The pace of progress

Perseverance in adversity is a biblical virtue...and is also a Jewish virtue in particular.

Through history the Jewish people have endured poverty, segregation, rejection, and genocide....

In these times, I think we ought to learn from this spirit of perseverance, which is related to the virtue of patience. In the digital age we're used to instant gratification. Yet anything worth our time takes time. The Kingdom of God is not about instant gratification.

In light of this, true success isn't achieved by selling one's soul to gain temporary wealth and fame, but is found in a quietly humble and righteous life constructed of good decisions made daily...seemingly insignificant decisions that eventually build a lasting legacy of value.

In nature, great formations take time to develop...such as oak trees. In quiet confidence they grow, enduring the seasons, until someday they're able to provide shade. They grow at God's pace, not the world's pace...and so should we.

The masks we wear (or don't)

Though I've never been popular, I'll never change my personality for the sake of being liked. Even Christ wasn't liked by everyone, even He was criticized...so what do I expect? Consider who is popular in this world....

The world has tried to change me since childhood; often I was made fun of for my offbeat personality. In adulthood I am still the odd one out. Adults aren't as cruel as children in their treatment of those who are different -- at least not in the same way -- but still, most people and I just don't relate.

To this day I wear no social mask, nor a physical one that is really just another social one...and I suppose I am in good company, for the world hated Him first.

The highest calling

Satan and his minions may have beauty and wisdom, yet they lack love, the greatest of all qualities.

May I seek love above all else...for if love is the very essence of God, then surely beauty and wisdom shall be added to one who pursues the highest of callings, which encompasses the lesser virtues.

From this moment onward, may I live a life of love by the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Christianity > social Christianity

For a long time, Satan condemned me for my introverted personality and lack of social connections. Cultural Christianity (as opposed to genuine Christianity) seems to favor the social butterfly type. Introversion is seen as suspicious, a manifestation of selfishness.

However, I now believe that true fellowship is fellowship with God, regardless of how many friends one has. All I can do is be kind toward others, though that doesn't necessarily mean they will have a good opinion of me or want to be my friend. On the other hand, many social butterflies fill their schedules with events and shallow interactions, but none of their "friendships" have any depth...and they certainly don't take time to spend alone with God.

God is my best friend who will never reject me...and if loving God is enough, then I figure I am social enough.

Besides, many people choose their friendships based on superficial reasons. Beautiful women are common, yet beautiful character is rare....Sincerity of heart is also rare.

Christ was sincere. He wasn't a hypocrite, pretending to be who He wasn't....In fact, God hates hypocrisy.

However, many people claim to be Christians, but they are hypocrites because they don't sincerely love God. They just use His name to appear spiritual, or as a ticket to a social club. They are false Christians, and they are very common.

Satan envies God, because God is all that Satan is not; Satan also envies humanity because people have a chance at redemption that demons do not have. Just as an envious coworker will slander the object of his or her envy, Satan does the same to Christians. The Satanic attacks upon my mind regarding my looks, personality, mistakes, and whatever else will not stop on this side of eternity, but I can choose to ignore them from now on.