Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Night of Shame
When a Korean and a Filipino meets, truly there will be differences. Sometimes those differences may lead to shame. Hehehe! It was an interesting but shameful for me to have such an experience, encountering this Faithful Korean (I think). It has been for quite some time that this Korean guy had been attending the church, enough to recognize me.
Sunday evening, this Korean guy came very early or perhaps just early enough to be on the right time (supposedly the time the evening service should have started). But, we waited further for others to come. When the program started and was now on testimony time, I made my move on sharing first to break the silence (as always); Then, Mommy Torres. After which, pastor asked this Korean guy to share something about his faith. At first, he was apprehensive to talk, but then he did talk. One thing that struck me was that, he said that at their church, they have to be at church 30 minutes early before the service starts, or else they will have no seats left.
What a bold and true statement coming from a Korean. Ouch! That would be perhaps the response of anyone who has heard that, including me (definitely). But my most embarrassing moment would be the night of Wednesday, wherein I was rushing to go to Church for Prayer Meeting. Then I suddenly come across him along the way going to the church. Him leaving the church, whereas, I was still going to the church. He did recognized me then muttered and asked me if I was going to the church. “Yes”, I said. Then he looked at his watch mumbled some words I didn’t understand. I simply said, “We have practice for the choir.” Then he said, “aaaahhh!” Then we parted ways.
But as I turned back away from him, I knew I was embarrassed at that point. For I knew, I was late for Prayer Meeting. Hahaha! Yes indeed. I’m not that all-out faithful or something. I too have my own weaknesses, my own sins. I was actually not planning to be early going to Prayer Meeting, unless I was really assigned to be the song leader. I always am busy doing other things. But then, I knew I was supposed to be early.
Hmmm??? A trait of a Filipino? I don’t think so for we are Christians. But sadly we give in to our own difficulties. With that shameful act, I somehow debated within me. A debate between flesh and spirit I presume. As we always do in every decision that we make; to obey or not to obey. Truly the greatest enemy of our Christian life is our self. I have to admit; I reasoned enough, saying I was too tired and can’t be always on time. I reasoned that I had to do some things first. One of my fellow prayer partner said, he is personally having some struggle in the ministry; saying there is no more joy in serving in the ministry. Well, I too have to admit, I had the same feeling. I knew what he was talking about. The burnt out Christian, sometimes, it’s just easy to just quit. But I know, what’s the purpose or benefit on that? This just proves I have much more to learn and much more to grow in the realm of my Spiritual life. And still, that Korean guy stands as a rebuke against me. Makes me really wonder, how great their desire and thanksgiving on the God Who so loved them and gave His life for them. And how I wish many more Filipino Christians are like them, in their ways of giving much importance on what God has done for them. In that way, perhaps the fire inside my heart will grow bigger than just a spark of the dying light.
Sunday evening, this Korean guy came very early or perhaps just early enough to be on the right time (supposedly the time the evening service should have started). But, we waited further for others to come. When the program started and was now on testimony time, I made my move on sharing first to break the silence (as always); Then, Mommy Torres. After which, pastor asked this Korean guy to share something about his faith. At first, he was apprehensive to talk, but then he did talk. One thing that struck me was that, he said that at their church, they have to be at church 30 minutes early before the service starts, or else they will have no seats left.
What a bold and true statement coming from a Korean. Ouch! That would be perhaps the response of anyone who has heard that, including me (definitely). But my most embarrassing moment would be the night of Wednesday, wherein I was rushing to go to Church for Prayer Meeting. Then I suddenly come across him along the way going to the church. Him leaving the church, whereas, I was still going to the church. He did recognized me then muttered and asked me if I was going to the church. “Yes”, I said. Then he looked at his watch mumbled some words I didn’t understand. I simply said, “We have practice for the choir.” Then he said, “aaaahhh!” Then we parted ways.
But as I turned back away from him, I knew I was embarrassed at that point. For I knew, I was late for Prayer Meeting. Hahaha! Yes indeed. I’m not that all-out faithful or something. I too have my own weaknesses, my own sins. I was actually not planning to be early going to Prayer Meeting, unless I was really assigned to be the song leader. I always am busy doing other things. But then, I knew I was supposed to be early.
Hmmm??? A trait of a Filipino? I don’t think so for we are Christians. But sadly we give in to our own difficulties. With that shameful act, I somehow debated within me. A debate between flesh and spirit I presume. As we always do in every decision that we make; to obey or not to obey. Truly the greatest enemy of our Christian life is our self. I have to admit; I reasoned enough, saying I was too tired and can’t be always on time. I reasoned that I had to do some things first. One of my fellow prayer partner said, he is personally having some struggle in the ministry; saying there is no more joy in serving in the ministry. Well, I too have to admit, I had the same feeling. I knew what he was talking about. The burnt out Christian, sometimes, it’s just easy to just quit. But I know, what’s the purpose or benefit on that? This just proves I have much more to learn and much more to grow in the realm of my Spiritual life. And still, that Korean guy stands as a rebuke against me. Makes me really wonder, how great their desire and thanksgiving on the God Who so loved them and gave His life for them. And how I wish many more Filipino Christians are like them, in their ways of giving much importance on what God has done for them. In that way, perhaps the fire inside my heart will grow bigger than just a spark of the dying light.
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