On the Christmas day, I went to Living Faith Presbyterian Church and heard the sermon from Pastor Andy. His message is refreshing and reminds me on my automatic tendencies.
First, I tend to glance too fast on the gospel that I forget on the significance of Jesus coming to earth as a man. He is God but humbles himself to become a man. It is not a one notch lower but many steps below who He is. Perhaps it is understandable for us to take one step lower, but to be treated lower than who we are is already challenging. But Jesus took it all the way, not only becoming a man but being born in a poor family. Not only that, He is obedient till death. A lot of us maybe obedient till the point that we want or to the point where it's uncomfortable. But Jesus is obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.
Second, when I realize on what Jesus has done for me, I respond wrongly. Instead of rejoicing on what He has done, I start asking myself on what I can do for Him. Well it sounds nice. But I need to be careful not to fall on the tendency of reciprocation in Asian culture where others' gift can become guilt and burden to pay back instead of dwelling on the generosity of the giver. Because at least I have seen many times where I want to be the generous side instead of becoming beneficiary. Or at least I want to be equal by paying back other people's kindness.
The problem is that we cannot pay back on what Jesus has done for us. So if I keep asking to be good enough, there is never a point in the future that I will be good enough. And again the focus is wrong if I dwell on myself instead of enjoying how great Jesus is and start a living full with joy and awe of Him.
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