Food For Thought: An Accurate and Unfortunate Observation by the Late George Carlin

Hello!

Here's just a little food for thought that I've picked up from the internet. Title says it all.

"We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast,get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much. We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years."  - George Carlin (1937-2008)

Have we prioritized the wrong things in life? What do you think?

Matt

Love God, Love Thy Neighbour; And Why They Are Inseparable

Hello! Welcome again and I hope you'll enjoy this mini breakdown of this short passage.

On Reading 1 John 4...

This chapter is a particularly encouraging one - it tells us to love one another because God is love. Wait a minute, how does that follow?! To understand this correlation, let us explore what 1 John 4 says briefly:

1 John 4 encompasses these 3 points: God is the source of all love, God models true love for us, and God commands us to love each other.

Firstly, God is the source of all love. How do we know this? Let's start with the premise God is love. The passage explicitly says this about God. God is love. This is further reaching than just saying God is loving. We may say that our friend is loving because she demonstrates the values of selfless, genuine love. Yes, that is correct. However, it makes less sense to say that our friend is love because she may be loving but she cannot be characterized by the value of love. This is where the distinction comes in: God is characterized by love, and hence, we say that God is love. Now, when we say God is love, we speak of love like its the flowing water in the rivers that comes from the source, that is God Himself, and flows to others (people) like a river's distributaries. This means that people that claim to know of love or are able to receive love must have had love flowing through them; this means that our love comes from the source of the love river and that is God Himself, thus, we know that our God is the source of all love. 

Next, the bible tells us that God models true love for us and I think that if we probe deeper to find out how this is true, it really isn't hard to see it. 

"While we were sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

The above verse accurately and succinctly describes the extent of God's love for us. God was not obligated to send his one and only son to die just to save us from our own damnation. God had a choice: No one would have blamed him if he chose to let us die from our own sins; yet God chose to sacrifice his son to save us. Why? Because God loves us - there is no greater love than this. Our salvation was infinitely costly to God, but it is absolutely free to us! 

How then, shall we learn from God's example? If God's love was manifested in the sending of his son, then it should be clear that we demonstrate our love for others by action. We live out our love in kindness, generosity and service to others.God has loved us in a way that has given us life. It has created a life-giving realm where love is received and expressed.

Lastly, God commands us to love each other simply because scripture tells us that by loving others, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. What this is trying to tell us is not what God is like but how God is known. If we as believers hope to know the Lord and follow his commandments, it is an obligation to love others because to live in love is to live in God Himself. As we've been in touch with the very source of love and also been shown what love is, we can receive the commandment with hope and joy. We understand that we are not commanded to do something that is an external compulsion nor is it something beyond our ability to learn and do.

Here's an epiphany of mine while reading this passage: The commandments of 'Love God' and 'Love Thy Neighbour' are actually the same commandment but understood in two parts. Why do I say this? To love God is to honour His word and His commandment; and hence, do what he tells to do which is to love our neighbour. To love our neighbour is symbolic: it is a demonstration of the love God has for us; it also says that we have come to know the source of love which is our God and we have received love from him that we are able to love another. These commandments aren't dichotomies, they are mutually dependent - one simply cannot hold true without the other. If one loves God but is hateful to his neighbour, he is a hypocrite and does not truly love God for he has broken the commandment of his God. Likewise, if one loves his neighbour but does not love God, it simply does not make sense because if he does not love God, then he will not be in touch with the source of love and hence the question, how can he hope to love his neighbour if he doesn't have love in him in the first place? Therefore, I think that they are, in fact, inseparable notions of the commandment and this may also help us see clearer, what it truly means to love God: to love others around us as well. After all, don't we all get some feeling of satisfaction when we love another? Perhaps it might be the manifestation of the resounding applause God is giving us silently. Paradoxical? Maybe.

Let me know what you think :)

Again, take care and have a great weekend ahead!

"Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you" - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Matt

The LGBT Series: What is the reality?

Hey! 

If you're here, you must either be a friend of mine or you were probably just enthralled by the title. I've just gotten home from a Young Adults Dialogue Session from my church and the topic was on the LGBT issue, that has, so often, been brought up over the last few months. Just a quick recap, this whole LGBT fiasco was triggered by the fervent campaigning by activist group "Pink Dot" and was further exacerbated by the backlash campaign from the Muslim and Christian community.

I'll just like to shed some light on the whole LGBT issue, not only based on my own observations but also the sharing from this session as well as articles that I have read. However, first of all, let me share why this matter affects all of us: The LGBT discussion has brought attention to a longstanding polarization of views around a complex and commonly misunderstood subject; and this can bring about a number of consequences - be it to do with relationship tensions, political pressure and social fabric.

Tonight's session was really informative yet concise. I'd say that the Pastor (and Chairman of the sharing session) did a really good job of skimming the surface of issue; and was careful to not go in too deep the issue. This is beneficial to everyone: it gives us the big picture of the reality of the LGBT discussion in our society, introduces us to who we are dealing with and most importantly, challenges us to reevaluate our stand to the issue and find out the clear reasons for doing so. 

What was shared during this time put things into perspective. Who are we really dealing with? Are we handling our responses the right way? Well, first of all, we have to recognize that the LGBT community can be categorized into 4 main groups, namely: activists, moderates, strugglers, and overcomers. Activists are mainly those who are determined to change the system in order to 'fight for their rights'. They believe that the system and law is flawed; and see themselves as ambassadors of such movements. Moderates, on the other hand, do not engage in public discourse but rather keep their lifestyle to themselves and just follow the current laws. They may have identified themselves as homosexuals and are okay with that. Strugglers are individuals who may have been involved in homosexual acts but are aware that it may not be right and are trying to overcome their urges. Lastly, the overcomers are a group of people who have managed to overcome their urges and although the feelings of urges come once in a while, they are able to withstand it and control themselves.

Now that we have identified who we are talking about, it is only logical to discuss further into the truth behind the origins of LGBTs and how then, we should handle our interactions with people, friends and family, who may be a part of the LGBT community. However, our session did not manage to go deeper into a debate regarding the truth (for the sake of just bringing up and familiarizing ourselves with the issue at hand - I should be uploading an installment to this debate in the near future) but I suppose the stand of Christians is clear: Homosexuality, sola scriptura, is a sin; and hence it is a lifestyle Christians will choose not to condone. That being said, just because Christians do not accept the lifestyle of LGBTs, it does not mean we aren't able to befriend them and love them just like any other individual. Allow me to illustrate:

"Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." - John 8:7

This verse tells us that we are all sinners. As sinners ourselves, what right do we have to condemn another sinner? Who are we to say that the sin of homosexuality is more sinful than the sin of lying or the sin of adultery? To God, all sin is the same and it is a violation of his commandment. It is only by the redeeming grace of Christ that we are able to live a new life and free ourselves from the bondage of sin.

"Then neither do I condemn you... Go now and leave your life of sin." - John 8:11

Jesus was forgiving and refused to condemn the woman of her adultery in John 8. He did, however, ask her to repent from her sinful life so that she may experience life free from sin. Likewise, as sinners ourselves, we have no right to condemn those in the LGBT community but instead, we should help them (and ourselves at the same time) to leave their life of sin. We can only do this by first loving them and gaining their trust; by being a friend or a fellow brother/sister to them so that they may come to know the love of Christ and hopefully, see things from a different perspective.

With regards to how we should handle personal relations with others who may be part of the LGBT community, one of our elders gave an insightful response: We could first ask them if they would like to have just one conversation about the topic; and then we'd share the Christian stand on the issue. After which, it is up to them if they'd like to bring the discussion further to the next stage. Another response that would really show our sincerity to them could be:

Friend: I'm a gay/lesbian... Are you homophobic?

You: Like you, I too am a sinner, no less worthy of condemnation than you. 

Friend: (Remains surprised)

You: Let us journey with God together to overcome our struggles.

Yes, it is indeed powerful and I honestly think it's a response that would throw your LGBT friends/family off - it will leave them confused at your lack of condemnation for them but yet touched by your sincerity and love.

Allow me to share something that I found on Facebook awhile back:

I went to church with my family tonight and the pastor said something that I think every Christian should hear.

Pastor: Now, according to a few passages in the bible, homosexuality is a sin.

Couple of older males in the audience: Amen!

Pastor: Now, wait, I'm not finished. You know what the bible defines as a sin? Divorce.

-uncomfortable silence-

Pastor: There are countless passages that talk about how divorce is wrong, and that there are consequences to getting a divorce, such as the wife should be stoned. Yet, I witnessed a divorce just this morning. And I gotta tell you, it was heartbreaking, but i definitely didn't attempt to throw rocks at the wife, even though she was the one who filed for divorce.

Pastor: We choose to overlook the consequences of divorce because time has proven that they're inhumane and cruel. The bible doesn't say anything about the consequences of a homosexual lifestyle. Yet, we seem to be spearheading a campaign to ruin the lives of people we don't even know.

Pastor: The bible states to love thy neighbour. That's it. There are no other rules or restrictions according to that passage. So, we as a church family have to support equality with a smile on our face. THAT is the true Christian way.

I suppose the text speaks for itself but in essence, we as Christians should aim to love and accept the LGBT community but at the same time, not to compromise on our stand towards homosexuality. In a still conservative country such as Singapore, there is a need to maintain status quo so that there is still social cohesion - we cannot allow the argument of two different perspectives polarize our society. Alastair Su, a fellow church member, eloquently and masterfully writes about this issue in his blog ("Please Don't Bring the Cultural Wars to Singapore": http://lemoulard.wordpress.com/)

Lastly, I'd like to highlight the differences between a cause and a calling. I believe that a cause is something that we fight for to achieve it - be it a particular goal or outcome that we want to see whereas a calling is something that we are called to do (in this case, called by God). I do not see the LGBT discussion as something that should be our cause. Instead, we are called by our Lord to love our neighbour and hence, let us show the LGBT community and the rest of the world that as Christians, we mean not to discriminate against them but rather to love them and befriend them - that their lifestyles do not lessen the care and concern we have for them as fellow human beings. That, albeit an ideal, is what I truly believe in.

Hopefully I will find some time next week to learn more about the debates surrounding the LGBT discussion, for instance, the origins of homosexuality and what respective authorities have to say about that. Till then, I pray that you will learn to accept others and to truly love them as Christ would have done. I wish you a good weekend and a great week ahead! Take care and give thanks to the Lord.

God Bless.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1

Matt

"Security in Christ" - On Reading Matthew 4

Hello!

If you are reading this, thank you for supporting me with your readership. I do apologise for any waiting, now and in the future, as I'd usually publish a blog after I've had time to collect my thoughts and organise them. This is the second installation of my new blog series and I do hope you'd enjoy reading it:

On reading Matthew 4...

This passage could not have been more apt as God's response to my current situation. The girl whom I have been romantically involved with recently made the decision for us to remain 'best friends'. Devastated at the thought of losing her, I broke down frequently and lost what hope I had for the future. The last week has been trying - raging emotions of fear, sadness and anguish flooded my head; crippling insecurities started to take over. This passage, however, tells me to be secure in Christ alone and challenged my understanding of the faith.

Matthew 4, "The Temptation of Jesus", eloquently brings out messages that speak of security in Christ:

Firstly, the devil questioned Jesus' identity as the Son of God by challenging him to turn stone in to bread, knowing that Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and 40 nights and would be likely to give in. Jesus simply refused, claiming that one does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This temptation is particularly perplexing... think about it, even if Jesus were to give in and turn the stone into bread and then ate it, what sin would he have really committed? I find that this instance was not really a test of physical temptation but rather one of maintaining his identity as the Son of God. Here, the bible tells us to know who we are - without doubt, that we are all children of God.

Next, Jesus was challenged yet again, this time to intentionally put himself in harm's way so that God may save him with his angels. The devil even used the word of God against Him. Now, Jesus was not deterred but calmly responded that he will not put his Lord to the test. Many of us tend to put God to the test - by choosing to believe in Him only if He performs the miracles that we pray for ever so fervently. This is not only a sign of weakness in our faith; it is an insult to God himself. Have we such little faith that we need to rely on his miracles rather than his word? Here, the bible tells us that as believers, we must have absolute faith in our Lord, and to never waver in our belief nor doubt the Lord even for a moment.

Lastly, the devil tempted Jesus with the splendors of all kingdoms. Unfazed, however, Jesus refused to worship the devil and proclaimed his worship for God and God only. Such a declaration was bold indeed; yet speaks volumes of Jesus' enduring dedication and love for God. We should keep in mind that it is easy for us, especially in the human world, to hold in importance material things and/or people, sometimes even to the point of making them our idols. Matthew 6:24 says: "No one can serve two masters" and thus, we can only choose to make God our idol and nothing else. In short, we must and should be prepared to give up everything for the Lord. Of course, this is easier said than done but the truth is, unless we learn to love God and be willing to give our lives up for Him, we cannot know how to love anything or anyone else.

In short, the story of Jesus' Temptation highlights these key points: identify ourselves as God's children; have absolute faith in Him; and love nothing more than God: worship Him and Him only.

For me, personally, it's going to be a tough journey of waiting ahead, given that I have yet to learn to have full security in Christ. It is sometimes challenging to put everything we have and want into the hands of someone we cant see or experience at times. However, I have faith that God will grant me the strength to pull through - because He's kind and He loves us. When you least expect it, God comes through for us, so have complete trust in Him and know that you are loved by Him. Hence, worship the Lord and nothing else because He is our Lord and Saviour :)

Once again, I thank you for reading my post and feel free to leave your thoughts or comments that you may have for me. I pray that you'll find security in Christ more than ever before in your walk with God and I implore you to search your heart and find out where you truly put your security in. I'll be spending some time brainstorming for content for my next installment so if you've any suggestions, just let me know :) 

God Bless.

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ" - Philippians 4:19

Matt

New Life: A Life Worth Living; A Life in Jesus Christ

Hello!

And welcome to my special sharing place! For those of you who may not know, I had this blog made 2 years ago but I eventually could not keep up with the posts (unsurprisingly) and I suppose this blog died awhile back. But I'm now back and ready to write again!

I have the intention now to give new life to this blog by removing all my old posts (there weren't many of them, 7 to be exact) but more importantly, I am committing this blog to sharing my thoughts and experience on mainly spiritual and social issues. To some extent, you could consider this as 'spiritual food'. Yes, I'm intending for people to read my content, perhaps to gain insights to various issues and life questions, but also for them to become spiritually rejuvenated after doing so. Here's a little about myself and my purpose:

About Me:

I'm a Christian, evangelistic and relatively new - I came to Christ only about 5 months ago. I won't go into the fine details about how I came to be a Christian - at least not for now (Let's save that for another juicy post, shall we?) At the moment, I am currently in my first year of National Service and serving as a finance clerk. That's probably the reason why I have more free time relative to my combat-fit buddies. As such, I have time be out of camp and serve in my Church Ministry.

Before I move on, however, I'd have to thank a special friend of mine, Charlene. Without her and her gracious and warm invitations to join her church, I would never have come to know the Lord and be part of such a wonderful community so here's to you Charlene: Thank you for loving me like a true friend. 

I'll share more about myself in the future but for now, I guess you could just know me as Matt (since most of my friends call me that). Oh and yes, I tend to get really punny depending on the occasion - by the way, anyone got the pun in my blog's title? Heh..

My Purpose:

Like every good piece of work, there should be a meaningful and fulfilling purpose to it. For me, that's essentially to share with my readers not only my opinions, but the opinions of others in the online community and of course, what scripture says, towards many things: social issues, spiritual questions, healthy and meaningful relationships and so on.

I want to share with people the joy of being able to have new life - A life that is truly worth living and that is a life in Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For Christians, you might understand what I mean when i refer to this new life: confessing and overcoming sin, gaining the forgiveness from the Father and people around you, sharing the good news of the gospel to others, enjoying fellowship, praying for one another and facing trials and difficulty together. Yes, these are indeed moments when we are blessed to have a life in Jesus. For those of you who have yet to know the Lord(Yes, I intentionally said 'yet' because I truly believe that you will one day come to know the extent of God's love for you and accept it :D), it's completely fine if you may not understand what I'm saying or have yet to experience God working in your life. It takes time. But what I aim to do here is to simply provide some comfort and motivation to everyone, perhaps even some answers to what some people are interested in finding out.

As a relatively young Christian, I'd say that there are definitely infinitely many things that I have yet to learn and experience but I really want to provide some hope and happiness to people out there who are spiritually or emotionally discouraged. If you're concerned about how I'm going to share on the things I mentioned, I'd say I give responses from multiple sources: my own opinions, what the online community says (perhaps expert advice and research) and most importantly, what the Bible tells us (so as to provide a Christian perspective for our spiritual enlightenment).

Last Words...

For now, I shall take time to pray and prepare what I'd like to start off this blog with. At the same time, I pray for each one of you that the Lord will keep you safe and continue to work in your lives. If you have any questions or topics that you'd like me to talk about, feel free to drop me a private message on Facebook (Link's on the left column of my blog) or simply comment on one of my posts (If you wish to stay anonymous). If you've read to the end of this post, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience and perusal - it means a lot to me that someone enjoys what I write or maybe even benefit from it. Lastly, to you reading this, I hope you'll have a great week ahead of you! See you soon and God Bless.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" - Philippians 1:21

Matt