Jesus as PR Man (He didn't read 'How to Win Friends & Influence People')

Why? I asked as I read the Gospel stories. In some ways Jesus made things hard for Himself. Those who had read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People would probably point our five serious mistakes He made:

First, He did not go directly and ministered to the upper-class members of Jewish society. Second, He wasted time by going to the lower-class (even the low-of-the-lowest-class) and calling on the poor, the sick, the tax collectors, shepherds, the fishermen, and the most obvious sinners in Jerusalem. Third, He didn’t try to talk people into supporting His messiahship. He didn’t use sales or insurance marketing strategy, make no glorious promises. Fourth, He almost ignored those in leadership. And to make thing worst, at times it seemed He went out His way to confront them. Lastly, He refused to compromise. He won’t give up His theology and integrity even to pull some strings in His ministry to get benefits, endorsements and political favors.

P.s: Had there been a Jerusalem Idol in the first century, trying to choose the most successful and influence preacher, not many people would vote for Jesus. In the end He didn’t have a lot of popular appeal.

Unlike Jesus, we stake so much of having a good reputation, being appreciated, gathered as many awards and best-selling lists, major in entertainment worship to win youths, misquoting and ignoring some part of the Scripture for the sake of being relevant, compromise Biblical theology in order to achieve unity over the truth, etc. In all of these, Jesus has nothing to do with it. Jesus stood alone.

Jesus didn’t come to win supports. He did the Kingdom agenda whether or not anyone supported Him. In The Book of John, Jesus spoke strongly to would-be followers and let them know what it meant to follow Him. “Because of this, many of Jesus’ followers turned back and would not go with him anymore. So he asked the twelve disciples, ‘And you – would you also like to leave?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God.’” (John 6:66-69, GNB).

The diehards stayed, everyone left. The disciples stayed no one else left. But, I wonder, what if ALL of them had left? What would Jesus have done? I think, the Lord Jesus in His humanity would still obediently continue His ministry. He had come to save humankind, with or without human support. His chief ministry was to die on the cross to win God’s favor, not to win human support. He is the model of leadership, obedience and love-in-action, not as good PR Man. Follow Him and you’ll be unpopular (at least for the most part – to the world). But follow Him and you’ll have eternal life.

“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life”
THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Giving Tree

Picture title: 'The Giving Trees' by Unknown

Jesus Christ said, “Give as freely as you have received” (Matthew 10:8, NLT). Paul quoted Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The principle of generous-giving here, as I understand it, is that we never lose by giving – we can only gain. To cynics that may sound strange, but it works. As we give of ourselves to others, we produce a giving-attitude and model for others. Giving also produce better relationships. Giving makes the Golden Rules – “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 7:12) – a practical way of life.

I understand, by nature, however, most of us would prefer not to give. Deep inside my heart and mind, I’m reluctant and never desire to give. But the Holy Spirit that works in me gives me joy and the desire to “freely give.” That joy is the first blessing that one will receive in return. Now realize this, we usually learn generosity because someone has (first) shown us by example. Jesus Himself has shown us first what the generosity of God means is on the cross and in His divine providence. Now He asks us to do the same. It always works like this: we have been helped by a benefactor, a friend, a teacher, coworker, or boss, – and want to do likewise for another.

Do you want to be the example of giving for others to follow?

Do you want to be - for God - the giving tree?

Go for it-lah!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

7 Suggestions on How to Respond to MH370 Tragedy

The recent tragedy of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane MH370 since last Saturday (8^th March 2014) certainly brings this question to the minds of many people of faith: If God is good, why does He allow bad thing happened? Why does He permit this tragic disaster to occur? While the most honest and truthful (and often cliché) answer is that “He’s God and He knows what He’s doing” – we as a human beings know that we need more than that.

Maybe this is the part where the Book of Job is very relevant for us today. The only truth that came out from Zaphar’s lip was when he asked Job, “Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?” (Job 11:7, NLT) When Job doesn’t understand what was really happened to him, God needs him to understand that – at the moment of his present disaster, Job doesn’t need to understand why. Knowing this mystery and the sovereignty of God in all things can often make the difference between moving closer to the Lord or turning our backs on Him.

It would be impossible, in just one short article, to go into all the reasons for suffering and for why God allows tragedy. There are many good books written for that purpose. I trust that task to the Holy Spirit to reveal and teach you and to your pastor to explain it to you. (As Christian workers, we try our best to do this). Instead, I want to focus on 7 suggestions on how we should respond to this tragedy:

#1: Try to Pray-on-the-Spot

Every time I read people posted “Pray for MH370”, I wonder, do they really pray? Besides being hypocrite, more often than not even sincere people also sometime didn’t pray because they forget about what they had said and promised they will do. Last night, I and my friends; Supang, Finiks and Donald spontaneously prayed for the tragedy while waiting for our movie show. Instead of talking and hoping for the best, we decided to take time to pray on the spot. While reading the news or while driving, take your personal time to pray.

#2: Try Compassion

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” While empathy refers more generally to our ability to take the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help. I believe that if we really being compassionate toward the MH370 victims and their love ones, we wouldn’t have thoughts of saying or writing about sensitive matters that may hurt others. Though in practical most of us can’t be there physically to help, we do much help when we pray and spread words of hope to one another. We will seek the great good for others.

#3: Try Get the Latest Updates

Get the latest updates about the MH370 tragedy will help us to respond better and more accurately. Never try to be in the know-it-all or be an expert or try to spread unwarranted speculations which are not based on truth and evident. Shut up more and speak up less. Unless you’re the media reporters or the rescuers on the ground, Malaysians will appreciate if you keep your opinions to yourselves.

#4: Try Not to Major on Only One News

By now, all eyes and ears are on the MH370 tragedy. As much as it is important to be concern about the tragedy, most of us sometime unaware of what others important news happening around Malaysia at this time such as raging Cameron Highlands forest fire, unhealthy and thick haze in Shah Alam, BR1M 3.0 is not distribute properly, no rain and water problem, Anwar Ibrahim was found guilty by the Court of Appeal, Datuk Lee Chong Wei wins the All-England Open title for a third time, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that the leakages in the subsidy supply chain cannot be avoided as long as price controls and bulk subsidies are set in place by the government, etc.

Do you know about all these news?

#5: Try Self-Control

By this I mean we don’t need to repeat what people have said. Control the amount of our Facebook and social media posts about the MH370 tragedy. Maybe we can reduce the amount of links and only share what we ourselves have read and understood. Self-control here also mean that we don’t get too obsess with the news that we forget to do what we should do such as our tasks at workplace, assignments at class and responsibilities at home. Balance between suggestion #3, #4 and #5.

#6: Try Silence and Solitude

Flee, be silent and pray.

#7: Place Your Faith, Hope and the Future to God

Yesterday I wrote: “In time of crisis, our weaknesses revealed. In time of chaos, we finally realized who our true friends are and who our real foes are. The nation is a picture of the conditions of its leaders and people. The people's reactions are the state of what they believe. There is no obvious emotional and visible differences – we all think and feel very much the same – but what really make the difference is, the invincible: Faith in the the Living Christ. That is why I consciously pray for the MH370 and places my Faith in Him who is There with us. Other than this, we have no hope both now and the future” (Edited). These are my suggestions.

“We are merely moving shadows…
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you”

(Psalms 39:6-7, NLT)

Lord, Please Send MH370 Home, We Pray. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

People First, Traditions Second

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, NLT)

Jesus puts people first, regulations second. Human needs come first, traditions second. The Kingdom of God comes first – and everything else second. In practical terms, that means we must sometimes violate “sacred” traditions (or in student ministry terms “senior” traditions) and tear down barriers. Sometimes that takes great courage and wisdom.

We who would follow Jesus don’t break traditions simply to break them. Customs can bring great benefits. Usually they come into being for good reasons. Yet when custom interferes with human need, we do well to consider breaking the rules. “The Sabbath was made for man.”

In reality, we are faced with so many traditions. We need to know when and how to apply it. Always remember this: Jesus always emphasis on loving God with all our hearts and tied this to loving our neighbors as ourselves. When I read this, I can’t separate it in my mind into two commandments but in practical – both are the same commandment. How better can we show our love to God and serving people than by the way we treat them? Sometimes, because of Christ’s love in us, we need to break human customs to meet human needs.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jangan Menghakimi, Tetapi Hakimilah

“Jangan menghakimi orang lain, supaya Allah tidak menghakimi kamu juga.

Allah akan menghakimi kamu sebagaimana kamu menghakimi orang lain.

Sukatan yang kamu gunakan untuk menghakimi orang lain akan digunakan oleh Allah untuk kamu.

Mengapakah kamu perhatikan selumbar di dalam mata saudaramu,

sedangkan kayu balak di dalam matamu tidak kamu perhatikan?” (Matius 7:1-3, BM).

Tuhan Yesus Kristus tahu bagaimana sifat kita manusia. Kita cenderung untuk memandang kesalahan-kesalahan orang lain lebih besar daripada kesalahan-kesalahan kita sendiri. Kristus, pada pendapat saya, sengaja menggunakan suatu gambaran yang agak lucu – seorang yang padanya ada kayu balak dalam matanya, mahu mengeluarkan selumbar yang ada di mata orang lain.

“Kayu balak di dalam matamu sendiri” sebenarnya tidak dapat dibayangkan, tetapi maksud atau gambaran Kristus di sini sangat jelas. Jika kita tidak mahu melihat kesalahan kita sendiri, maka kita menjadi seorang “munafik!” (ayat 5). Cara yang sesuai untuk menasihati atau menegur orang lain ialah dengan “mengeluarkan dahulu kayu balak dari matamu, barulah kamu dapat melihat dengan jelas, lalu keluarkan selumbar dari mata saudaramu” (Matius 7:5).

Ini bermaksud kita harus berusaha untuk membetulkan kesalahan-kesalahan sendiri dan mengakui dosa-dosa kita sendiri, baru kemudian menegur orang lain. Kristus tidak langsung melarang kita untuk menegur orang lain, tetapi Dia ingin supaya kita menilai diri kita sendiri dahulu. Di dalam Kristus, menegur kesalahan-kesalahan orang lain adalah satu usaha yang baik. Ia menunjukkan bahawa kita mengasihi dan mengambil berat tentang hubungan seseorang itu dengan Tuhan dan orang lain. Tetapi, ia hanya boleh dilakukan setelah kita menyedari dosa kita sendiri. Ini ialah maksud yang terkandung dalam kata-kata Kristus ini: Jangan menghakimi orang lain, hakimilah diri kita sendiri dahulu. Kemudian, barulah kita layak untuk menegur orang lain.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Back to Basics

Jesus’ way of thinking and style reversed that of the scribes, Pharisees, and priests. When they wanted to speak with authority, they said, “As Rabbi Nicodemus taught…” They referred to a regulation, precept, or teaching by a famous predecessor.

Jesus, on the other hand, made statements like this one in the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” (Matthew 5:27-44). He was not contradicted Moses’ laws or destroyed what God had commanded in the past, rather, He showed that the religious leaders had made gods out of the commandments that were supposed to guide them to live in community and worship God.

In Jesus’ day the religious leaders and leading scholars debated endlessly the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus clarified that easily enough when they asked Him (probably trying to trick Him): “Which is the first commandment of all?” (Mark 12:28).

Jesus answered by quoting from Moses’ laws:

“’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…’ The second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (v. 30-31).

Jesus had a “Back to Basics” thinking and attitude. He knew God’s laws were meant to help – not hinder – people in living fulfilled lives. He puts the emphasis where it belonged – on compassion, love, faithfulness to others and to God – not on outward behaviour. So, I'm asking, do you have "Back to Basics" thinking and attitude? I'm not asking do you have "Back to Basics" t-shirt or slogan or huddle - but are you inside out "Back to Basics" like Jesus? 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

When You Receive No Thanks

When you receive no thanks, you have two choices: 1) Disappointed, or 2)  Whatever, do it anyway.

“Fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth” (Joshua 24:14, NASB)

Tom Hale, long-time missionary doctor to Nepal, says in his book Don’t Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees:

“The concept of disinterested love is totally foreign to Nepalese because their primacy motive for good works is to acquire merit that will benefit them in the next life. Most of our patients have no sense of gratitude for our services; instead, they expect that we be grateful to them for providing us an opportunity to gain merit for ourselves. That is why ‘Thank you’ is so rarely heard in Nepal; in fact, the Nepali language has no word for it. It’s just as well. We wouldn’t last long here if we had come to receive thanks.”

If we only do good things for the sake of receiving thanks then we are going to be the most miserable men and women in the world. Instead of waiting and expecting people to give thanks – be sincere in your service toward others. “Sincerity,” writes Charles H. Spurgeon, “make the least man to be of more value than the most talented hypocrites.”

In sincerity, add obedience also. Helping others and serving the Lord because you love to obey Him. Do what is right even though nobody see and appreciates it. Be sure that God sees your good works and bless you for it. Psalms 84:11 declares: “The Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (NLT).

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.