Narrow road VS Wide road

"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life - to God! - is vigourous and requires total attention" - Matt 7:13-14 (MSG)

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matt 7:13-14 (NIV)

Today, Ps Jeff gave us some questions/comments to ponder. My thoughts.


1) We will enjoy our work if it gives us a sense of permanent contribution

Leaving behind a Legacy - Isn't it true? There will always be a sense of satisfaction and ownership if we know that what we do can leave a legacy. My thoughts went to two girls which I "helped" sent to girls' home. Deep in me, I pray that it's a permanent change instead of a permanent scar that's left in their hearts. I guess... In the line of a community worker, we have opportunities to leave our footprints in people's lives. A challenge I gave myself is - How to leave a legacy that is positive?

Then it suddenly dawned on me that in order to impact positively, I have to be positive!

Joy.

2) We will enjoy our work if it is the right fit

Ps Jeff shared his testimony on how he was glad he was thankful for his ex classmates who helped him with his schoolwork during his Engineering days. At that moment, I thank God for Yisheng, Cedric and Geok Hong! They have helped me SO much during my Engineering days! If it weren't for them, I doubt I will get passed my graduation.

I was slow.. Very slow. It took me 3 semesters to realised how much Engineering was the worst fit for me. I thank God for that realization!!

3) Then after lunch, I made my way to Team Rally. Gosh.. it was a MARVELLOUS P&W! Again, God spoke to me the word - JOY. It kept ringing in my mind. Perhaps, it's because we were singing the song "I've got the joy, I've got the peace of mind, ....." that cause me to think of Joy. But I think what God is telling me is that with me seeing so many negativity of lives, I have become burdened unknowingly. With respect to the Gravity theory, it's always hard pulling up as compared to pulling down. Over the past few months of fire fighting in my worklife, I have forgotten what's it like to go slow, take a breather, smell the roses and be still before God.

Ps Jeff taught from Luke 2:52 about how Jesus grew continually.

Challenge to me is : Growth IS intentional!!! Do I think that I am growing or am I REALLY growing?

Question from Ps Jeff : What is the one thing we need to grow in?
Ans : Joy (immediate)

Question : When is it that I feel most close to God?
Ans: When I am on my way home from work. I love the journey home. The minute I step out of office, I will usually say a thanksgiving prayer. Then, I will put on my earphones and listen to P&W. Then I will walk and talk to God about my day. I will run through my whole day with Him and tell Him which part of the day I hate most. This is usually the time when God and I will converse. This is also usually the time when I receive rebukes from God. Heehee.. Sometimes, I will "fight" with God. Sometimes, I will try to justify for my actions. But question my shepherd ask me today is - What is required from us to cooperate with God to receive a Spiritual Breakthrough? Obedience. Is it easier to obey God or to struggle?

A decision has been made within my heart. If growth is intentional, I have to be intentional of keeping that joy and fire and passion within me ignited and burning! Two roads for me to choose - I will go for the Narrow one. There is no shortcut to God.

** refreshed **