Hard questions
"I sort of agree with Julian's comment but I think my reasoning is different from his," Sherman said.
"What's your reasoning?" I wanted to know.
"For me, the organic church is to be found WITHIN the institutional church even if the former doesn't always stand with the cause of the latter; it is nevertheless fiercely committed to the life of the institutional church. Hence, one mark of being a part of the organic church is a fierce commitment to the life of the institutional church; although it's just ONE mark."
"I have no commitment to the life of the institutional church... so how?"
"Erm...that's the part where you gotta deal with God, I suppose."
"Right."
"So if you were to gauge yourself by my definition, would you say that you are journeying with God?"
"If I were going to wonder whether I'm journeying with God, I wouldn't even bother trying to be a Christian. Why would you want to be a Christian when it makes you so insecure? You have to keep on worrying whether you're doing the right thing or doing enough... until the point that you worry whether you're really journeying with God or not. Sheesh... not worth it lah."
"Why do you actually want to be a Christian in the first place?"
"Because I believe God is real and He loves me and He calls me to partner with Him in the work of redemption and realising His kingdom on earth... something like that."
"That's quite apt... and how are you partnering with Him in the work of redemption and realising His kingdom on earth?"
"Why must you ask such hard questions?!"
"Because these are the questions that matter."
"It's by loving people and making a difference in my world, my sphere of influence."
"Loving people is not enough. You must base your love on kingdom principles."
"Of course lah. Doesn't that go without saying?"
"No, because the normal concept of 'love' is very different."
"Sure, because it's natural to look out for yourself. It's not called a dog-eat-dog world for nothing. But agape love is unnatural -- it's selfless and puts others above yourself. Gee, I cannot believe I'm saying all these things... so by-the-book!"
"Yeah... so un-Sunflower-like. Hahahah."