It's day one of orientation.1 Perhaps it isn't fair to pass judgment so soon, but our Orientation Group isn't really very fun.2 But then, I have the highest of hopes.3
However, the important thing really isn't orientation.4 Or rather, there's something else I'd like to talk about.5
Conversation falls (somewhat) on the topic of religion. "[name withheld] is really like a Christian".6
What then, does it mean to be a Christian>? Or rather, to be "really like a Christian"? Does it mean (as was implied by the speaker) to be anexternally moral person? To live in a manner recognised as Christian or as "good"?
More importantly, is this (Christian appearance) what is required of myself, even as I identify as Christian? [my opinion:] the external appearance isn't the most important thing; it is important to the extent that we are called to be the light of the earth (Matthew 5: 14-16), but far more important is the issue of being more than moral, more than good, but Christian and Christ-following on the inside; to lead a life that follows Christ and to exhibit Christ-like behaviour
So, most importantly then, is that what I'm doing? Am I striving to lead the life of a Christ-following disciple? I find myself not completely sure that I'm trying my best and giving my all, and it makes me afraid. Is that why it bothers me so when I hear someone saying "[name withheld] is really Christian"?
And something else that made me think today: (or, perhaps, should be thinking about)
I may believe in God, but why do I do it? What reason do I have for my belief? What testimony can I give to support my belief in God? Can I tell anyone why I believe? Hmmmprrhhh (read: sigh...)
Mood: Contemplative7
1 And a MediaCorp news crew shows up. Hurrah, for not enough news in Singapore, and the general standards of Singaporean Mandarin TV news. (Yes, it is the first year that there's one intake, but let me remain in my illusions and to keep dissing MediaCorp alright?)
2 By which I mean, without any offense at all, and with the highest of hopes of change(Yes we can! Hail to the chief!), that our OG is pretty shy. Or quiet. Or not overly competitive. Or attention-seeking. Or in your face. Come to think of it, perhaps it isn't that bad. So, highest of hopes to get to know people better then.
3 See above footnote. I can't decide if there's any ironic/humourous wordplay in endnotes being above. That's a damn shame.
4 Despite, as one of our school staff informed the MediaCorp Chinese language news team, it being the first day of school, and the most excellent, well-planned, engaging, and fun activities planned by the J2s, there really is something else I'd rather ruminate over.
5 Ruminate over. Then discuss.
6 Something to that effect. To the best of my memory.
7 Wait, this isn't LiveJournal
However, the important thing really isn't orientation.4 Or rather, there's something else I'd like to talk about.5
Conversation falls (somewhat) on the topic of religion. "[name withheld] is really like a Christian".6
What then, does it mean to be a Christian>? Or rather, to be "really like a Christian"? Does it mean (as was implied by the speaker) to be an
More importantly, is this (Christian appearance) what is required of myself, even as I identify as Christian? [my opinion:] the external appearance isn't the most important thing; it is important to the extent that we are called to be the light of the earth (Matthew 5: 14-16), but far more important is the issue of being more than moral, more than good, but Christian and Christ-following on the inside; to lead a life that follows Christ and to exhibit Christ-like behaviour
So, most importantly then, is that what I'm doing? Am I striving to lead the life of a Christ-following disciple? I find myself not completely sure that I'm trying my best and giving my all, and it makes me afraid. Is that why it bothers me so when I hear someone saying "[name withheld] is really Christian"?
And something else that made me think today: (or, perhaps, should be thinking about)
I may believe in God, but why do I do it? What reason do I have for my belief? What testimony can I give to support my belief in God? Can I tell anyone why I believe? Hmmmprrhhh (read: sigh...)
Mood: Contemplative7
1 And a MediaCorp news crew shows up. Hurrah, for not enough news in Singapore, and the general standards of Singaporean Mandarin TV news. (Yes, it is the first year that there's one intake, but let me remain in my illusions and to keep dissing MediaCorp alright?)
2 By which I mean, without any offense at all, and with the highest of hopes of change(Yes we can! Hail to the chief!), that our OG is pretty shy. Or quiet. Or not overly competitive. Or attention-seeking. Or in your face. Come to think of it, perhaps it isn't that bad. So, highest of hopes to get to know people better then.
3 See above footnote. I can't decide if there's any ironic/humourous wordplay in endnotes being above. That's a damn shame.
4 Despite, as one of our school staff informed the MediaCorp Chinese language news team, it being the first day of school, and the most excellent, well-planned, engaging, and fun activities planned by the J2s, there really is something else I'd rather ruminate over.
5 Ruminate over. Then discuss.
6 Something to that effect. To the best of my memory.
7 Wait, this isn't LiveJournal
Labels: Spiritual Ruminations
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