Surrender is never easy. Surrender doesn't make us happy. Surrender isn't something we wish for (except to others). But surrender is what God wants from us. Not for His sake, but for our sake. That He may do wonders in our life, so that we may prosper, and succeed, and know Him all the more.
Surrender isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's just a very difficult thing. As humans, we want control over our own lives. We want to be in the know, the have the path before us laid out wide, tarred and smooth. But God doesn't work that way. He makes corners. Some parts, it's so narrow, we need Him to help us through. More often than not, it's a dirt lane, where we get muddy and dirty and having to scramble through.
And at some point, we'll get to a dead end. We can't turn left, we can't turn right. There's no way forward and going back is not an option. The only way to look, is up. To find God, surrender our will to Him. Let Him take the problems, the burden and let Him work it out. To surrender our lives to Him.
While lots of times I hear about surrendering our lives to God, I didn't actually grasp the full meaning till recently. Surrendering our lives mean giving up our rights to live life as we want to. It means having decisions made for us that we disagree, object or even fight against. To acknowledge that God is king and ruler and to do everything He tells us to, no matter how illogical, how idiotic or how much we don't like it.
He may even ask us to do what we said we will never do! Of course, I don't mean smoking or doing drugs but in other ways... We may say we'll never climb a tree. One day, you may be sitting up in one. We may never want to speak in front of a crowd. He may use us to speak to billions, live.
The hardest part about the whole surrender is that when we do, He'll often take us to places where we're in over our heads. Where we feel like we're sinking without a trace, drowning in the pool of life. At times like this, we hold on, to the one who promises never to let go. To hang on to Him because our lives depends on it. To trust Him to work it out, to bring us through because we know, we can't.
The amazing part is: He does! He not only helps us through the problem, He makes us soar above it! We do head and shoulders better than we ever expected, we exceedingly succeed where we thought we'd fail. He'll bring us to dizzying heights, the like of which we never imagine. The success that we never even dare to dream. The greatness that only God can provide. And rightly so, all glory to Him.
I haven't seen what greats He has in store for me (if I did, I wouldn't be here anymore). But that's surrender. To know that He has that better plan and to trust Him to bring me through it. It's time I stop living by myself and letting God live through me. It's time, to surrender all.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Choices
Choices. Priorities. Both are connected though not similar. The choices that we make, the decisions that we pursue also show us our priorities. As I mention in an earlier post, how we spend our time shows our priorities. And now, here's another way our priorities show: our choices. Quality vs quantity. Easy vs hard. Time vs excellence. Money vs anything.
If you ask anyone to make a choice, some may take the 3rd option: I'd like both. Well, of course you'd like both! Who wouldn't? We'd all like to finish a work on time and be of the best quality. We want more quality things in our lives. The best deal would be for a cheap but excellent product. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to lie, cheat or steal!
But what defines us, what matters is which choice we take when we can't have both. We live in a fallen world. Often, it's a choice of either 1 or the other. And I believe, that shows what we really value. You can say you'd like to buy a better server but it's too expensive; I say you just value money more than quality. Who doesn't want a better server if it's cheaper? It's a question of whether you're willing to spend for the quality or not? Of course, sometimes we just don't need the quality but if we do and there's no money, well... that just says it all, doesn't it?
If the world was perfect, all suits will be comfortable to wear. Things that make us look better won't be so uncomfortable. Heels make girls look nicer but they're horrible for comfort and walking. Ties and a suit enhances a man's image but it does nothing for his well being. Evening wear will never become everyday wear simply because no one would want to wear it everyday! So when someone dresses up or not, it says a lot. It shows whether you prefer form or function. Whether beauty is more important or being comfortable. Does outward appearance more important than inner peace?
There will always be sacrifices to be made. We can't have it both ways because God never made it that way. That's why following Christ isn't easy. It requires us to make a choice: His way or our way. Yes, He made us to have dreams, to have desires. And those dreams and desires are good! But what we have to choose is whether we want those dreams and desires fulfilled our way or His way. Whether pleasing God is more important or pleasing ourselves.
I've been guilty of choosing my way over His way. I catch myself looking out for myself first before what He wants. But I know, His way is better than my way. His will will lead to something far greater than I can ever imagine. It's a process, but one that is very rewarding in the end. To choose life by chooing Christ.
If you ask anyone to make a choice, some may take the 3rd option: I'd like both. Well, of course you'd like both! Who wouldn't? We'd all like to finish a work on time and be of the best quality. We want more quality things in our lives. The best deal would be for a cheap but excellent product. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to lie, cheat or steal!
But what defines us, what matters is which choice we take when we can't have both. We live in a fallen world. Often, it's a choice of either 1 or the other. And I believe, that shows what we really value. You can say you'd like to buy a better server but it's too expensive; I say you just value money more than quality. Who doesn't want a better server if it's cheaper? It's a question of whether you're willing to spend for the quality or not? Of course, sometimes we just don't need the quality but if we do and there's no money, well... that just says it all, doesn't it?
If the world was perfect, all suits will be comfortable to wear. Things that make us look better won't be so uncomfortable. Heels make girls look nicer but they're horrible for comfort and walking. Ties and a suit enhances a man's image but it does nothing for his well being. Evening wear will never become everyday wear simply because no one would want to wear it everyday! So when someone dresses up or not, it says a lot. It shows whether you prefer form or function. Whether beauty is more important or being comfortable. Does outward appearance more important than inner peace?
There will always be sacrifices to be made. We can't have it both ways because God never made it that way. That's why following Christ isn't easy. It requires us to make a choice: His way or our way. Yes, He made us to have dreams, to have desires. And those dreams and desires are good! But what we have to choose is whether we want those dreams and desires fulfilled our way or His way. Whether pleasing God is more important or pleasing ourselves.
I've been guilty of choosing my way over His way. I catch myself looking out for myself first before what He wants. But I know, His way is better than my way. His will will lead to something far greater than I can ever imagine. It's a process, but one that is very rewarding in the end. To choose life by chooing Christ.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Heart vs Action
In the Western world, there's a de-emphasis on the idea of dressing smart. In fact, one can say that the art of looking great in a suit is a dying art. Many corporations (Google, Pixar & Intel for example) allow employees to wear as they like to work. Some go further by allowing employees to work as they like too! The incurred 'professionalism' is lost with these ideas. A certain level of 'class' is lost with this too. Gone is the smart suit people who take pride in looking professional everywhere they go.
On the other hand, casualness invites a certain level of calmness with it. Without the contraints of tie and shirt, some people actually perform better. In a relaxed environment, some actually thrive. My ex-housemate even once confessed that he can do more work at home than at work! And on another level, being casual invites people to approach you. The suit, while showing a higher class, can also dispel people away. It's rigit, unconforming, static. The t-shirt is casual, friendly, easy to wear. Personally, I hate approaching people in suits because it's all business. A person in jeans/shorts looks more welcoming and I'd rather spend my time with them.
In looking at the difference between the 2 styles, it also symbolically shows the difference between doing something from the heart and doing something because it has to be done. Anyone can feed the homeless but it takes a really caring and loving heart to care for them. Anyone can donate money to a cause but it takes the sacrifice of those who truly champion the cause to run it. You can serve in church all your life, in all the ways and still, have no heart to see God's plan for yourself. When the heart is right, it doesn't matter what is wore on the outside. The job will still get done, and it will be done excellently.
But what if you find yourself having a bad day? Especially a bad day when you have to face customers/strangers? Would you hide behind a false facade? Or will you let your face reflect your soul? Sadly, many in the Asian world still put a higher emphasis on the facade. We can't lose 'face'. Whatever happens within, don't let it be shown to the outsiders. Maintain that 'professionalism'. And sometimes, it's a dilemma for Christians. If we were in a situation where we can't smile, shall we put on a fake smile? We are meant to be salt and light to the world but how is being sad or down in the dumps being salt and light?
This especially becomes important in serving the Lord. We want to bless those around us. But can we when we feel like our hearts are bleeding internally? When you have to usher people in with a smile but you can't find a reason to smile anymore. When you can't see the wood for the trees, can you still disciple others? Do we pull away, not be part of the service? Or do we just power through; putting on a front that's insincere?
We will all face issues where we become human. Where our lives are not sweetness and hunky dory. Where we get angry, confused, hurt, misunderstood. And sometimes yes, we just got to lay our problems aside because we want to serve others. But we also must go back to the problem and work it out. Don't lay aside a personal problem because it's in the way. God has put that problem there because there's something He wants to teach us through it. So we have to work it out. With His grace, we will!
And when we want to serve, God will provide the will to smile and approach people. We just have to trust in His timing and His will be done. He alone provides the power and the love for us to serve well. On our own, we cannot do it. Our iniquities will not allow us to always be pouring out onto others. On our own, we will crash and burn. The good news is, we don't have to do it alone. God is our helper! He will see things through. He is the great deliverer! Nothing He starts will ever stop or finish badly. He is really just that awesome.
God said everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. That means we are still permitted to show grief, to be sad, to get angry. But we must see whether this benefits us. If it does, then let's learn the lesson quick! If it just brings us down, it's time to get rid of it.
So in God, we can both serve well as well as still be in pain. It is His grace and His power that allows us to do both with a sincere heart.But we must continue to be careful: let's serve the Lord with all our heart, all our mind and all our soul. Let's serve Him through a sincere love for Him and a willingness to see His will be done. Let His glory shine down and Him alone be glorified.
God looks at our hearts; so what we wear really isn't a biig deal. I still don't believe in wearing suits and ties and I think I never will be comfortable with that. But there's a reason and as long as God says so, that's what I do. Amen.
On the other hand, casualness invites a certain level of calmness with it. Without the contraints of tie and shirt, some people actually perform better. In a relaxed environment, some actually thrive. My ex-housemate even once confessed that he can do more work at home than at work! And on another level, being casual invites people to approach you. The suit, while showing a higher class, can also dispel people away. It's rigit, unconforming, static. The t-shirt is casual, friendly, easy to wear. Personally, I hate approaching people in suits because it's all business. A person in jeans/shorts looks more welcoming and I'd rather spend my time with them.
In looking at the difference between the 2 styles, it also symbolically shows the difference between doing something from the heart and doing something because it has to be done. Anyone can feed the homeless but it takes a really caring and loving heart to care for them. Anyone can donate money to a cause but it takes the sacrifice of those who truly champion the cause to run it. You can serve in church all your life, in all the ways and still, have no heart to see God's plan for yourself. When the heart is right, it doesn't matter what is wore on the outside. The job will still get done, and it will be done excellently.
But what if you find yourself having a bad day? Especially a bad day when you have to face customers/strangers? Would you hide behind a false facade? Or will you let your face reflect your soul? Sadly, many in the Asian world still put a higher emphasis on the facade. We can't lose 'face'. Whatever happens within, don't let it be shown to the outsiders. Maintain that 'professionalism'. And sometimes, it's a dilemma for Christians. If we were in a situation where we can't smile, shall we put on a fake smile? We are meant to be salt and light to the world but how is being sad or down in the dumps being salt and light?
This especially becomes important in serving the Lord. We want to bless those around us. But can we when we feel like our hearts are bleeding internally? When you have to usher people in with a smile but you can't find a reason to smile anymore. When you can't see the wood for the trees, can you still disciple others? Do we pull away, not be part of the service? Or do we just power through; putting on a front that's insincere?
We will all face issues where we become human. Where our lives are not sweetness and hunky dory. Where we get angry, confused, hurt, misunderstood. And sometimes yes, we just got to lay our problems aside because we want to serve others. But we also must go back to the problem and work it out. Don't lay aside a personal problem because it's in the way. God has put that problem there because there's something He wants to teach us through it. So we have to work it out. With His grace, we will!
And when we want to serve, God will provide the will to smile and approach people. We just have to trust in His timing and His will be done. He alone provides the power and the love for us to serve well. On our own, we cannot do it. Our iniquities will not allow us to always be pouring out onto others. On our own, we will crash and burn. The good news is, we don't have to do it alone. God is our helper! He will see things through. He is the great deliverer! Nothing He starts will ever stop or finish badly. He is really just that awesome.
God said everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. That means we are still permitted to show grief, to be sad, to get angry. But we must see whether this benefits us. If it does, then let's learn the lesson quick! If it just brings us down, it's time to get rid of it.
So in God, we can both serve well as well as still be in pain. It is His grace and His power that allows us to do both with a sincere heart.But we must continue to be careful: let's serve the Lord with all our heart, all our mind and all our soul. Let's serve Him through a sincere love for Him and a willingness to see His will be done. Let His glory shine down and Him alone be glorified.
God looks at our hearts; so what we wear really isn't a biig deal. I still don't believe in wearing suits and ties and I think I never will be comfortable with that. But there's a reason and as long as God says so, that's what I do. Amen.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Paranoid or Apathetic?
Television shows are showing the wrong kind of image. That's true. Television influences the perception of people. Yes, it's true. But boys will be boys. They'll pick up guns and play at war. They get muddy. They take on heights that scare mothers half to death. But they may also like to play cooking. After all, how else are good chefs made?
So at the end of the day, boys tend to be a bit rough. And people have watched shows that seem bad but turn out alright. When JK Rowling's books came out, there were a lot of protest but really, how much of it is relevant? While everything has an effect on others, people still will reject what is lousy. So when we protest, are we really doing the right thing? Have we become too paranoid over what the enemy will use? Or have we become so apathetic, we don't realize when the enemy is at the door?
I hate the paranoia that sometimes surrounds us. Many are prone to make a mountain out of a molehill. Some shows have negative protrayals, I agree. But the viewers of that show should be able to take what is right and what isn't. Stopping kids from watching things blow up on cartoons won't exactly make them a better person. Likewise allowing them all the freedom they want isn't beneficial. There must be a certain amount of letting go and pulling back. The ultimate example is Man's free will. God gave us free will so that we can make our own decisions; whether the things we watch are good to learn from or bad that we should avoid. For example, some people can drink because they control their alcohol intake. Whereas some should avoid it entirely because it's going to lead them to destruction. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. -1 Corinthians 10:23
Speaking of perceptions, I really hate first impressions. I hate the fact that you are judged by simply what is on the outward appearance. Yes, what's inside you will show on the outside. But what's on the outside may be incorrectly judged with the inside. If the outside truly reflected what exactly was on the inside, why does it say that God judges people by what's on the inside?
That's because outward appearances can be wrong! In fact, I'd go on and say it could be very wrong. Just because someone is wearing casual all the time doesn't mean he isn't a model professional. The girl who like to wear black doesn't necessarily have a bleak outlook on life. Wearing a suit and going to church every week doesn't mean you're holy and a good person. In fact, you could be the leader of a church and still be completely rotten!
I know that half the time, the outside judgement may be right. But I'm not willing to take that risk. Nor do I like it. A person is still a person with a soul. Whatever their outlook, whatever their personality, whatever their thinking, there's always something else there. If we only take the time to see past the insignificant outsides, we may find the gold inside. I pity not the person being judged, but the person judging. He/she misses out on a great opportunity; maybe even the opportunity of a lifetime. And those who try to put on an appearance; you also have my pity. No matter what the reason, no matter what the situation; I never believe in looking like 1 thing on the outside and being something different on the inside.
So at the end of the day, boys tend to be a bit rough. And people have watched shows that seem bad but turn out alright. When JK Rowling's books came out, there were a lot of protest but really, how much of it is relevant? While everything has an effect on others, people still will reject what is lousy. So when we protest, are we really doing the right thing? Have we become too paranoid over what the enemy will use? Or have we become so apathetic, we don't realize when the enemy is at the door?
I hate the paranoia that sometimes surrounds us. Many are prone to make a mountain out of a molehill. Some shows have negative protrayals, I agree. But the viewers of that show should be able to take what is right and what isn't. Stopping kids from watching things blow up on cartoons won't exactly make them a better person. Likewise allowing them all the freedom they want isn't beneficial. There must be a certain amount of letting go and pulling back. The ultimate example is Man's free will. God gave us free will so that we can make our own decisions; whether the things we watch are good to learn from or bad that we should avoid. For example, some people can drink because they control their alcohol intake. Whereas some should avoid it entirely because it's going to lead them to destruction. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. -1 Corinthians 10:23
Speaking of perceptions, I really hate first impressions. I hate the fact that you are judged by simply what is on the outward appearance. Yes, what's inside you will show on the outside. But what's on the outside may be incorrectly judged with the inside. If the outside truly reflected what exactly was on the inside, why does it say that God judges people by what's on the inside?
That's because outward appearances can be wrong! In fact, I'd go on and say it could be very wrong. Just because someone is wearing casual all the time doesn't mean he isn't a model professional. The girl who like to wear black doesn't necessarily have a bleak outlook on life. Wearing a suit and going to church every week doesn't mean you're holy and a good person. In fact, you could be the leader of a church and still be completely rotten!
I know that half the time, the outside judgement may be right. But I'm not willing to take that risk. Nor do I like it. A person is still a person with a soul. Whatever their outlook, whatever their personality, whatever their thinking, there's always something else there. If we only take the time to see past the insignificant outsides, we may find the gold inside. I pity not the person being judged, but the person judging. He/she misses out on a great opportunity; maybe even the opportunity of a lifetime. And those who try to put on an appearance; you also have my pity. No matter what the reason, no matter what the situation; I never believe in looking like 1 thing on the outside and being something different on the inside.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Focusing on Eternity
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." - John 10:10 (NKJV) emphasis added
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10 (NIV) emphasis added
I have always believe in this verse. It's a great motivation to bring people to know Christ. And it's completely true! There's more to life than 9 to 5. There's a greater purpose in all of our lives than the mundane. As Switchfoot puts it, "We were meant to live for so much more." We were created for a purpose higher than ourselves. We have a greater calling; the only decision is whether we want it and are willing to live for it or not.
For quite a few years now, I have struggled to properly explain this verse. What does it mean by life to the full? What is abundant life actually about? For too long, I've always believe it was about doing what we like and that a life well lived was one where we get all our rewards here on Earth. And it's always been a struggle to properly answer this one when you know that living out your dream can kill you. Or worse, you may not know what you are passionate about!
I mean, it's easy when you have a specific dream or passion. You have a pretty good idea of what you want to do. But how about those whose reason in life is not so well defined? Those that God puts a heart to do something vague. Those who God has not revealed their passion yet? Or those whose dream will lead to their death?
I now realize that an abundant life does not mean a good life by the world's standard. It's not about winning, it's about succeeding. And there's a difference. You can be a success but a loser. You can live life to the full even though you die a pauper. The abundant life God promises is not living towards easy living or earthly rewards; it's living towards God's will and heavenly rewards.
The problem I had was I was too focused on the earthly blessings that God will pour out. Yes, He will still pour out blessings to us when we do His will here! In the Bible, He shows us this very clearly through the life of King David, Job and Joseph. All 3 followed God and the Bible notes how they were all bless with position, fame, fortune, etc. God will bless His people here on Earth too!
But then, we must also remember that living for God will not always reflect in earthly blessings. Moses brought the law to Israel but he spent 40 years in the wilderness. The prophets were not the richest people, nor the most powerful. Many of the early saints were crucified or stoned or killed. Jesus himself is the best example of an abundant life where the rewards are only seen in Heaven! One of the reasons He came was to die on the cross for us. I mean, imagine that: living to die.
What we must remember is that abundant life isn't about us, it's about God. It's about doing His will and executing His plan. Now that's life to the full! Why is it so? Because abundant life means living a successful life. It means satisfying that inner urge that says, "There's more to life than the ordinary." It means obedience to all that God says to do, even if it is dangerous, embarrassing, or completely insane.
It means giving up our dreams, our passion, our whims for His great plan for our lives. It means living for His name and willing to die for it. Because at the end of the day, it isn't about us. Life was never about us anyways. It was all about God. We are just the beneficiaries of His blessings for the Earth. We doing His plan will result in us storing Heavenly treasures.
To do this, we need a major focus shift. Today's world has always told us that it's about now and it's about you. Well, they're lying. It's about eternity and it's about God. It's not about doing something for today or tomorrow or to last the next few decades. It's about doing something that will have an everlasting change. A change that cannot be swept under the carpet. A change that is constantly permanent and not temporary.
And it will be very hard! It's going to be extremely difficult because we as humans, we won't see all the fruits of our labour! We may not ever hear a good job, well done, thank you, or other words like that from others! But if we're living for God, we will hear it from Him. And we will be able to enjoy this all from our place in Heaven.
That's the promise, that's the reality. We can't see it now, we may feel it's all for nothing but undrestand this: God sees. Focusing on eternity will cost us our lives. It will be tough. It won't be very rewarding nor will we enjoy all the blessings related to it here on Earth. It will be a thankless job as far as the world is concern. In fact, the world may even think that we've lost! But we would have gotten an acknowledgement from God and more importantly, we've made a step in winning the war for God. That... is the only thing that matters anyways.
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