let us allow ourselves to be subjected to Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit to transform us more and more into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).
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