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July this year is long, humid and boring.
The major incidents in our society every week created a heavy sense of frustration and powerlessness. Extensive appeals and peaceful marches have evolved into demonstrations, vents and violence because of the SAR Government’s indifference. In return the law enforcement authority seemed to react only by condemnation, defamation, arrest, collusion and evasion.
The best timing of dialogue between the government leaders and the general public had gone. The cornerstone of trust to the law enforcement had shaken. Every Hongkonger who cares about this city is sad, angry, fearful and worried.
Faith, hope, and love are the fundamental beliefs of Christian faith. Paul the apostle said: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love." (I Cor. 13:13a). This faith leads to the trust between man and the Creator as well as among people. When faithfulness is forfeited, people cannot live in peace.
Thus it is not easy to rebuild faithfulness and trust. When Jesus called the disciples and entrusted them with the mission of establishing the Church, what they needed was loyalty and faith to the Lord. At first, the disciples were attracted by the teachings and power of this young Rabbi. After living with Him for some time, they experienced His Words and deeds, deeply impressed by the power of His "powerlessness" through His humble service. What Jesus did was according to what He preached and He finally gave up his life on the cross and made a ransom for the people he loved.
A person is trusted because of what he said and what he did. Those losing his trustworthiness cannot stand up before others. They will be abandoned even though they got power in hand. If our mission is to serve and build life, we must follow the example of Jesus Christ. As "public servants" of the society, or the servant of the Lord in the church, we can earn trust and love from our "flock" only by our words and deeds.
Jesus set the best example of a servant leader:
1. He did what He said: Practicing all the truth He preached. (John 8:46)
2. He made himself nothing and lived with lay people: eating and talking with the sinners and tax collectors without discrimination. (Mark 2:16)
3. He acted in a bright and upright manner, playing no trick: Teaching people in the temple every day but being arrested at night. (Luke 22:53)
4. He did not give up anyone of His followers in the midst of danger: Loving the disciples to the end. (John 13:1)
5. He served humbly as a role model: Washing disciples’ feet even though He was the teacher. (John 13:14)
6. He showed genuine forgiveness to His enemy: Healing the high priest’s servant. (Luke 22:51)
7. He Knew the hardships of His mission and yet stepped forward: Drinking the cup and Father’s will was fulfilled. (Matt. 26:42)
8. He responded challenge and accusation with calmness: Not fighting back when being accused unreasonably. (Matt. 27:14)
9. He sacrificed himself for those He served: Hanging on the cross to bear the sin of mankind. (1 Pet. 2:24)
10. He brought true hope and comfort to the crowd: Giving peace to the disciples who closed the door tightly. (John 20:19)
"Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble." (Prov. 28:13-14)
"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." (1 Pet. 3:13-14)
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
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