The World Without

Matthew 23:13-23

23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former

Bee's Thoughts:

I have heard that Christianity is not a religion. Why isn't it so? A religion is men looking for God to find their way to heaven by doing good works. Whereas, in Christianity, it is God looking for men to bring them to heaven because no good work can save them; it's God becoming a man to die on behalf of men for their sins.

I won't debate on that term, but it's also true that some Christians do unconsciously treat their faith as a religion, thinking that all their services to God can bring about salvation. I guess the difference is whether in what we do brings life and growth to ourselves and others. Even reading the bible or doing devotion can become a routine with no life if one isn't careful.

My friend's question to me this afternoon made me pondered hard. She asked me, "What is the difference that makes the difference?" - referring to my change of attitude that leads to a more contented and happy me, and therefore enables me to make some progress in my career and financial health compared to how I felt last year.

My reply was, "My 3 months of devotion time with God, letting His words encourage and transform me."

Yes, when my inner world is transformed it will lead to the transformation of my outer world. I see that change in me very clearly... which can also be seen and felt in how I relate with my colleagues at my new work place... "justice, mercy and faithfulness". I surprised myself at my own change actually. I hope I can be a good change agent and manager at my place of work; I hope to see good progress in the change I intend to make for my school by end of next month.


Dear Lord,
Thank You for the change You have made in my inner world. Thank You that this change has resulted in the change in my outer world in how I relate with my colleagues and people I know. I pray that my devotion time with You will continue so You can transform me daily. Let it never ever become just a mere religious practice or routine.

I pray that I will be a shinning light at my work place, so that my colleagues will see the difference between me and my predecessors. May your justice, mercy and faithfulness be seen through me.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.