Last year one short essay of mine, entitled "Being Made a Spectacle", appeared in this corner of our webpage. My main point at that time was something like this: each one of us in this world has a part in this universal scene. Therefore, one must do and fulfill his/her part, namely, he or she should appear on the stage and come off the stage both at the right time and at the right place. That writing was an encouragement and also a very positive approach toward one's life. At the present I have further considerations concerning the same topic ---- "A Spectacle".

During the visitation to the churches in East Malaysia at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, I really enjoyed every moment of the blending with the saints there. Many things there impressed me very much. One thing, in particular, is that the saints there are joyful all the time, either in the meeting or at home. For instance, they used to sing some new songs with action, i.e. singing and dancing at the same time. As an old brother, I thought at first that this kind of activity is somewhat childish, like those singing and dancing in the kindergarten or in the elementary grades. So in the beginning I just sat back singing with them, as well as watching and enjoying their playing. Gradually I started clapping my hands to the rhythm too. Suddenly in a moment, as if I had been struck by an electric spark, I joined in their troop. I really did not know whether I was pulled into their midst or jumped into the mighty flow. But it was not important to know how or why it happened this way. Rather, it is important that I was not a spectator but one of them, and lost myself in the flow. During that period I might say that I experienced an ecstasy of delight, even being beside myself (2 Cor. 5:13). Owing to this, everyone else around me was really moved and surprised, and also became extremely delighted.

What is the significance of behaving like this? Probably we may link this to the verses in 2 Cor. 4:10-12, that is, I die, you may live and give thanks and glory to God. In other words, in an extraordinary situation one may be totally oblivious of self existence, yet this would have a noble purpose, namely, to make others happy, joyful, living, young and fresh, and also let others feel that life is more meaningful. Isn't this great? Isn't this worthy and valuable? Surely, this could be the healthiest church life we would hope for.

Our entire life in this world may be likened to a stage. Definitely, we should play our part faithfully and prudently. The Lord's living, when He was on this earth, was truly our pattern to follow --- just supplying and ministering life to others with the principle of "I die that you may live". No doubt, this is also the true meaning of love.

I would like to practice this starting from myself, then with my own family, and hopefully, see it spreading over our whole church life. Meanwhile, I know this will not work out with my own "old man", rather, the Lord must live Himself out through the "renewed me". May the Lord be merciful to me and make Galatians 2:20 be realized in me. Through His death and resurrection I may fully enjoy and apply Him as the All-Inclusive Substitute. While performing my portion in the spectacle, may I supply the life to others.

Bro. Joseph