Friday, May 30, 2008

charlatan

I wasn't sure whether to title this as 'charlatan' or 'a little knowledge is a dangerous thing'. Finally decided on the short and sweet one.

I actually wrote an email today. Subject was related to the fact that if we, as Christians do not speak out, we will end up being like a charlatan so and so. The good friend called and said ... doesn't like the tone.

When the opportunity arise, it would be good to discuss further which part was the offensive part. Is it the part of associating us Christians with a charlatan or the part of not speaking up!

Lo Behold, this evening's lectures on Isaiah pointed out the fact that our salvation is closely related to the fact that as a Church, we are to uphold justice, and love our neighbours. Justice includes social justice. Now Social Justice means getting involved in the society we live in; ultimately means speaking up in public too!

This is where a little knowledge invariable is dangerous. First we must recognise our faults and repent. Repenting involves acknowledging ours (and our fellow-christians) faults. Behavourial psychologist said that we must vocalise, speak up our feelings and thoughts. Not speaking up means that we have had it buried deep inside, our heart, mind and soul.

So, if we marry them together, ah! that's why hymnals we sing, implore our Lord, to clean our hearts! Big question is : How can we keep our unrepented thoughts and feeling, inside and alongside, His Words, in our hearts. If we do not speak up, does it not make us charlatans too?

Speaking of that - Well, I said a four lettered word and it begins with the letter 's'. I was shooed by the most genteel of a lady! In addition, my mild mannered, long sufferring, kind souled pastor has started 'moulding' me by giving me opportunities to liturgy. It is simply because I have a little knowledge and at the tail end of mcs.
Sigh! Hallo I don't fit in. I cannot and will not conform! I definitely cannot shut my gap! I am the title! Another sigh!

Yes, yes, yes! I know I can't adopt Jonah's attitude, lest I get swallowed by a whale. But all I wanted and still wish to do, is stay in the background. Time, money and God permitting, attends some lectures and hear his Word! I am not asking for a lot, am I, my dear Saviour and Lord! Amen!