The world sees Christians as troublesome people. They are the ones who appear holier than anyone, they are the one who are out to reach out to the world. And Christians are the one who are targeted by all others almost everywhere.
Interestingly, the Bible is very explicit and clear in the this area of testimony and living.
First, we are people who are sinners. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Some said, Christians are sinners made clean by Jesus' blood on the cross. So, Christians, we have no reasons to be proud. We are so imperfect that we need Jesus to die for us.
Second, we must expect the world to hate us. The world will dislike Christians for many reasons. It could be because of the belief, Jesus and so on. Sometimes, Christians are disliked because they acted as if they are the purest people. Christians, with the exception of those serving in the missions or voluntary welfare organisations, love to live in their own communities. That brought to the third point.
Third, Christians are told to be in the world but not of the world. We are supposed to be a light to the world and the salt of the earth. Many of us see these verses as exalting us to be good examples to the non believers. Actually much more is expected. As the verse continues, it seems to be exalting Christian living for the purpose to bringing others to Christ.
My friends, we are not just to be an example nor just a guiding light. It is about walking with the poor, walking with those in needs, every step of the way. Literally, holding their hands, crying with them and sharing their pain and sorrow.
To be the salt of the earth is not just to add taste as we all thought it refers to, but it is also the healing brought about the salt. We are to be the balm for the world.
As we look around ourselves and count the people we know today, if less than 10 percent of the people close to you are non Christians, then I feel it is time we get out of our comfort zone and make more friends in the world, bringing the light and salt with us. Make it more than 50 percent if you can.
God loves us and desires us to be with Him. Have you ever wonder why we are still living on earth? There is a purpose. Let us all find our purpose in this life, the task that is yet to accomplish and the reason why our lives He has yet to take back.
So that on the day of judgment, we can give a good account of the things we have done for the world and for Him.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Where your heart is there your treasure is too.
"Where your treasure is there your heart will be also" is a verse from the Bible. When I was a young Christian, I often asked myself if this verse could be reversed? That is, where your heart is there your treasure will be also. Now, after gaining more life experiences and observing many people, it seems to me that there is a lot of truth in the reverse as well.
The interpretation of the verse is straight forward. Jesus was asked by a young man who was dividing his inheritance. Jesus' reply was meant to exhort the crowd not to focus on the earthly treasure and instead focus on the rewards in heaven, which will last through eternity.
I believe also in the reverse of this verse. If one were to focus one's heart and soul into one's works or whatever one is doing, one will achieve greatness. I grew up with friends who are totally ordinary. Today, they are very senior officers in the military, senior directors in various bodies and successful businessmen. There are two common traits among all of them, ordinary but very passionate about the things they do.
My eldest son beats me at all kinds of computer games all the time. He is passionate about it and he spends all his awake time playing all kinds of games.
My second son is very keen to do well in everything he does. He tries hard to achieve the top honours. He is not very successful all the time but close to top often.
My third daughter is a "pathological" buyer, she just needs to buy something. She is so persistent till I think she borders on the pathological which I am very concerned.
My youngest is obsessed about pleasing people. She will do all things, learn all things, do stunts so that others will like her.
During the recent general election, all the political parties and candidates were vying for our votes. Everyone sang their own praises and slammed the others. No one seemed to realise the planks in their own eyes but pay full attention to and magnify the microscopic specks in the others' eyes.
What is obvious and clear to us outsiders are their hearts. What they say, how they say it, their body language, the stuff they carry all betray them.
My friend, it does not matter if we are politicians. In order to live up to a life with treasures waiting for us in heaven, we need to focus on our hearts. Where our hearts are, there our treasures are as well.
The interpretation of the verse is straight forward. Jesus was asked by a young man who was dividing his inheritance. Jesus' reply was meant to exhort the crowd not to focus on the earthly treasure and instead focus on the rewards in heaven, which will last through eternity.
I believe also in the reverse of this verse. If one were to focus one's heart and soul into one's works or whatever one is doing, one will achieve greatness. I grew up with friends who are totally ordinary. Today, they are very senior officers in the military, senior directors in various bodies and successful businessmen. There are two common traits among all of them, ordinary but very passionate about the things they do.
My eldest son beats me at all kinds of computer games all the time. He is passionate about it and he spends all his awake time playing all kinds of games.
My second son is very keen to do well in everything he does. He tries hard to achieve the top honours. He is not very successful all the time but close to top often.
My third daughter is a "pathological" buyer, she just needs to buy something. She is so persistent till I think she borders on the pathological which I am very concerned.
My youngest is obsessed about pleasing people. She will do all things, learn all things, do stunts so that others will like her.
During the recent general election, all the political parties and candidates were vying for our votes. Everyone sang their own praises and slammed the others. No one seemed to realise the planks in their own eyes but pay full attention to and magnify the microscopic specks in the others' eyes.
What is obvious and clear to us outsiders are their hearts. What they say, how they say it, their body language, the stuff they carry all betray them.
My friend, it does not matter if we are politicians. In order to live up to a life with treasures waiting for us in heaven, we need to focus on our hearts. Where our hearts are, there our treasures are as well.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Humility, Ability, Passion, Personality, Integrity
Which is the most important in life? Humility? Ability? Passion? Personality? Or Integrity?
In everything we do, it seems that we are not able to run away from integrity. Integrity is the foundation to all that we do. It is also the wrapper to the things we do or stand for.
Having ability and Passion comes next. With the talents and gifting from Him, yet without the desire to do more, it is at best half baked success.
Finally, with humility, a contagious personality demonstrating compassion is what will cap off as a success venture, person or venture.
Friends, brother and sisters, do we have all of these?
In everything we do, it seems that we are not able to run away from integrity. Integrity is the foundation to all that we do. It is also the wrapper to the things we do or stand for.
Having ability and Passion comes next. With the talents and gifting from Him, yet without the desire to do more, it is at best half baked success.
Finally, with humility, a contagious personality demonstrating compassion is what will cap off as a success venture, person or venture.
Friends, brother and sisters, do we have all of these?
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