In February, I spent two weeks in Cambodia and paid a three-day visit to Angkor Wat during my stay there. The philosophy behind this temple shares many similarities with my belief in Jesus Christ.
Seek and be found
Before entering the temple, the main buildings of this architectural group, you need to walk through a 350 meters ramp way. During this time, you could look around and enjoy the temple from a distance.
This is pretty much like the stage when people first heard about Jesus Christ. One feels His grace and sees Him from far, but only when he comes closer can he makes acquaintance with God.
I was given chances to see God from far before following Jesus Christ. I learned several Bible stories at university, but I appreciated them as literature only; I discovered a Bible in the drawer of overseas hotels, but I think of it as western cultural presence; I visited churches during my travel, but it was out of curiosity.
I missed above opportunities to know God more until I finally determined to read His words, to go to Church on Sunday and to pray to Him. By doing so, I experience the presence of God and my understanding towards Him becomes deeper and deeper.
Drawn by loving-kindness
The end of the ramp way connects a long corridor that faces all directions. There are exquisite frescoes in each sides of the corridor, which are fascinating and make you linger on them for a long time.
After establishing a closer relationship with God, you will find His love is as splendid as the frescoes. More importantly, our Lord loves us with an everlasting love and draws us with loving-kindness.
I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for one year till now. Every time when I recalled my journey towards Him, I couldn’t help thinking the love that I have been freely given. That happened even before I converted to Jesus.
I still remembered how unmindful and impatient I was when my Christian friend preached gospel to me two years ago. However, thanks to God’s unfailing love and my friend’s patience, I was touched again and again by God’s words through my friend’s testimonies and humility.
Eventually, I’m a Christian now, which is all done by God’s grace!
Be a forceful man
After appreciating all the beautiful frescos, you need to climb an extremely steep stairway to reach the highest tower of the temple. The original step can fit only one foot. There is a risk of falling down if you’re not prudent enough.
This is like the way to the kingdom of heaven too! Christians do need to fight their way to our heavenly destination. For Jesus has said that small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7, versus 14)
As time is passing by, I’m getting uneasy with my Christian life. I feel time flies but I haven’t done things that a Christian is supposed to.
Last Sunday, I was asked three questions by my pastor. Do you know who Jesus is? Do you know why Jesus comes? Do you put God in the centre of your life?
I pondered upon those questions and found that I do not have a firm answer to any one of them. Suddenly, I realised that being a Christian is never about enjoying blessings and expecting a comfortable life.
Instead, it's always about Instead, it's always about continuing the process of knowing and loving God. It’s about rising up for the good fight, running the race that God wants us to, and keeping our faith towards Him!
As God has put in Matthew 11 versus 12 the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. I pray that God would guard my heart and equip me as a warrior who forces her way towards Him.
Cheng Xingyi (known as Cindy) was born and brought up in central China. Cindy enjoys travelling and reading history books. Cindy is inspired by talking with local people when travelling abroad experiencing different parts of the world, as well as herself.
Cheng Xingyi's previous articles may be found at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cindy-cheng.html