The Tree. Pokok.

Few days ago, as I was evaluating my own life (I do that quite often), I was troubled with the thought that I'm not so "productive" as I used to be. Actually I realized this quite some time ago (as I said, I self evaluate frequently) but finally, after a great period of time, I found my answer.

Now let me first tell you about how "productive" I was previously. (Starting from when I first joined City Harvest Church)
... I get straight As in my exams.
... I finish my assignments on time with excellence.
... I can attend 2-3 cell groups a week and I never get bored.
... I can attend all the weekend services and still be excited for everyone of them.
... I serve my friends whenever I can. (Buy them food, help them carry their stuff etc)
... My family sees a major change in me. My mum was sooooo proud of me.
And the list goes on........

Basically, my capacity was great that time. And I was really walking under open heavens.

So what makes the difference between now and then?

*Jeng jeeng jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeng*

During those good old days, I was very on fire. Everyday, everything that I do is about GOD!

Things changed when I took the wrong step as my ministry and responsibilities were increasing.
When my responsibilities increased, I somewhat worry that I might not be able to do well in my studies. As a result of that.....
I shifted my focus.
I shifted my focus to my studies, I started to build on it but somehow I find myself not as effective as previously.
Then I find other areas of my life on fire too.
So all that I can do is to keep on putting off all the fires. I can no longer build and I need to fire fight all the time.

I'll give you a more in depth explanation with the cacat tree diagram below. Looking at this tree, the trunk and the roots(God) is the basic fundamental for the whole plant. The branches (basic areas in life) is the outcome and growth that is produced by the body of the tree.
So what I did previously was shifting my focus from God (the body of the tree) into other areas such as my studies (the branches of the tree).
So when this happened, I'm actually nurturing the branches of the tree. Now we don't need rocket science to know that water and fertilizers are to be given to the root.
Therefore, I did not only failed to build my studies(the branch), but other areas(other branches) died as well.

As I was spending time with Shirley today, she advised me to really use the years of my twenties for great visions and purposes. It's the prime time of our whole life. And sadly, this is also the time where people become self-centered and they start to live for their own dreams(building their life, career etc.) As a result of that, they chose to focus on the world where their so called dreams and visions lye and lay aside their great destiny with God. This is the best time for us to do things that is greater than our own dreams. Do not limit God by telling Him what is your desired little dreams and visions, you will never know what greater plans He has installed ahead of you.

Looking at my life today, I'm 19 going 20. And I'm leading 2 cell groups, I'm the youngest cell leader in church. Every week I travel to far away places such as Seri Kembangan and Cyberjaya to preach and lead the cell group and to spend time with my members, and right now I've even been sent for mission work overseas. I'm actually reaching out to help and touch lives in the world. How many people at my age can do this? If today I were to be an ordinary person who only wants to build my career and focus only on my studies, I'm sure all these will not take place.


If you're reading this post today, I just have something for you to ponder upon.
"Is there something out there in this world, greater than your own dreams and visions, even greater than your own life and perhaps you have missed it."