Spreading like wildFIRE...

I'm sure a lot of us have heard about the news about churches being set on fire in Kuala Lumpur. One of it is even my friend's church. Because of these incidents, there have been rumors about the issue of the protest of the term "ALLAH" being used by non- Muslims being connected to these string of events, and the rumors are spreading like wildfire.

At first I didn't want to talk much about it but seeing how some of my brothers and sisters in Christ around are reacting, I think that I need to post this up as an encouragement and also a reminder as well. Of course, I'm imperfect and will definitely be wrong. These are just the thoughts running through my mind during all that has happened recently, and I really pray that I will be wise in my words; not just simply saying things that will do more harm than good.

The moment I first heard about this news, I was heart- broken. A deep grief just somehow came over me as I see the pictures of Metro Tabernacle after the fire. People around me have reacted in different ways. Some panicked, some feel sad, some were angry and some are afraid of what might happen to us.

With all the rumors circulating, especially the one that direct attention to our Muslim neighbours in this country, it is important for us to be very careful not put salt to the wound and cause more unnecessary conflicts because of our rash words. No matter how likely the rumor may seem to be connected, the culprits are still yet to be identified. If we were to start accusing already, what example are we setting? Even if we find out who the culprits are, let's not respond with hate but with love. We are humans, so it's natural for us to be angry, but in our anger do not sin.

James 1: 19- 20 says, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." So, as Christians in this time of distress, it is very important that we focus on the right things and not the wrong ones; to guard our tongues and not give in to the temptation to accuse or to express our anger in the wrong way. I'm seriously afraid of the incident of a Christian going around spreading rumors that may or may not be true, but definitely harmful for all, especially our peaceful country.

Satan is always trying to get a foothold on us, in one way or another. So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us focus on God and the life that God wants us to live. I really pray that as God's ambassadors on Earth, we will stand out for God and to stand firm on our foundation in Jesus Christ. Standing up for God doesn't mean that we fight in the way the world does. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6: 12)

Let us pray that all of us will put on the full armor of GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, we will be able to to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, TO STAND. (taken from Ephesians 6: 13) God bless all of us in this time of trouble. And when we pray for God to protect us, let us pray in faith and adoration for God, not with doubt in our hearts and fear following us everywhere we go.