What we have is something different; IBA TAYO!

On the lift last Thursday, a colleague asked: "What's up for Friday?"
Then I smiled and answered: "Church day!:
"The whole day?" she curiously replied...

If you are a Christian, I know you certainly understand the excitement I have for Fridays (or Sundays on other parts of the world)... Church day is something that we all look forward to. Being with the family of God, the fellowship with one another and enjoying God's presence, praise and worship, the Word... It's different: IBA.

And if you are a non-Christian or haven't tried to join church activities or any ministry, I understand your curiosity. What is it like to spend a day in the church. What's so exciting about praying and listening to a preacher for an hour? It's seems different: IBA.

Being different from the rest doesn't always feel cool.
It is a constant struggle for Christians to live in this world surrounded by earthly things and temptations. People often think or identify you as weird as you sat on your desk while everyone is in the balcony, smoking.

During parties, you have iced tea or fresh juice and suddenly someone will say: C'mon, have some alcohol, man! And will look at you as if you are the most boring person alive.

It's not how you want people to see you, right?

And if what these people think about will matter to you, maybe... you will jump in and join the crowd.

But what we have is something different. IBA!

We do not belong to this world any more. We do not live for any of this earthly possessions. We do not hold on to what other people might think, what our managers would say or how our neighbours look at us as we walk carrying our Bible.

We do not please our friends by joining them on club, drinking all night. We not show love to our family by giving them the latest gadgets and expensive shoes. We do not measure success by what we have achieved in the workplace or the increment that we receive.

We are different. IBA tayo!

Since we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, changes begun. Its not overnight, but certainly, a transformation took place... and it's still happening today... and will continue as we transform from glory to glory.

We are different. IBA tayo. We received the sonship, we are the children of God... and we live for that. We live to give Him glory. We live to worship our God.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will. -- Romans 12:2 NIV

That makes the difference. Kaya IBA tayo.

Because we do not live according to the standards of this world, but according the will of the Lord.

And it doesn't end there. We have a purpose.

And by being different, we have to make a difference - by introducing Jesus to everyone...

Let people know what drives you to stay awake at night reading the Bible. Explain that worshipping isn't a boring thing and hearing the Word of God is not for nerds and weird people but for everyone.

If people will ask how we can stand 2-3 hours inside a church... tell them the joy it brought into your life. Share with them the peace that transcends into your whole being. The love of God that brought us salvation.

Let them know that you were once like them, embracing the world of vices, gambler, chain smoker, heavy drinker, liar, self-centered / career-oriented bachelor, a mistress, two-timer, cheater...

You've been there, sometimes, even worst.

Then, HE called you, cleanse you, transform you and introduces you to a totally different you.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 
-- 2 Corinthians 5:17


Kaya ngayon, IBA ka na. IBA na tayo.

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It don't mind being different when it comes to pleasing God and giving glory to His name. What about you?  
If you want to be different and IBA and you want to talk to someone about this, email me. KALI

*IBA - different