Trademark of a Christian

I met up with a friend for lunch today. Someone who inspires me to love Jesus by firstly loving me for who I am. It is amazing to see how this elderly minister of God constantly affirms and loves those around him, especially people who serves us. Through this friendship I have been tremendously enriched and am grateful for such grace. This is a gift I cannot demand nor even imagine exist but only receive with humble thanks to God when He chooses to bestow upon me.

This friendship has confirmed my conviction that a trademark of a Christian is one who is Real and who Really loves people. Both of these do not come easily to me and nor do they come to anyone of us without a price. Many times God allows me to be broken that I may gaze upon Him and ponder on His love for me. My flesh, on the other hand, strives to find significance and satisfaction from self and my own achievements. It is hard and was never meant to be that way. The world does not, cannot, offer true peace, true love or true satisfaction. So I find I'm constantly disappointed and have to guard my heart against cynicism. I realise that it is only when I ponder upon His unconditional love for me and what He has done for me to demonstrate His love for me, that I can have true peace with myself and with Him; and true security and significance based on how I am valued in Christ. I know that as I allow God to deal with and heal me of my insecurities, self-rejection, perfectionist spirit, etc, He will set me free to be Real and Really love people for who they are. As a result of that, I pray others will catch a glimpse of Christ and get a taste of His grace through my life... may they see the treasures and glory of Christ, hidden in this broken, earthen vessel.

It's a journey, a long journey, that will probably take a lifetime but it's all worth it. I can't wait to see the finished work that will last for all eternity. Makes the pursuit of happiness for this life alone seem like a much lesser goal to live for. Yet I don't doubt for a moment that pursuing God and seeking Him with all my heart can only result in true happiness! Happiness is not the goal or else it will be just chasing after the wind or a mirage. My attitude is, and should be, to seek the Giver, and not just His gifts.


Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matt 6:33)