Change not the environment but you - May 2023

Some weeks ago, my friend gave me a book which has been the best seller among Korean Christians. I found a story in that book to share with you.

One day Rev Yu, the author of the book, was visited by a minister. This minister wanted to work for Rev Yu’s church because he wanted to be happy. From the conversation with that minister, Rev Yu found out he was called when he was a high school student, studied at a theological seminary, and worked for the church for a long time as a minister. That minister nearly begged to work for Rev Yu’s church even for just one year because he wanted to learn how to be a happy minister.

Rev Yu told the minister, “Jesus was with you when you were called. Jesus was with you when you studied at the theological seminary. Jesus was with you when you became a minister and worked for the church. You have been with Jesus for so long and if you were not happy during those times, how can you be happy at my church? How can I do such a thing that even Jesus couldn’t do?” After pondering for a while, he said thank you to Rev Yu and went away.

People tend to blame the surroundings around them. Even many Christians seem to think that if they changed their church, if they changed their family, friends, or colleagues they would be happy. However, it might be ourselves that should change. How about us? Look at Jesus in our hearts. Don’t leave him outside of our heart, knocking at the door. We should be happy with Him, and that is the essential part of our faith. He is the foundation of our happiness.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being with us. Please let us not forget it. Amen.