Don’t Waste You College Life

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever [including your studies] you do,
do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, bracket mine)

Last night after finished sharing words with my student-friends about: “Don’t Waste Your Life”, a friend come and tell me that she don’t want to waste her college life. She asked as a Christian: ‘How not to waste my 3 precious-years of student’s life so that I can maximize this opportunity to glorify God?’ This is a good question. Yes, this is a crucial question a student could ever ask for. How?

Pic taken from: mycampuslife.co.uk

In the nutshell, I said to her: study to the glory of God with the mind of Christ. For the believers, Paul writes, “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). Far too many spiritually-minded students have an attitude that intellectual is the lowest form of spirituality. Thus, many in my observation tend to divide spirituality with intellectual studies. Why? Hmmm… because, I think, some view that the Christian life is often (wrongly!) translated as doing a lot of so-called-'spiritual' activities: reading the Bible, praying, attending Christian meetings & concerts, praise & worship sessions, etc. – while academic studies get the lowest level of ‘spirituality’ or worst, have no place at all in Christian life! It saddens me when I heard someone said, “Academic studies is not important, Christ first!” Wrong, so wrong…

We, Christians are told to love God with all our minds (Mark 12:30), and this includes thinking deeply and responsibly about His world. Kevin Offner in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/US website writes;

“When you take classes in the natural or physical sciences, you learn more about the kind of universe God has created. When you study the social sciences or humanities, you have the privilege of learning more about human beings. A Christian student has to work extra hard. Not only must you do all the mandatory reading and writing required of all your colleagues, but you must further reflect, with a Christian mind, about the various truth claims which are being made. How is what you’re learning compatible with a Christian world view? What bearing does your loyalty to Jesus play in the way you think about issues or moral dilemmas presented in class?”

When you study with the mind of Christ, you’re glorifying God. This is your opportunity to know God in unique way. You get to study the wonder of God in the Universe, the beauty of God in Mechanical & Science, the complexity of God in numbers & figures, the majesty of God in human anatomy… These things you can’t get anywhere else – only in your college! Remember that you are in college to learn, not to impress your professor or build up a résumé. Try to care a little less about grades. Trust God to take care of your future; your responsibility is to be faithful in using your mind to its fullest capacity. 

Don’t waste your college life! 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Christ Incomparable? Come and See

“Come and see," (John 1:39).

 

Oswald Sanders, in his book Christ Incomparable, tells of an outstanding Brahman scholar disturbed by the progress of the Christian faith among his people in India. He decided to do all in his power to combat it. After careful consideration he decided to prepare a pamphlet that would set forth the weaknesses and failings of Jesus. With this purpose in mind, he purchased a New Testament and began a careful study of it. For eleven years he pursued his search for some inconsistency or weakness in the life of Jesus. Not only was he unsuccessful, but he was more and more convinced that the One he sought to discredit was indeed the Son of God. He accepted Him as his Savior.

Before you die... investigate honestly
what the Bible says about Jesus;
and make your OWN conclusion about Him.

If one really search for the Truth and look for it in the Bible, God’s Word [no matter either you want to believe it or not] with brutally honest and willingness to learn and to be open to it – I can assure that your search will make a significance impact in your life. I say ‘significance’ because only God can really open your heart to receive the Truth; and it is also true that – only if you allow Him to reveal the Truth to you. I’m convinced, fully persuaded that; “All Scripture [the Bible] is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17NLT, bracket mine). Study the Word of God; the Bible, carefully. Find what it says about Jesus and His identity; His life and divinity; His power and authority; His love and mercy; His death and resurrection story. It cost you nothing if Jesus is not what He claimed to be, but it cost you everything if He is indeed in reality the Son of God – the Almighty Living God.

                                                  “He is Greater than any ruler…

Mightier than any warrior…

Nobler than any king…

Wiser than any sage…

Bigger than any kingdom…

Better than any crown…

Lovelier than any name…

Worthy of worship…

Deserving of praise (Roy Lessin).

“Come and see,” Jesus said (John 1:39).

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Startfish Story

The Story:

An old man, walking along the beach at dawn, noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Catching up with the youth, he asked what he was doing. The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left until the morning came up.

“But the beach goes on for miles, and there are millions of starfish,” exclaimed the old man. “How can your effort make any difference?”

The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and then threw it to safety in the waves. “It makes a difference to this one,” he said.

My comment:

We surely cannot meet all the world’s needs, but we can certainly meet some. Will it make any difference in the end? Of course it will, for those whom we are able to help. START SMALL.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Brother Lawrence, Kitchen Duties and the practice of the Presence of God

[This post I dedicates to UiTM’s degree students who being very helpful to FES Sarawak during Leadership Training Seminar for doing the glorious-important kitchen duties to on-stage performance! Crazy! You inspired me and the team to serve more humbly – thank you]

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Brother Lawrence, a cook in the seventeenth-century French monastery, gave the world a phrase that well describes deep friendship with Jesus: the practice of the presence of God. As this humble monk washed dishes and served food to his brothers, he communed with God, and the glow of God’s presence gave him menial kitchen duties richness and significance. He writes,

"It is not necessary for being with God to be always at church. We may make an oratory of our heart wherein to retire from time to time to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Everyone is capable of such familiar conversation with God, some more, some less. He knows what we can do."

Living in God’s presence; the practice of the presence of God is a wonderful experience! When you practice being aware of God’s presence, your senses are activated to pick up His signals all through the day. At work, at home, at playground, in your car, in your room, while washing dishes, while gardening, while playing futsal or wherever you are, (in my case, also, while in the washroom) you can freely begin to dialogue with the Lord. You share your heart with Him, and you know He’s listening. It has nothing to do with being in the church building or on your knees. I mean, that’s not the only time to communion with God – anywhere, everywhere, whenever is available to practice the presence of God. God is omnipresent, meaning; He is everywhere at all times. Our God, the God of the Bible, who own the universe and Creator of All is in and around you – “Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Sir, ma’am, brothers, sisters, young kids – practice the presence of God in whatever you do. Yes, even while doing kitchen duties!

God in the Book of Jeremiah said, “When you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (29:12-13NLT)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Leaders, Remember: It is not about You

“Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table [reclined together]… Then they begin to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them” (Luke 22:14,24NLT).

If you study the Middle East cultures, the seating arrangements at a Jewish feast were very important. The host would always take the middle seat at the table. On the right side of the host would sit the first guest of honor, on the left side the second guest honor; on the second right side would sit the third guest of honor, and so forth.

It seems that the disciples spent much time worrying about their position at dinner table and in the kingdom of God (though they do not really clear about ‘the Kingdom’ at this time). Scripture tells us that this argument, dispute had been going on among the disciples for some time. Apparently, the disciples had a hard time hearing Jesus’ message about servant-leadership: “Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant” (Luke 22:26NLT), or in Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase: “Let the senior among you become like junior; let the leader act the part of the servant” (The Message). Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that following Him was not about position; it was about service – it’s not about you, it’s about serving others. The disciples did not fully understand this until later.

In their book Lead Like Jesus, Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges writes,

“The first challenge for a Lead Like Jesus leader is to recognize that it is not about you. Your leadership is not about your position or your title or the amount of money you make; it is about following the servant leadership example of Jesus. The disciples were slow to understand this, and many leaders today do not understand this either! As you decide to lead like Jesus, remember this: ‘It is not about you.’ What God wants is really matters.”

It’s not about you. Even Jesus in His humanity, the Son of God in obedience to the Father said, “For I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27).  Leader should be like servant. Leader act the part of the servant. It’s not about you; it’s about serving others. It’s not about you; it’s about what God wants. Leaders, it’s not about you.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

A New-Look on the Old-Existence Gospel: The 5th Gospel

“Your lives are a letter written in our hearts;
everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you” (2 Corinthians 3:2NLT)

There are four gospel in the Bible; The gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John… and the 5^th, the missing pages, the one frequently and most read by everyone else is the gospel according to You.

By Unknown

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,

Are read by more than a few,

But the one that is most read and commented on

Is the gospel according to You.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day,

By things that you do and words that you say,

Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,

Say, what is the gospel according to You?

Is it love? Is it forgiveness? Is it helpfulness? Is it fairness? Is it truthfulness? Is it kindness? Is self-control? Is it generosity? Is it sacrifice? Is it unselfishness? Is it bigness? Is it humbleness?

Is it displayed God’s love? Is it obedience to the Word? Is it joyful regardless of whatever circumstances? It is endurance? Is it prayerful? Is it wisdom and tactfulness? Is it clean speech?

Whatever what is the gospel according to You; consciously or unconsciously – people (even now) are reading you. I told my students in a Christians gathering one day, “When you done what’s right, the world will praise your name; when you done what’s wrong, the world will insult your God”. There is no escaping – the world is reading the gospel according to You.

Are you living an exemplary life? Do you have at least most of the qualities above that makes you an effective living gospel, admired and loved by those who read you? Saying goes, “A page of example is worth a book of preach”. THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Drink Coffee with John Piper and with All the Authors

"You can never be the same once you found great books!"

John Piper,
pastor and writer

Reading is one of the best pleasures of disciplines I know of to stay motivated and inspired. Reading from a great book is like having a conversation with the author. Last night, for example, by reading John Piper’s Desiring God over a cup of coffee – I can get behind this godly-radical-brilliant man’s thoughts and learn what made him so passionate about bringing the Gospel into other people’s lives.

Want to hang out with Eugene Peterson later? Grab his book. Want to have a conversation with C.H. Spurgeon? Martin Luther? C.S. Lewis? Richard Foster? J.I. Packer? John Wesley? John Bunyan? John MacArthur? John White? John Stott? John C. Maxwell? Mother Teresa? St. Augustine? Bill Gates? A. Samad Said? Ibrahim Ali? Grab their books. Reading a book by someone you highly respect allow some of their influence to rub off on you. You can never be the same once you found great books!

I'm not born to love books; in fact, I hated it in the beginning. But once I discovered that book is God’s greatest tool of education (and of salvation – which I’m referring to the Bible, the greatest book of all), I devoted my life to read book every single day of my life. I make it a habit to at least a half an hour or an hour or two a day to reading. I bring books wherever I go, even when I go to toilet. That habit has transformed me into who I am today. I have books on leadership, Christian living, theology, relationships, motivational, philosophy, business, novel, (even) cooking etc. These books have shaped my thinking and formed my personal philosophy.

I believe that those who know how to read and not reading is better off if they didn’t know how to read at all.  Make the time to read something good each day. Robin Sharma writes, “Fill your mind with big ideas and dazzling thoughts. Use books to flood your soul with hope and inspiration. And remember, if you want to lead, you really need to read.” How true. How true.

THINK BIG Reading is not automatic; it’s a habit that needs to be cultivating day by day. START SMALL Start with a thinner book, chapter by chapter – I mean a real book not magazine, comic or newspaper: a real solid book. GO DEEP Various your readings. Get difference subjects and authors. Read to understand, to learned from it, by thinking about it, by analyze its content, practice what you treasured and share or teach others. Happy reading friends!