The process.

Something that has been vaguely negelected by humans, in whatsoever race that is to be ran. The focus is always on the end result. Always on the final objective. We're creatures that love to dwell on the past and aim greater at the future, yet rarely do we come to terms with an appreciation on the present. Yeah, many have realised this. And then they have moved on. But perhaps it stems from this ignorance of the essence of 'process' that potrays how mankind seems to lack a faculty to appreciate this essence - not only in terms of a race of course. It can be in terms of other things like, in the theology of sin.

There is always this stark contrast between the good and the evil. A juxtaposition between beauty and ugliness. And as we come to terms to understanding goodness, we recongise it as none of the impure. There is a sense of cleansing and renewal, only because there are stains that can be contrasted to the really clean. Perhaps, it is because of this standard that we admire as clean that induces in us an ability to hate the unclean. The awareness of the impurities give us a more concerte understanding of what God is about. Thats probaly how the thing about a 'balance' came into the picture. An intensity that induces an image of a pivoted lever see-saw. Varying degrees that demand a stright line rather than a heavy bias. That's what order's about probaly. Thats how the excitement gets in. Wheres the story without the bad guy? Where's the resolution without the villian? They are needed to prove points. To convey concepts (worldy, or whatsoever) that make worthy lessons.

Can we understand mercy without the process of rescue? Can we understand grace without the act of forgiveness? We can't. The light is only light when it is around to destroy darkness. Forgiveness can only be forgiveness when one did wrong.

So perhaps, as much as my finite mind can see it, the concept of sin is really a lot more deeper than what we scantly say it to be.


"Wo se wei diao, bu se wei yu" -- from my chinese assignment.
Roughly translated: I do it for the sake of fishing, not for the sake of the fish.

Rarely do I pen blog entries that acutually form sense when percieved by the world (well, okay.. maybe I never do.) But I do believe this exception entry is well-deserved.

There is a key difference between the purpose of the Church and the purpose of YFC. Yes, both bodies function for God. Yes, both bodies (are supposed to) consist of God's people. Yes, both bodies are to be driven with God's direction. But there is a difference in them both.

First, let me clarify what a Church is not. A church is not a club. Its not a place that one gets social activity mates, not a place where one finds friends. As much as the building may be cosy, and there can be great music with great food - the point is not to have fun and enjoy yourself in the company of friends. Its not a place to socialise and exchange conversations with people around you. Not a place to engage in relationships and throw yourself into parties of bliss. A church is also not a company. Its not a place where people work together to achieve the best productivity of something. Its not a place where people aim to do the best bible study, to do the world's most earth-shaking worship, to be the most prayerful bunch. Its not a concentration on a product or products, its a focus on its people's relationship to God. Esentially, a church is a community. People not of this world, gathered together as a Body of Christ. Unified. (Eph 4:3-12)

YFC, on the other hand, exists as an organisation. Thus, it has a vision and an action. Very simply, the whole point of the organisation can be summed in the misson statement: To participate in the body of Christ in responsible evangelism of youth, presenting them with the person, work and teachings of Christ and discipling them into the church. Such is yfc's vision. And logic enables us to process its actions. Outreach efforts - the mechanisims and structures, the processes and groundwork, the failures and disappointments - all but just fruits of labor that this organisation want to achieve for the Lord. Of course, its not the organisation being personified as much as it can be considered the body of Christ moving towards fufilling the Great Commision. Rather, it is the inter-twined stories of several individuals, all ready to serve. Ready to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love. Its about persons. Persons with minds, hearts and wills - reaching out to other persons with mind, hearts and wills as well. Each person engulfed with their own background, personality and inclinations. Each person with his/her own fears, secrets and desires. But the fundemental difference that seperates them both - One who belongs to God's kingdom and the other who does not. The very existence of this other party proves the need for evangelism. The need to make clear what exactly this christian faith is about -- behind the facade of religiousity. Behind the illusion of blind faith. Behind the obstacles of agnosism. And for a clarity, the best way to do it is for someone who understands what the Gospel is and to preach it in whole to the other person, while in engagement of his mind, heart and will.

Effectively, if all Christians were sharing the gospel in where they were. If all were sensitive to the dire implications of the gospel message and realise the need to evangelise - YFC can be closed down. Its purpose would be defeated most defintely.
But such a scenario, is sadly idealistic.

Of course. This is not actually not about YFC. I'm not propagating a pro-yfc stand. YFC is after all, just a platform that creates opportunties for the gospel to be shared. What this is about, is really the commitment to sharing the gospel. Afterall, with all the distractions, desires, materials, challenges - ultimately, who remembers? And at the finality, whats the most important?

Everyone now, perhaps Christians even, probaly will find this an extremely difficult question to answer.


Maybe, because they are too busy deciding what to trade their soul for to even care about such a question.


"An unexamined life is not worth living." -- Socrates

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