Swimming Against the Tide

Physically, it is absurd. Absolutely absurd to go against the tide. It is most unpopular and to a certain extend invites ostracism as anything obviously would when it is against the norm of the day. Yet, isn’t what the Christian community ought to be? One set aside from the norm of the world? And yet, within the Christian community there exist its own sub-culture to dictate what is and not the “acceptable” norm.

Generally, there is no objection to the ideal that the Church should influence the world. However, the present state is clear that it is the world that is influencing the Church in almost all aspects of its life. I believe that there still is a remnant of “true” Christians, somewhere out there. And I constantly struggle to reconcile what the heart feels and the head knows because many times they contradict each other. On one hand, we want to see the Church in Malaysia grow in maturity. Yet, on the other we observe how its leaders make decisions, appointments, and practices that clearly reveal an extreme lack of spiritual maturity and wisdom. Do we need to “prove” ourselves? I don’t think so. Yet, because we are so influenced by worldly values, we allow worldly standards to measure our spiritual “achievements.” And where does this lead us? Obviously, it makes us no different than the world! Disappointing? Discouraging? Of a fact, as descendants of the fallen human race we can never achieve “perfection” in this side of heaven. We will always need God. True enough. But where is the value of the Cross? Where is the Resurrection power? I don’t believe we are completely hopeless because we really do have hope in Jesus Christ – no doubt about it. And this hope is the avenue to enable us reaches “Christ-likeness.”

Whatever happens to the Christian duty of a “watchman” as in Ezekiel 33? Are there prophets of God brave enough to speak the truth? And are there Christian leaders out there brave enough to obey the truth? One speaks the truth yet is not heard. One voices the truth and yet the advice not heeded. Because it goes against the tide. If a brave Christian took to the challenge of going against the norm, this Christian is often branded negatively. After all, it’s not “Christian” not to submit. A further attempt will probably cause the person to be branded “unspiritual,” “immature,” or even “unchristian.” True, we cannot have Christians broadcasting negatively about the Church either. Spiritual maturity can be seen through the consultation of fellow believers. Yet, many times dirt is wept under the carpet so as not to “stir the water.” Recognition, position, titles – aren’t these what the world sought after? Whatever happens to the Christian virtues of humility, servant-hood, and secrecy (Matt. 6:3 do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing) ? Sometimes it looks like as if within the Christian community a sub-culture is emerging; one that reflect its own version of what the world is. Example, the designation of a “pastor” is an address to a Christian minister serving within a local church context and recognized by the local congregation as holding the pastoral office. Suddenly, it has become a “title.” Suddenly, it became an address of “honor.” Where does this come from anyway? An obvious lack of theological understanding? Certainly looks that way. But is it an attempt to “create a religious hierarchy” within the Christian community.

Where o where is the desire for a Christian community of biblical purity? Have we lost it? Was it ever in us? Have we ever strived for it? Where o where is the Christian community that fears God and truly seeks for the sovereignty of God to reign and prevail? Where o where is the Christian who truly desire for God’s kingdom to reign on earth (beginning from the Christian community.

Many times disappointments & discouragements pushed me so close to the edge that I feel like giving up, not only in ministry but as a Christian. There are too many hypocrites around. And it intensifies when you are in active ministry. It worsens when you deal with Christian leaders themselves. There is spiritual dryness, lethargy, distance hovering over many Christians I meet each day. I don’t know what to do. While the Lord has given me a discerning spirit, I am careful not to cross the fine line & ended up being judgmental instead. But I grief for the lack of spiritual vitality in our Christian community. I grief for the mistakes of some Christian leaders that was thought “wise.” Simply because decisions carelessly and foolishly made today will eventually bring its impact of hurt tomorrow or the day after. Sometimes, the hurt will be just too deep to heal and the damage too severe to mend.

These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (Rev 3:1-3, NIV)

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to a wicked man, `You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.
"Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself."(Ezekiel 33:17-21, NIV)