My Journal

I've been watching a few of this "What Would You Do?" experiments conducted by ABC's John Quinones. It is a reality show that takes on social issues people try to avoid.

In many cases, it is about discrimination. Mostly racism. In this case, it is about discrimination against homosexuality.

Not long ago, CCCNY held a workshop by guest speaker Alex somewhat pertaining (should we boycott Starbucks for supporting gay marriage) to this matter.

From Alex, Tim Keller, and many other Christians who wish to take a more understanding role, I sensed that they overlooked the fact that "homosexual is a sin" too easily, assuming everyone in the church believes that it is a sin. On the contrary, I believe that many believers say its a sin because they know that's what they should say, not necessarily what they believe.

Why do I think so? From statements such as "They can be gays as long as they don't bother me", "Gays should be accepted just as blacks dating whites are common these days", etc. However they would argue, my question is always: How then are you going to make a firm stand that homosexual is a sin? Ultimately, it just comes down to their own preference and how not to get into trouble with the church, the society. Nothing to do with if it's a sin against God or not.

Watching this video, I feel both delight and sorrow. Delight because there are people who boldly stood up for the victims, though many of their reactions came from a dark place that is not hidden from me: hatred, vengeance. Sorrow because of the liberals' opportunity for heroic act, where are the real Christians?

If it were me, I would stand on the ground that homosexuality is wrong, but when people just want to dine at a restaurant, I would not treat them like animals. But then, how could I shine as a Christian? The good Lord will give me wisdom as I keep my fear in the Lord in check.

I noted before, on how many Christians today think they are more loving than God.

Here is a second examination, the love test:

Can one's love for God be tested at all?

Logically, yes.

Assuming all have confirmed they love God MOST.

Let's observe 2 Christians:

1. Love God, love people. When friends despise God but do not despise one, one is okay with it, after giving a quick rebuke and a sorrowful gesture to the offenders. When friends despise God AND despise one, one breaks contact with offenders. When friends despise not God BUT despise one, one breaks contact as well.

2. Love God, love people. When friends despise God but do not despise one, one is not okay with it and carefully design a reconciliation as an option, but an option indeed. When friends despise God AND despise one, same thing, while checking to make oneself blameless. When friends despise not God BUT despise one, one does not break contact but struggle to fellowship with friends before one God.

Base on the reactions to men and to God, a simple table of friendship probability can be drawn for each candidate with fields "despise God" & "Not despise God" against "despise friend" & "not despise friend". And we can easily tell, whose choice is based regardless of friendship; whose choice is based regardless of people's attitudes toward God.

I seek fellowship with Case 2, not Case 1.

Though I no longer do this now, Leading an old folks fellowship has its challenging benefit.

Many will say, they (very old people) cannot receive any new messages, they are not willing to, there's nothing they haven't heard before, especially from much younger generation.

The traditional community, the Chinese culture influenced folks, tend to be satisfied with admiring how successful a young preacher, pastor or teacher has become. It is not surprising, if these folks care not of the messages brought by the youngsters, whether they are profitable or not.

How can one fulfill 1Timothy 4:12?

Praising the young, is the key of the folks.

I've noted before, that the Son of Man was only 30 when the whole world (both young and old) went after Him. This is the key.

Though it is principle, that young believers prove themselves in diligence, kindness, humility, responsibility, even achievements in life; That cannot be the focal point of biblical lesson. Should the young impress the old to the fullest of biblical intention, one must pray for others (ie. older folks) to see the presence of the Spirit of God with one. This supernatural testimony cannot be one's own making; nor can it be some creative superstition from the charismatics (If it truly be from God, we need not overreact against disbelief. Unless, our objective is not to glorify God, but the strange fire. Using God's name in this way is dangerously blasphemous).

So then, it is a tough journey. It is a journey one must truly walk with God. I pray for this journey.