The Opera Populaire

The term was thrown out to refer to all of us at the Third Place during Bible Study cum cell grp last nite. Though half-joking, I remembered being rather stunned when I 1st arrived at the Third Place 1 year ago to see the pastor with 1 pierced ear driving a motorbike, 1 of our guitarist oso sporting a pierced ears, a young married couple who challenged the gospel truths that I thot all professed Christians MUST agree with, a group of boys (& men) who fought over the pool table everytime the service ended and suaning sessions in the course of service. Kinda reminded me of the 12 apostles, I must say :) A bunch of rag-tag men, some unschooled and some "bad" in the eyes of society. But all (except one) had a heart to follow Jesus, the small and narrow path.

Talked to Yunling on the way home and we both agreed that sometimes we r shocked at the "deconstruction" and honest confessions of humanly struggles that went on during Bible Study. It even struck us at first as being "un-Christian". But over time, the Holy Spirit makes us realise that, at the core of these people's hearts is the acknowledgement the Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. When they challenge supposed gospel truths, they are not so much doubting as trying to be sure that what the leaders are feeding them is indeed what God has for them. After debating and later digesting, they always allow God to change their hearts, though perhaps it may not be as quickly as some of us may expect. But there will always be changes. We really admire them for being "real", openly admitting their weaknesses in their walk with God instead of putting on pious fronts as many of us followers of Christ, myself included, fall into the trap of doing.

So we came to the conclusion that, at times, we as followers of Christ really need to strip ourselves bare of those pretence of being "pious" and simply be ourselves: sinners who were only redeemed by God's infinite grace. I am glad God put me at the Third Place to realize this very simple, but actually profound fact: that God is really looking at our hearts at the end of the day. For this reason, I have always been uncomfortable abt the term "religion" when it comes to describing my faith. It's not a religion; it's a relationship with the Maker. So I was neva offended when ppl say to me,"Jenn, u r not religious." I hope not. Because God neva wants us to be "religious". God simply wants us to walk in His way, imperfect as we may be. And God wants to make use of our weaknesses for His greater purpose.

So, a toast to the politically incorrect Christians!