Accepting (perceived) Differences

Differences can be frustrating. Sometimes, I question why do certain groups of people not do things a particular way. Some other times, I hope they could change so that there will be less friction. But all the time, I am missing the point, as far as my concerns are, well, concerned. 

The focus on myself is essentially selfish, and putting what matters most out of the picture. What the bible says is true and should guide the way I think, and I could so easily point of the times where the latter has not been the case. Fundamentally speaking, we all gather because of what Christ has done. That's why we see the necessity to keep pushing each other on in the right direction. If that remains the same, I don't think the initial bitterness would surface. 

Perhaps I am just too cynical about everything, which might not be such a good thing sometimes. It is, at times, wiser to let go of my own selfish beliefs and take that 'bible snob' out, putting it to death. It's not only about head knowledge, as we always say. 

Of joy, and thankfulness.

"It's 2 o'clock", my laptop tells me in a matter-of-fact tone. Yes, it is 2 in the morning. 

I have been staying up late and messing with my sleep cycle, and it has affected me a fair bit. I'm clearly feeling the fatigue, and I still have to trudge through each day's duties. Those are, after all, my duties. There are some things that I still enjoy doing and will find time to do no matter how tired I am feeling and how terrible the week has been. 

All I want sometimes is to just spend an hour or two in the kitchen (yes, any kitchen!) and prepare a good meal for myself or an additional portion too. Food gathers people and it is possibly the best way too. It is through the people that God has placed around me that I am also encouraged to serve them and learn from them. And through which, I derive joy, knowing that all these come from God alone. 

This semester of uni has been one that's challenging for me, and the most tiring one to date. I think, however, that it happens to be the most meaningful one. Even though it can be hard to see certain things not working out and not going according to plan, and that it has been trying to get through each week, God has been particularly gracious as he has always been. For that, and what Christ has done, I am thankful. I do not deserve this, not a single bit.

I just need a couple of moments away, maybe just a couple more.

Conversations.

Good conversations go a long way, and they do good. I am grateful and in awe of the way God works. What was supposed to be a simple coffee break in the afternoon and introducing two friends to what I have been drinking turned out to be an intense (in a helpful way!) conversation about Christianity and its fundamentals.

It wasn't my first time talking about this topic, but it is the first time talking about this topic to people not from church or regen. It is refreshing to hear and discuss our views on praise and worship, speaking in tongues, and the purpose of certain things we do, among a lot of other things. It is encouraging to see fellow Christians here in USP taking plenty of joy in Christ, and thinking about things.

We can all say that we are Christians, yet each one of us differ in our stand on certain issues. Ultimately, it is Christ and what He has done that joins us as one family. It is because of our faith in Christ that brings us together. Points of disagreements prevail, but these are peripheral. It is ever so easy to put on that ivory tower mindset in the way we approach other Christians, thinking cynically about everyone else. Not only is that not helpful, it is sinful. Essentially, by doing so, one is putting Christ out of the picture. We are Christians, and we need Jesus as much as another Christian needs, and as much as a non-Christian needs.

I will keep asking questions, not in doubt that Christ is not enough, but to marvel at His greatness. They call it 'equipping'.