The world is spinning out of control. In Malaysia, it has been like that for a long time now. In the church, well, things could be better. But then it is a cynic speaking out of the ash heap of boredom with himself, frustration with the world, and desperation that is bottled up within him.
Let me start with the church. I wouldn’t say that the church is looking down. For some reason, it is actually looking up despite the recent “bashing” from all corners about the “A” word issue. I am glad the church is beginning to stand up and be counted. For all, we know this could be the start of a supernatural unity that could happen among the Christians of different sects and theological persuasions.
As for the church where I came from we are riding high at this moment. I pray that there will be staying power to push through the “spiritual agenda” that the leaders believe that God has laid down on the table for them. Some of my fears are the “running out of steam” syndrome, “easily discouraged” complex, and “red herring” personality within the pack of leaders!
If things go as planned (as Holy Spirit led) then we can expect a great renewal to follow on the heels. The leaders are serious about their intention to carry the church to the next level in terms of impacting lives, transforming communities and reaching the nations for the Lord. We are positioning ourselves for influence in the home and in the marketplace. But a word of caution: what looks good on paper may turn out to be just an illusion. I am not a kill-joy but I choose to believe that we need to trust in God in everything. There is a tendency to come up with grandeurs and lofty ideas but finding ourselves unwilling to pay the price, to sacrifice our comfort and convenience, and to lay down our reputation for the cause. Persecution is peering through our windows. Fear is rearing its ugly head. And personal safety and security are uppermost in many minds. Are we willing to lay down our lives for the cause of establishing the kingdom of God on earth? How many of us are toying with the idea of migrating? How many of us would gladly give the reason for wanting to “check-out” of Malaysia by using our children’s education and future?
I am trying to be optimistic (and excited for the church – I really am) but every now and then I heard whispers of pessimism like, “what did I get myself into?” Is there any surprise if I tell you that I am shaken in my pants about moving forward? Of course, the paradoxical paradigm is that at the same time I want very much to take the plunge! In fact, I have already taken the plunge! How about you?
Talk about our beloved country Malaysia, the recent craze would have been the “kangkung” episode. We are in a land flowing with milk and honey. Sorry, I mean flowing out milk and honey. Very generous, very generous indeed! Well, we can afford it – our “kangkung” price has dropped. We are economically strong compared with the rest of the world. Malaysia Boleh! Aren’t we a great nation, constantly flowing out money into private accounts overseas? We have serious brain drain – the bright ones leaving our shores for better future in other countries. We are left with the leftovers of half-wits. Just watch or read that in the news – this statement, that statement that makes no cow sense at all (or to the cows who live in a condo)!!
How about my own life? I cannot say that I am at the top of the game. I am seriously indiscipline – lack of physical exercise (the only exercise is exercising my jaws and jumping into conclusion), sit on my butt for far too long watching Korean movies and others and engaging in other unfruitful pursuits. The only thing worth mentioning is that I wash the plates more often. I even bought all the stuff for cleaning and vacuuming the car which I never got around doing it – even now!! How pathetic! Spiritually I am on a slow cruise. Well, I have not gotten off the track yet but I think I can do better. But as far as work is concerned, I did better. After all, I am a workaholic. By the way, I have seven young people I took under my wings for the next three months. What can I say? I need to be disciplined with regard to work. So yes, I am pretty okay spiritually and ministry-wise.
I better stop.
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