Learning a New Language!

In my early years in this beautiful Land Down Under, I clung to some of my former ways of being. I was a Sri Lankan, full stop. I didn't want to change. In fact, I resisted change. When someone asked me how I was, rather than say 'Good, thanks' as Aussies do, I'd say 'Fine, thanks' as Sri Lankans would. When making a request, I'd use the word ''please' before the bid rather than tag a thank you at the end. Yes, I was a staunch Sri Lankan!

But … as the years passed, I must have changed! I was still a Sri Lankan at the core of my being. But I'd adapted into a new way of life. Australia soon became my home away from home and Australians are now my fellow countrymen. How blessed I am to live here! Now, if you ask me how I am, I'd smile and reply 'Good thanks' and add a 'How are you?' When asked whether I liked to have a cup of tea or coffee – I'd respond 'A cup of tea, thanks'. I've changed! I have a new vocabulary. I might even use Aussie slang like 'arvo' for afternoon or 'rellies' for relatives! I'm sure my much loved fellow Aussies are cheering!

In the last 25 years, God's challenge to me as a believer, is that I be transformed from the inside out. Unfortunately, spiritual formation doesn't occur as quickly as I'd hope - it's not like changing clothes or even changing my address. It is only the Holy Spirit who can transform me, but I need to be willing to corporate with Him. In order to cultivate right heart attitudes, I need to immerse myself in God's truth. I must also be ready to surrender my own needs, wants and desires. It's like learning a whole new language! 

In fact, it's a bit like me, an English speaker moving to Italy or France, to an area where English is not spoken. I will need to saturate myself in its culture and language so I can be proficient enough to live there and enjoy it.

I have discovered that as a believer, the language of my new country is Prayer, Thanksgiving and Joy.

Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer, thanks and Joy? I don't know about you, but when life is hard, my first response isn't thanksgiving. It's to whinge and whine. (Tut Tut, Anusha!) I look around at my circumstances, not up where Jesus sits at God's right hand. St Paul was in a prison cell when he wrote letters about joy! How did he do that? I think he learnt to focus on Jesus and eternity rather than the sparse bare ugly surrounds of his prison cell. Even if bound in chains, his spirit was free. And of course Jesus, the One to whom we owe our all, exemplified a life of sacrifice and purpose. 

Even joy! In the midst of suffering.

So what are some of the important aspects of this new culture in this new country?

1. Its culture is that of an unseen heavenly Kingdom where the light of Jesus shines bright.
2. It's primary language is praise and worship.
3. Thanksgiving is expected and practiced even in the midst of hard times.
4. God rules and reigns in this wonderful land and will continue to reign forever!
5. Love is the currency and love is the key to all spheres in this new land.
6. Trust and Rest in an unseen God is essential!
7. Leaders lead by serving others, not by lauding it over them!
8. Joy is the Flag flown high in this new country.
9. Generosity, kindness, forgiveness and gratitude abound.
10. Hope smiles from the far horizon, because its citizens know that the best is yet to come!

And so my friend, I do know that life can be hard. It sometimes has a habit of shaking us up like a lion attacking its prey! I grieve with you if you are in the midst of a tough season.  But, you and I know the truth. Let's walk together beyond the borders of our world and into this unique new land! Where hope sings sweet songs. Where Goodness, Truth and Beauty abound! The language is new and difficult to learn, but God promises to turn our mourning into dancing and our night into day. Come – let's venture forth. Let's cling tightly onto our faith. 

Let's raise our eyes to our Risen Saviour. 

He is our Hope and the true Light of the World!

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it.

Pursue the things over which Christ presides.

Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.

Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is.

See things from His perspective. Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG)