by Joo Yoon
During my time at Lighthouse Bible Church, there are countless things that I have learned, forgotten, re-learned to only forget again and then get rebuked by people like JR. But there are two mantras that have stuck with me these last two years and they are, “life is not about you” and “it’s the people, not the program.” Both of these statements are fairly obvious and no brainers. But why do we, as Christians find them so hard to do?
We acknowledge that life is not about us, and that we are called to be selfless, to put others before ourselves (Phil 2:3-4) and yet when push comes to shove, we will do what is best for ourselves. That happens because the love of God does not affect us the way it should, we choose not to get rid of our earthly desires and disobey what it says in Colossians 3. So then what is life about? Life is about serving and loving God and to do all things for His glory (1 Cor 10:31).
The second one, which is related, we would also acknowledge as true. We would agree that yes, we serve the church in various ministries to serve the people. Yet when we plan stuff, why is it that the programs take center stage and not what could be done to better help and serve the people in it? Or why is it that after a while we just go through the motions? One thing I really appreciated about College Staff, Cleaning and LKC is that each leader really placed an emphasis to make sure that did not happen for us. We were constantly reminded that we are serving people, brothers and sisters in Christ, people Christ chose to save. If that wasn’t enough to put things in perspective then I would be a liar as it says 1 John, for by serving the church I would claim to love God, but going through the motions would indicate I do not love my brothers, thus making me a liar.
These two statements basically come down to whether one believes in the passion of LBC, and what PJohn has been going through the last three weeks. How much do we love God and people? If we truly do, then our faith will be shown through our works. Everything else will naturally follow. Ultimately our love for God and people will drive us to be serve others, to strive for holiness, and to grow in truth and love, all things that God calls us to do. The last three years at LBC has been a tremendous joy as I was able to just learn the depths of God’s love and mercy and truth of His Word, becoming saved through the faithful teachings of the pastors and enjoying sweet fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. My experiences are something that I will never forget and will stick with me for the rest of my life. A big shoutout to my family at LBC, thank you for your love, encouragement, and challenges during my time in SD, I pray that God will use me in much the same way as I prepare to serve at LBCSJ. I pray that God will use you all mightily for His kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria!
What was your college major?
Management Science/Political Science
How long have you been at LBC? How long have you been a member?
3.5 years, member for 3.
What is one interesting thing about you that people don’t know?
I have grown one inch since 5th grade
What advice would you give to the underclassmen?
Love God, love people. Stop being lazy and lame. Form disciplines and convictions now to better serve the Lord and the church. 1 Timothy 4
What is your favorite Bible verse/passage, and why?
I can’t really decide…Philippians 1:3-6. It serves as a source of encouragement/rebuke. Encourages and reminds me that the path of sanctification is a long and arduous process but God will complete it in me. Rebukes for everytime I think I did something right or am growing, to not place the hope in myself but in God, realizing that even those things were not possible without God, that I could not love God if God hadn’t first loved me (1 John 4:19).
Or Romans 8:28. What an encouragement to know that God is in control of our good times, and even our hard times. That all of those things He orchestrated and placed in our lives for good, meaning that through our faithfulness and perseverance, the events will bring Him greater glory.