Pain, suffering and Christ follower

I have been doing triathlon for four years. Looking back, I changed quite a bit on my approach in how I train. In this season, I am working on more intense sessions. Time wise they are shorter but they are much more 'painful'.

I am sharing about this pain is because it relates to living a life as a Christian.

Most people often wonder why I train so hard. After all, it is much easier to sit back and watch tv. And to be honest, there are many times I have thoughts of not pushing this hard. It is a voluntarily pain embracing moment.

So why do I do it? To put it simply, it is the only way to get better (aka faster).

One professional Ironman Triathlete, Gordo, once said, "There is no easy way."

Indeed this mirror to being a Christian.

I am specifically talking about being an authentic servant (got this term from my friend's blog). I had many discussion about being authentic and about being a servant.

And it also dawned on me with my experience at Open Door, being servant has a much more cost.

It is such a paradox and if not counter-cultural to see why would someone die for someone else? The truth is that Christian will get persecuted because Jesus get persecuted (John 15:20, Matthew 5:11-12). The idea of following a faith that requires comforting and suffering is almost un-natural. Yet this is what we are call when we become the children of God (John 1:12-13).

So what does this mean practically...

Looking back at my experience at Open Door...right when they were serving the dinner, I could have hang back, stand by the corner and just wait until they were done. In fact, my group didn't have to be there until the dinner is done and then come in, do the games and leave. This is a program-focus thinking. Not loving people thinking. It was at that precise moment when I was standing there and there was a spot available for me to sit down and strike a conversation where serving begins.

What does it cost me? The cost to connect with others? Even when they are uncomfortable or 'suffering' because of clashing personalities. And I have to admit. I am not a very people person. This, however, is not an excuse for not going out and connect. After all, God didn't choose Moses because of his youth and his speaking skills. God can work through and will work through my weaknesses regardless (this is a more humbling experience!).

I think this is where being authentic and being a servant starts. It is to love those who I normally would not love. Not naturally. Not because I have to but rather this is who Jesus will go after. Among the marginalize and in the fringe of society. And as a Children of God, as a disciple of Christ, this is where I ought to be. Not duty but from the desire, compassion and love.

Despite my feelings to leave and be more comfortable, I have to remind myself, this is what Jesus would do. Jesus would never stay in His middle class house and lifestyle without a care for those who are in need. And during the 'suffering' and 'pain' this is where faith comes in. I have to discount my feelings (excellent blog post by Challies about this) and rely on the faith that God will continue to deliver. After all...it is may Your WILL be done. Not mine.