The Generation Y Patience

Patience as the Fruit of the Spirit is probably the most challenging fruit to sow and reap by my generation, the Generation Y.

We, who are also called the Millennials, are more likely to be sceptical of religious institutions mainly because of trauma and family dysfunction. We also grew up in the period when Digital Technology started to flourish. Food became instant and a microwave became a household necessity. The entertainment industry was affected by the Internet and as music marketing became more segmented to rock, pop rock, hard rock, slow rock, party, party rock, dance pop, country, country rock, etc.

We are very out-spoken if we believe in God or not. We are skilful to divert our attention from reality to dream land or vice versa. We can be so diverse in our food choices and most importantly.. (Click here to read the rest of the blog entry at RJC website.)

Tranquillity of the Mind

Merriam-Webster defines PEACE as follows:
- a state of tranquillity or quiet as freedom from civil disturbance;
- a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom (a breach of the peace);
- freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions;
- harmony in personal relations;
- a state or period of mutual concord between governments;
- used interjectionally to ask for silence or calm or as a greeting or farewell.


There is something uniquely special why peace is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Sure we can love, we express genuine joy but having tranquillity in all things also reflects a Christ-centred life.(Click here to read the rest of the blog entry at RJC website)

Seriously Happy

Many of us can falsify happiness with many diversions to control our sorrow. We tend to keep the real condition of our hearts perhaps due to being afraid of embarrassment or because we are too proud to deal with our grief. Others also think that being sad is just for the weak and they keep themselves busy or some people resolves to be more talkative to cover up their burden. The most upsetting cover up I can think of is being angry and worst is to declare that it is an acceptable kind of anger.

Many years back, I remember covering all up my burdens and it became normal for me to deal with my sorrow instantly with anger. I thought being angry can get everything I want accordingly. Well, there are some things we really can not learn in school but has to be learned in life. (Click here to read the rest of the story at RJC Website).

The Split

Speaking from a third generation of Christian in the family, I have witnessed several Church Splits (and Church Merging) already. Can you imagine coping up from a young mind's perspective? Suddenly, you don't see a family you used to see once or twice a week. The Aunty you used to like because of her superb Italian and Japanese cooking suddenly disappears and much worst, said several bad things about you and your family simply because of church politics.

I specially love how Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 to the church in Corinth,

"We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

The views of the people have their own credits but then the result in every commotion determines if they pleased God or merely themselves. We can say they don't want discipline, they want to be treated right, they want to shine more or be better than any other in the organization and so they bid their goodbyes. People can say whatever they want to say and even to the point of lying just to avoid being in the wrong. Just like Paul said, who cares as long as they do not put a stumbling block in anyone's path. However, if a person caused disunity, then it's a sin. Not that I judge them, only maybe when I see them face to face, they might probably feel I am no longer fascinated with them. Since we all have different paths to take, my perception is to remain in God's calling and mission. Whether they are still walking in the light of God's guidance or not, it won't be my business. After all, after a ministry split, we can determine who are faithful to the call and are not. The most important is and no matter how other people sees our ministry, like Paul, we commend ourselves in every way.

Unity Takes Effort

In Hebrews 12:14, it says to "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."

In my opinion, I can easily determine which side is less likely sinful - the one who gives effort to live in peace. It cringes me when a leader keeps bashing hurtful words. I make a background check like his family, his work, his friends, life style, etc. Not that I am planning a plot to put him or her on a spot, I only move away from them and forgive.

Paul added the following verses to the Corinth church, "We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also."

So to those who left and was left behind, please and I beg you, stop the drama. Open wide your hearts. Amen.