I left my church, a place where i grew my faith, i tried to lead, i commit-ed to fellowship and be "disciplined". I obeyed, i visited, i learnt, i taught, i sang, i danced, i cried, i laughed, and i experienced. To make such a decision is never easy, especially with a heart full of gratefulness and love. In this post, i just want to make a stand, that i will continue serving God wherever I may be, and I will love God and love people just like what my church has taught me.
when i was typing out the line above, i had a feeling of a deja vu. I really believe everything is destined. (theologically speaking, I do have a separate believe)
I have learnt to LOVE.
"Love without condition, heart always listen, to a crying world. " This is a line of lyrics from our church album. love is taught, love is learnt. Is love applied? There are too many practical issues in this mega family. i always have a nagging feeling that some members are too practical in what they are doing. There is a motive for every call, every sms, every gathering and even every celebration. A motive to show, a motive to portray a certain image, and a motive for growth. In short, there is this discomforting feeling that a lot of actions with an ulterior motive.
I am not trying to discredit the member's effort and the Church's intention in reaching out and saving souls. However, the true essence of the Great Commission can sometime be forgotten particularly when the Church has grown to such a size. I believe strongly in building a lasting and positive relationship with every person we interact with, influencing them and reach out to them in a sincere and genuine way. At the end of the day, we want our loved ones to be saved. Basically, the best witnessing is by having good character and faith for the glory of God.
I learnt FAITH
In this 3-year journey I had with the church, i have been through many ups-and-downs. I learnt to endure and persevere. I learnt to keep on keeping on. I learnt to laugh at the situation and continue with the life that God has planned for me. In many of these times, a strong faith in God and the leaders i bs required. However, I also learnt that strong faith and blind faith can be easily confused. i know a girl from my church who is very committed to the church. However, her personal life is taking a toll because of her ministry. i wonder how her life would be without a portion of what she is doing. she can commit all she has - time, money, and even friends - for the church and her ministry. i really pray that she do not lose herself in her faith, and that she will one day be mindful that it is God she serves.
I learnt HOPE
The vision of the Church has always been grand and ambitious. This might not always a good thing. Men are easily lost or tempted by greater ambitions after achieving a certain result. This might be true of the current situation. I really hope that the focus of the Church can once again be love-centric.
I am very hopeful in moving on to this new chapter of my life. I have faith that the steps of the righteous are appointed by God. I am again renewed with the love of God, and pray that I can be a good witness and spread this love to my loved ones and everyone around me.
I am not trying to discredit the member's effort and the Church's intention in reaching out and saving souls. However, the true essence of the Great Commission can sometime be forgotten particularly when the Church has grown to such a size. I believe strongly in building a lasting and positive relationship with every person we interact with, influencing them and reach out to them in a sincere and genuine way. At the end of the day, we want our loved ones to be saved. Basically, the best witnessing is by having good character and faith for the glory of God.
I learnt FAITH
In this 3-year journey I had with the church, i have been through many ups-and-downs. I learnt to endure and persevere. I learnt to keep on keeping on. I learnt to laugh at the situation and continue with the life that God has planned for me. In many of these times, a strong faith in God and the leaders i bs required. However, I also learnt that strong faith and blind faith can be easily confused. i know a girl from my church who is very committed to the church. However, her personal life is taking a toll because of her ministry. i wonder how her life would be without a portion of what she is doing. she can commit all she has - time, money, and even friends - for the church and her ministry. i really pray that she do not lose herself in her faith, and that she will one day be mindful that it is God she serves.
I learnt HOPE
The vision of the Church has always been grand and ambitious. This might not always a good thing. Men are easily lost or tempted by greater ambitions after achieving a certain result. This might be true of the current situation. I really hope that the focus of the Church can once again be love-centric.
I am very hopeful in moving on to this new chapter of my life. I have faith that the steps of the righteous are appointed by God. I am again renewed with the love of God, and pray that I can be a good witness and spread this love to my loved ones and everyone around me.
Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up this period of my life into Your hands. Thank You for the years I spent in Your embrace, thank You for all the teachings through my pastors and leaders, thank You for all the friendship I had. I pray that Your presence and love would be to tangible and real in my life. Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done. I give You all the glory and praise. I pray all these in Jesus' name, Amen.
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