Looking or Dreaming?

This morning, I began the next chapter of my bible study on the book ‘Experiencing God’. I recall that in the beginning, I was a bit skeptical whether this would just be another of those simple English ‘comprehension answering’ type of Q&A bible study. But through this past week, I have learnt much from some of the in-depth questions asked & explanation of the Word. Really thank God for revealing more revelation of His word to me.

Two particular verses spoke to me: Romans 3:10-11 & John 6:44.

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” – Romans 3:10-11.

“No one can come to me [Jesus] unless the Father who sent Me draws him. “ – John 6:44.

I have been asked this question before & I have also asked this question about myself many times in my life – How do I know if God is working in a person / me?

Well, these two scripture passages reveal the truth & answer to me – because according to these verses, no one is going to seek God on his / her own initiative. Generally speaking, people don’t find the need to do so, until they realize a need in their life. Just like we start looking for food, entertainment, friends, etc… when we recognize a need / want for these things.

Thus, it can be said that no one will ask spiritual questions or seek spiritual experiences, unless God is at work in his / her life. And to me, that’s what distinguishes humans from animal, coz humans have been given a mind that has a conscience & naturally makes us reflect or ponder about things, actions & feelings. Contrary to animals that react & respond by pure instinct…

For example, when a person comes to me & asks, “What is the meaning of life?” or “How can I seek peace within my heart?”… A spiritually-discerning Christian will realize that this person is seeking something or some answer that’s out of the ordinary from superficial worldly thinking. You know why? Coz this is an answer that the world cannot give or accurately answer! Whichever answer the world may give, it would be a temporal answer – e.g. life is meant to be enjoyed, so just live life to the full & do whatever you want… then you will be satisfied & fulfilled.

To me, that’s one of the craziest answer that anyone can give. Why? Coz that’s one of the ultimate answers to chaos & wrecking havoc! Both in society & especially in the person’s own life! And you wanna call that a satisfied & fulfilled life? Messing with the law, breaking the hearts of others who love & care for you, falling into all kinds of bad habits & addiction (e.g. drunkenness, prostitution, etc). And believe me, your addiction will be like a shadow that follows you all your life, till you turn on the light of God’s word to expose it & change it. Wow… what a statement! It just came to me! Thank you, God!

It’s true isn’t it? When we walk in physical & spiritual ‘blindness’, all we see around is darkness. How can we see a shadow without having a source of light? Amazing analogy… Thank you, God… again! =)

The second thing that I learnt this morning is – the difference between the world’s pattern & God’s intention. Of the whole list that is provided in the bible study book, I narrowed down on these 4 examples of such differences.

World’s Pattern Vs God’s Intention

What it really seeks after:

(i) Acceptance Vs Kingdom of God
(ii) Its own way of living Vs God’s righteousness
(iii) Human perspective Vs God’s perspective
(iv) Self & accomplishments Vs God & His plans

See the difference? If you don’t believe me, put yourself to this test -

Ask yourself to give clear examples of each of the 4 pointers that are listed under ‘World’s Pattern’. Without a doubt, it would be easy, if not too easy, to do so… & the best verification of this is we know it so well & so clearly & have even experienced them for ourselves!

How about the other? Aha… this time it’s tougher? Why? Coz it requires spiritual knowledge & furthermore, an ongoing seeking after because it’s sometimes vague to human understanding! Unless a person is knowledgeable about God’s word, he / she may already be stuck at the first pointer, which is to understand what the kingdom of God is & how to seek after it.

What about God’s righteousness? Not sure? Then you have to refer to God’s word lor… How about God’s perspective? Don’t know? Same action applies – look into God’s word. And the same goes for the 4th pointer of seeking to know God & His plans.

You see, it’s not easy to carry out the other side of pointers, coz we need to know more than just ourselves, in order to put to work these 4 pointers. We need to know God & be in continual communion with Him, so that we know what & how to do these things.

Note that I used the word ‘communion’, not ‘communication’… coz anyone, Christian or non-Christian, can just rattle in words, requests & squabbles at God, without even knowing Him. Many of us talk a lot, but don’t listen well…

So when you or someone asks this question – How do I deny myself & follow Christ? There… the answer is clear & right here. Shun away from the world’s pattern & seek God’s intention / will. If you are a new Christian & need help, approach a church pastor or mature Christian friend to guide you along. We all need help at times. =)

The 3rd & final thing that I learnt this morning is – that if we look into the bible, you will never find God asking people to dream up what they want to do for Him.

Contrary, God tells us what to do for Him. In fact, many of these things are already mentioned in His word. We just have to look to find out. As for the rest, we have to learn to hear Him speak through the Holy Spirit. And starts from taking time to read, listen & commune with Him.

Thus, the pattern of scripture is that we submit to God & (i) wait until God shows us what to do, or (ii) watch & see what God is doing around us & join Him at His work.

Thank God for this wonderful bible study & for showing me so much that’s further & more from what is being shared in the material. =)