Every difficulty and challenge in life forces us to make different choices, and for many followers of Christ throughout the ages, each time is a choice between going or staying.
During the past two or three days of this retreat, we emphasized that life on earth is akin to a pilgrimage in this world. Every journey should bring us rich experiences that we can enjoy. However, life in this world is full of challenges. How do we resolve the contradictions within? The key lies in whether we perceive the hardships of this world as “calamities” given by God or as opportunities granted by Him for our “self-improvement.”
A mature and successful Olympic athlete does not view daily training as unbearable torture, but is grateful for the opportunity to receive training and improve his skills and standards to achieve greater excellence and perfection. Without this mindset, the athlete would not be able to surpass himself, let alone compete with others.
As pilgrims in this world and followers of Christ, we must adopt this same mindset, or more precisely, see things with the eyes of faith, that allows us to face life’s challenges fearlessly, thereby reaching the “perfect” state that God has set for us and ultimately receiving the crown of life, which is eternal life. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
It is impossible! How can we, as humans, be expected to be as perfect as our Heavenly Father? Indeed, for humans, it is impossible, but for God, all things are possible!
This is also the will of the Father! Jesus became man, uniting His flawless divinity with sinful humanity, thus elevating humanity to divinity.
This demonstrates the depth of God’s love for us, which surpasses all imagination!
Therefore, the primary purpose of life on earth is a journey toward “perfection” in God. All the trials and tribulations we encounter along the way serve as stepping stones on our path to holiness.
However, when Jesus gradually raised the expectations for His disciples, some chose to give up, feeling that His demands were unreasonable, absurd, too difficult, or too harsh. In fact, on one occasion, when Jesus was teaching about eating His body and drinking His blood, which once again raised the bar, many of His disciples said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” (John 6:60). From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer went about with Him (John 6:66). Then Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” (John 6:67).
Indeed, choosing to persevere is not easy. It requires strong faith and hope, as well as the determination to endure challenges and difficulties. Only then can we reach our destination on this earthly pilgrimage and receive the crown of eternal life.
We must recognize that while the cost of perseverance is high, the cost of giving up is even higher! It is not up to us to set the threshold, unless we choose not to be Christians at all, but whether we accept God’s invitation and His assistance on this journey is entirely our choice.
Reflection
Do you also feel that the teachings and demands of Jesus are too difficult to accept? Have you ever considered giving up or even leaving Jesus?
If you accept Jesus’ teachings, have you actually put them into practice? What obstacles are preventing you from doing so?
Did your heart ache when you heard Jesus ask His beloved twelve disciples, “Do you also wish to go away?” Do you feel the pain God felt when He saw so many of His children leave Him?
Today’s Prayer
Lord, God, thank You for allowing me to understand Your expectations for me more deeply today, as well as the meaning and struggles behind them. Even more so, thank You for letting me feel Your profound love for me.
Please tell me, how many times have I broken Your heart and turned away from You. I cannot imagine the pain You endure every time I choose to leave You and make decisions that wound Your heart.
Abba Father! I don’t want this to happen again! Please help me humbly accept the purpose of my life that You have lovingly planned for me and the trials You allow me to face. Please do not let me be self-centred anymore, and let You witness my departure once again and suffer from the pain I inflict upon You!
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Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
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Theme Music:
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“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria