“Mr. Lin, I know someone who didn’t have to follow any rules. That person is Jesus Christ.”
I had been
praying for opportunities to talk about my faith, but didn’t imagine it would
be in this setting – in front of the entire 5th grade in the middle
of discussing the students’ behavior over the last few weeks of their
elementary school careers. So many times
in my past I had let these chances pass me by because of worry about people’s
perceptions of me and doubt in what I would say. I was now worried about my job, since this
was a public school setting. At the same
time, I was determined not to let the harbinger of my previous inaction win out
this time. Would I be able to
successfully answer this question in a way that would not endanger my job
security?
“I’m glad you brought that up. From a Christian perspective – and I’m a Christian – Jesus Christ DID have to follow rules. If you would like to hear my reason, you can stay here. If not, you are free to go back to your homerooms.”
(some students go
back to their rooms; the majority stay to hear my response)
“Christians believe that Jesus came to save all of us humans from our sins. The consequence of our sins is…”
Hmm, how do I put this?
‘Hell’ is something I was pretty sure I shouldn’t be saying in school.
“…to go somewhere we really don’t want to go after we die. Everyone understand?”
(laughter from my
students, who are hanging on my every word with rapt attention)
“Now, we all have different beliefs. However, Christians – and me – believe that Jesus changed places with us and died in a very painful way so we wouldn’t have to experience that sort of pain. Christians believe that this was His mission on Earth.”“If you aren’t a Christian, you believe that Jesus was just any human, and all humans are required to follow rules so He’d be the same as the rest of us in that way. However, if you’re a Christian, you can see that Jesus had to follow rules because before He died, He prayed to God, asking if there was any other way to complete his job here on Earth*. In other words, he was following directions!”
As I dismissed the students to their respective classrooms,
I was no longer worried about my job – God had not only given me the courage to
speak, but also put words in my mouth that I am confident do not place my job
at risk. Instead, I found myself hoping
that I was able to show that all people – even deity in earthly form – have
rules to follow. And, I hoped I
responded in a way that was represented my faith well. After all, as a Christian, “We are therefore
Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making an appeal through us.” (2
Corinthians 5:20a)
Thank you, God, for answering my prayer for opportunity - even if it wasn't in a way that I expected. I hope those that know me see me as a good reflection of You, despite my many imperfections.
*Then
Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane,
and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter
and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is
very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch[d] with me.” And
going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And
he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one
hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into
temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be
done.” ~ Matthew
26: 36-42
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