Part of This World & Set Apart

An enlightening comparison struck me this morning as I was sitting in the UTC cafeteria. I was sitting alone, attempting to study for a test I had this afternoon, but rather found myself sitting back and observing fellow students as they ate, talked, and rushed past in a blur. Surrounding me were groups of close companions chattering, lovers, loners, and socialites flitting from table to table to complete their rounds of greeting friends. In the commotion of students, however, the main items of conversation voiced varied with speeches including how a girl should, "back-hand slap that !*#!@", or comments of, "you look bored", in addition to the exclamation of, "Hey, baby!" filling the air. Amidst these fleeting moments of observation, I turned to see the group of RUF (Reformed University Fellowship) guys sitting, eating, and enjoying fellowship with each other and the leader, providing a stark contrast to the general crowd as they appeared peaceful and contented. Everyone in the "general" crowd just came across as stressed, busied, bored, or boisterous. For once in my life,the Christian life made sense to me in this moment in relation to the standard of living in the world, but not of it.

From a personal standpoint, there I was, sitting alone amongst this mass of students watching and even occasionally mingling, but on the whole, I was separate from them and I could sense it. I could feel how my purpose then and there was to keep my concern on my own work and development rather than worry over the fact that I was sitting alone, single, with homework staring me in the face with no one to rescue me as is my wont. Now here's the odd part: I was /happy/ with my position this time. More than anything, I was simply excited just for the privilege to focus on the work God had for me rather than wallowing in self pity. True, it was still a bit of a lonely chore, but for once I didn't mind. I knew that nearby were fellow believers of a similar mindset whom I could rely on and relate to, whenever might be needed.

This all ties to a new understanding I now have as a result of the purpose of belonging in a solid church. In our weekly lives, God has something for each one of us, whether it be work in the office, bettering our minds in education, or even taking a day to relax. But through it all, we are watching the world go by; a world we're meant to serve and protect in every way possible, but not mold ourselves to. In addition, we are being watched, though we're rarely aware of it.

Every day, we face temptations of all sorts - drugs, sex, peer pressure, cussing, violence...even sleeping when we have a more urgent job to do. But once a week, we have the opportunity for revival and refreshment from these temptations plus an opportunity to commune with fellow Christians who face the same trials as we do and worship the God who gives us the necessary strength to overcome these selfsame trials.

Though attending church isn't always our first choice for that one day in a week when we have other options of often much-needed sleep, relaxation, time with friends, or even to catch up on a homework assignment due the next day, a presentation for the office, or work around the house or garage, it is much more of a necessity to attend church instead than we may realize. It is our chance to properly glorify God, state to the world who we are and Who we serve, fellowship with others of our belief, receive the encouragement or instruction we need to press on in the fight during the week, and better understand the character of God and His relationship with us.

As I was sitting and reflecting still, a gospel choir began performing a brief selection of praise songs. As soon as their voices were heard above the crowd, an especially brief hush fell over the throng of hustling and bustling students as all turned to see who these people were and what they were about. Once the phrase "hallelujah" escaped the singers' lips, most returned to their original occupations and tuned them out. A select few, including myself, however, stopped what they were doing, pulled out the earphones, looked on at the choir, and smiled. With these singers, it was obvious that they couldn't care less about how they stood out like a sore thumb with few heeding their songs. They were simply radiant with enjoying the music, the fellowship with each other, and praising God. I couldn't help but think that this was the attitude we should have each day as we go about our business - that of living each day as a song of praise, glorifying God in all we do, and shouting it to the world for all to hear whether they listen or no.

My Word is My Bond

The following is a former facebook note of mine:

I've been learning a lot in recent days as you may have noticed from a recent status that I posted on how much our actions can reflect not only on others, but on God. I used a selection of a quote that I read from Thomas Manton, quoted here in full: "Men are apt to think of God by his worshippers, and by the people that profess themselves near and dear to Him; therefore it concerns us to walk so that our lives may honour Him." This passage really hit home for me as I know recently my actions and even my thoughts little reflect what I'd want others to view as a representation of Christ. This also brought to mind the question of what values we as followers of Christ /should/ be focusing on. Love and outreach to the community are fantastic examples for others, but what about how we treat our fellows believers and close friends? What qualities are we presenting to them in our day to day lives? Two qualities that have really come to my attention lately are those of communication and dependability. After all, much of faith in God grows just through communication with Him directly to provide reassurance, comfort, and even lay our problems on Him. Why do we do this? Because we can depend on God.

There was a time when a handshake or a man's word would be enough to secure a deal, but in today's world, one must have a signed and notarized legal document in which one or both parties can sue if the other does not fulfill their end of the deal. People have become so forgetful of their commitments in day to day life that these contracts could come in handy when scheduling appointments and a person's word is meaningless. The frightening thing is when Christians are the ones who are failing the most and regret to see the importance of these things. To quote Manton again, "We seem to exalt God much in our talk and profession; yea, but we throw Him down, when we pollute Him and deny Him in our conduct." I know even I am prone to do so, but many are afraid to commit to minute things today by utilizing the phrases "maybe", "we'll see", or "if nothing else comes up,". How does this come across to someone who is observing you from a distance as you leave a safeguard, afraid of the initial commitment in case something better or "more important" comes up. Not to mention, whatever person, albeit a friend, relative, significant other, or acquaintance, how do you think that person you're brushing off feels when you're reluctant to give your word? These little lapses in faithfulness may seem small or insignificant at first glance but points to what we may become in the future. One little lapse, once dismissed, leaves so much room for it to become a pattern as "it was just one mistake" and then leads to a reputation as such. Do we, as Christians, really want to be known for not being dependable when we're supposed to follow the Ultimate One to depend on? If we can't honor God in the little things, how can we honor Him on the larger scale?

I encourage you to leave your thoughts, questions, and comments in response to this, provided they are in the spirit of love and please, no personal accounts using real names.

Pursuing Breakthrough Leadership

Ideas have consequences. This is the motto used by Summit ministries, where I had so many definitions for life clarified. There was one lecture, by Robert Meyers, which presented elements of exceptional leadership. “Breakthrough leadership,” as Meyers termed it, consists of strategic vision, mission, motivation, and plan. I believe that Bryan will provide all of these for me, helping me develop my leadership skills as I strive for these ideas to have consequences in my life.
Meyers defines vision as “seeing the world as God sees it,” which I believe Bryan will help me to do. In order to obtain this vision, I must have a strong relationship with God, so that I might know His purpose for me and those around me. By the worldview programs that Bryan offers, I will be able to learn of the world and its beliefs, dealing with it as God would have me, not as I see best. In better understanding how to view the world, I am better equipped to be a leader in it. Bryan and its faculty have such a vision for their students, providing the proper encouragement needed for us as students to be all we can be for God’s glory, not our own.
Secondly, Myers argues that part of being a leader is “knowing where you fit in God’s plan,” or mission. My mission is the same as Bryan’s motto, “Christ Above All,”and thus I know that Bryan can help me reach that goal. In putting Christ first, it will bring me closer to God and enable me to better understand His purpose for me as opposed to what I would desire for myself in my life and what I would desire for it. By properly understanding His purpose for me, I will then be able to learn what I might to do reach this end to the best of my ability, with God’s help, and be a leader in any field He has planned for me.
For such motivation as breakthrough leadership would require, I am aware that there are hundreds of students like me at Bryan that share similar goals of being soldiers of God. Just being in such a community will motivate me to fight the good fight, knowing I am not alone in the endeavor. I am also certain that, as I continue in my education, the godly teachers at Bryan will encourage me to work my hardest for God and His glory, modeling for me the leadership to which I aspire. One aspect that has taken my notice is the weekly chapel service held on campus. This is so important to me, as it would aid my staying focused on why I am where I am, Who brought me here, and in light of that how I should behave. Also, having met with faculty on previous occasions, such as Summit, Highlight, or through personal acquaintance, I noticed the air of enthusiasm they spread just through their personalities. Their example has already been such an encouragement to me, producing in me a like spirit by just being around them! In being so motivated on a daily basis at Bryan, I will conquer each day with more fervor for my purpose than ever before. In addition, the students with whom I already share an association exhibit this powerful sense of purpose and sheer love for what they do so that I cannot help but be excited for them and their work for God as I hope for the same to be shown through me!
The next step in Meyer’s format is to have a plan. My plan is to grow in my relationship with God by making the most of the opportunities and privileges He provides for me at Bryan, that I may be equipped to be a leader for His use. I know I will receive an excellent education that prepares me for what God and life will require of me, whether it is as a leader or a follower. I plan to, while at Bryan, to perform at my utmost to utilize all the resources provided for me in the future.
With all these in mind, my hope and expectation is to become the person that God desires for me to be as a leader, using all the resources and skills He has provided me for His ultimate plan and all-consuming glory, not my own. I trust that He will lead me in all and am confident that Bryan is the college to nurture me into a leader for my generation because Bryan itself demonstrates the vision, mission, motivation, and plan that is essential for Christian leadership.