I see Christians lying and cheating their way through life to achieve their goals.
I see Christians who spew out vulgarities and expletives as if these were the first words they learnt.
I see Christians misusing God's name to explain their choices in life.
I see Christians flying into rages and fits of anger when circumstances make them upset.
I see Christians sneering at the happiness of others, and rejoicing at the misfortune of others.
I see Christians loving less-fortunate strangers more than their own families and friends.
I see Christians harbouring jealousy at the success of others and envying the riches of others.
I see Christians breaking nearly/all the 10 commandments without a tinge of guilt.
I see Christians lying to their loved ones without a hint of remorse.
I see Christians giving their word and promises without any intention of fulfilling them.
I see Christians going through life without a care for those hurting around them.
I see Christians fooling around with life as if there is no God.
I see Christians leaving the faith they have been brought up in simply because they see other Christians doing the above.
I see non-Christians having no qualms about joining the Christian faith because they can lead the secular life they've led all their lives, but this new life includes a ticket to heaven.
I see non-Christians having absolutely no interest in the Christian faith because their Christian friends are no different from the world.
Are YOU in any of the above?
(I've been in several of those categories many times)
I've always believed that a Christian must bear GOOD fruits (not rotten fruits like the above..) if they are truly following their faith. Whether it's fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) or fruits of gaining new believers (who would have joined because they see something special in you).
If you've noticed I've included lying twice.. haha, can't help it.. if it's one thing I absolutely detest, it's blatant lying. Covering up, avoiding, I'm still not so annoyed... but blatant, outright lying I CANNOT stand. Guess that's one of the traits I inherited from good ol' dad. Hehe.
Christians who constantly use God's name in explaining decisions also irritate me. I feel that you're demeaning our heavenly Father each time you use His name, especially in petty issues. Oh, and if that decision later on proves to be wrong and you yet again fumble to come up with another 'Godly' explanation to explain your newest decision to 'cover up' your previous mistake... hmmm, I know many Christians who use God's name when they wish to break-up with their partners. Guess it's a convenient reason/excuse to use so your partner cannot give you too much hell... how can God be wrong, after all? (Although if your partner isn't that strong a Christian to see right through your reasoning her/his faith may very well be deeply shaken. So please, be warned, DO NOT use this explanation unless it's mutual, and your partner can tell you the same.)
Anyway, I had a good long talk with a friend over lunch recently, and I brought up certain spiritual issues which I've been harbouring within myself for a long time. While it was a relief to finally voice it out to someone whom I could trust, I didn't receive the exact answers I was hoping for. Still, I felt good after talking to her about it. :-)
My perspectives of things have been changing, but whether to a better direction or not, I'm not sure.
Anyhow, what a speaker recently said which struck me was this: Do not look at all the faults and flaws of your leader. Because if we look at them purely through human eyes, they will NEVER measure up to our idea of a 'perfect leader'. Instead, look at them from this perspective: How can God use him/her?
Pretty true, too often I have found myself judging leaders and disrespecting their decisions because I see their human flaws and deem them incapable of leading. It's a rather tough perspective to change, but I am trying to, day by day.
Just some food for thought. =) I've been busy with some paperwork, helping translate stuff for my guitar teacher, keying in data for mum, practising guitar... Kiara!
Been going to Kiara 2/3 times a week... mum asked me, "Why you keep going??" Me: It's addictive. Once I've built up my stamina I don't want it to drop. The bf in total contrast asked, "Why not go everyday?? Why alternate days only?" Me: If I go everyday I'll start to hate it.
Hehe. I need another sport lah. Kiara is so darn boring. Although I can now jog nearly the whole 40 minutes. =D When I first started I couldn't even walk without resting. *Looking for my badminton kakis*
Have a blessed week!
God bless,
Jo
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