Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Shift Hong Kong
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • STUDY
  • FAITH
    • All
    • Bible
    • Discipleship
    • Prayer
    • Sin
    • Spiritual Practice
    • Theology

    Don’t Let Fear Take the Steering Wheel

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 5)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 4)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 3)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 2)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 1)

    More of Him, Less of Me

    You’ve Got a Friend

    3 Important Things You Should Know About Discipleship

    Discipleship Lessons from Star Wars

    Home

    Episode 26: Election, Free Will, and Flowers

    God Is Calling YOU to Rest (Part 2)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Should we still listen to Hillsong?

    Easter Origin: Bunnies & Eggs?

    Before Christ Rose

    Our Misconception of the Body

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Can Christians go to multiple churches?

    The Relationship Between Frugalism and Stewardship

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Rejoice (Part 3)

  • LIVING
    • All
    • Identity
    • Mental Health
    • Purpose
    • Work

    Home Is Where Your Heart Is

    Interview: Transformation from Pole Dancing

    The Power of Names

    In a Difficult Season in My Life, I Joined the Production Team

    Wisdom from a Baby

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 5)

    There’s Nothing Wrong With You

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 4)

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 3)

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 2)

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 2)

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 1)

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 1)

    Home

    Episode 25: What’s up with the education system?

    Our Misconception of the Body

    The Relationship Between Frugalism and Stewardship

    Home

    Episode 23: Why I changed my career

    What Consumes Us (Part 2)

    What Consumes Us (Part 1)

    Jesus and Minimalism

  • RELATIONSHIPS
    • All
    • Church
    • Dating
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • Singleness

    Home Is Where Your Heart Is

    In a Difficult Season in My Life, I Joined the Production Team

    Wisdom from a Baby

    Dating for Jesus**

    A Short Letter to the Tired Single

    3 Important Things You Should Know About Discipleship

    Home

    Episode 27: How do you find the right person? Questions on singleness, boundaries and friend zones

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 2)

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 1)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Can a Christian date a non-Christian, then convert him/her?

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Should we still listen to Hillsong?

    Home

    Episode 25: What’s up with the education system?

    Get Used to Different (Part 2)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Is cohabitation a sin?

    Before Saying “I Will”

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Need for Companionship

    Local Man Discovers Gift of Singleness, Calls Off Marriage*

    Get Used to Different (Part 1)

    Talking with Family Members About Mental Health (Part 3)

  • CULTURE
    • All
    • Evangelism
    • Justice
    • Social issues
    Our Christmas Collection

    Our Christmas Collection

    You’ve Got a Friend

    Discipleship Lessons from Star Wars

    Ethical Consumerism

    Easter Origin: Bunnies & Eggs?

    Get Used to Different (Part 2)

    Home

    Episode 24: All about Crypto, NFTs, and the Church

    What Consumes Us (Part 2)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Should Christians go to war?

    Home

    Episode 22: Enneagram Part Two

    What Consumes Us (Part 1)

    Jesus and Minimalism

    Home

    Episode 21: Enneagram Part One

    Get Used to Different (Part 1)

    Christian Cancel Culture: A Gospel for the Oppressors

    Christian Cancel Culture: A Gospel for the Oppressors

    Your Calling to Bring Shalom into a Deprived World

    Your Calling to Bring Shalom into a Deprived World

    Welcome to Shift Gear

    READY? SET… GO!

    READY? SET… GO!

    Home

    Episode 16: Cage homes and subdivided apartments, is this the reality of HK? // Ask Martin: Why does God elect some not to believe?

    Home

    Episode 14: How should we engage on social media? // Ask Martin: Would God’ve been more loving if He didn’t create anyone?

  • CREATIVE
    • All
    • Fiction
    • Inspiration
    • Poem
    • Satire

    12-STEP GRACE

    Interview: Transformation from Pole Dancing

    Our Christmas Collection

    Our Christmas Collection

    Dating for Jesus**

    Local Man Discovers Gift of Singleness, Calls Off Marriage*

    Why

    In The Whisper, pt2

    How Do I Get Inspired?

    Rejoice (Part 3)

    Rejoice (Part 2)

    Rejoice (Part 1)

    Loss

    Celebrating Creativity

    Baptism Numbers Skyrocket After Installation of Waterslide in Local Church*

    What God Says About Me

    In The Whisper

    Reppin’ Jesus on Social Media – How to Stay True in a World of Haters

  • PODCAST
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • STUDY
  • FAITH
    • All
    • Bible
    • Discipleship
    • Prayer
    • Sin
    • Spiritual Practice
    • Theology

    Don’t Let Fear Take the Steering Wheel

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 5)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 4)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 3)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 2)

    The Case for Shared Leadership (Part 1)

    More of Him, Less of Me

    You’ve Got a Friend

    3 Important Things You Should Know About Discipleship

    Discipleship Lessons from Star Wars

    Home

    Episode 26: Election, Free Will, and Flowers

    God Is Calling YOU to Rest (Part 2)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Should we still listen to Hillsong?

    Easter Origin: Bunnies & Eggs?

    Before Christ Rose

    Our Misconception of the Body

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Can Christians go to multiple churches?

    The Relationship Between Frugalism and Stewardship

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Rejoice (Part 3)

  • LIVING
    • All
    • Identity
    • Mental Health
    • Purpose
    • Work

    Home Is Where Your Heart Is

    Interview: Transformation from Pole Dancing

    The Power of Names

    In a Difficult Season in My Life, I Joined the Production Team

    Wisdom from a Baby

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 5)

    There’s Nothing Wrong With You

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 4)

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 3)

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 2)

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 2)

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 1)

    LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 1)

    Home

    Episode 25: What’s up with the education system?

    Our Misconception of the Body

    The Relationship Between Frugalism and Stewardship

    Home

    Episode 23: Why I changed my career

    What Consumes Us (Part 2)

    What Consumes Us (Part 1)

    Jesus and Minimalism

  • RELATIONSHIPS
    • All
    • Church
    • Dating
    • Family
    • Marriage
    • Singleness

    Home Is Where Your Heart Is

    In a Difficult Season in My Life, I Joined the Production Team

    Wisdom from a Baby

    Dating for Jesus**

    A Short Letter to the Tired Single

    3 Important Things You Should Know About Discipleship

    Home

    Episode 27: How do you find the right person? Questions on singleness, boundaries and friend zones

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 2)

    The Addiction You Didn’t Know You Had (Part 1)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Can a Christian date a non-Christian, then convert him/her?

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Should we still listen to Hillsong?

    Home

    Episode 25: What’s up with the education system?

    Get Used to Different (Part 2)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Is cohabitation a sin?

    Before Saying “I Will”

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Need for Companionship

    Local Man Discovers Gift of Singleness, Calls Off Marriage*

    Get Used to Different (Part 1)

    Talking with Family Members About Mental Health (Part 3)

  • CULTURE
    • All
    • Evangelism
    • Justice
    • Social issues
    Our Christmas Collection

    Our Christmas Collection

    You’ve Got a Friend

    Discipleship Lessons from Star Wars

    Ethical Consumerism

    Easter Origin: Bunnies & Eggs?

    Get Used to Different (Part 2)

    Home

    Episode 24: All about Crypto, NFTs, and the Church

    What Consumes Us (Part 2)

    Is metaverse or VR church a real church?

    Should Christians go to war?

    Home

    Episode 22: Enneagram Part Two

    What Consumes Us (Part 1)

    Jesus and Minimalism

    Home

    Episode 21: Enneagram Part One

    Get Used to Different (Part 1)

    Christian Cancel Culture: A Gospel for the Oppressors

    Christian Cancel Culture: A Gospel for the Oppressors

    Your Calling to Bring Shalom into a Deprived World

    Your Calling to Bring Shalom into a Deprived World

    Welcome to Shift Gear

    READY? SET… GO!

    READY? SET… GO!

    Home

    Episode 16: Cage homes and subdivided apartments, is this the reality of HK? // Ask Martin: Why does God elect some not to believe?

    Home

    Episode 14: How should we engage on social media? // Ask Martin: Would God’ve been more loving if He didn’t create anyone?

  • CREATIVE
    • All
    • Fiction
    • Inspiration
    • Poem
    • Satire

    12-STEP GRACE

    Interview: Transformation from Pole Dancing

    Our Christmas Collection

    Our Christmas Collection

    Dating for Jesus**

    Local Man Discovers Gift of Singleness, Calls Off Marriage*

    Why

    In The Whisper, pt2

    How Do I Get Inspired?

    Rejoice (Part 3)

    Rejoice (Part 2)

    Rejoice (Part 1)

    Loss

    Celebrating Creativity

    Baptism Numbers Skyrocket After Installation of Waterslide in Local Church*

    What God Says About Me

    In The Whisper

    Reppin’ Jesus on Social Media – How to Stay True in a World of Haters

  • PODCAST
No Result
View All Result
Shift Hong Kong
No Result
View All Result

LET THERE BE LOVE — on Christian Veganism (Part 5)

Ωmega: Conclusion (Kingdom Calling)

Damien Clay by Damien Clay
2022/08/02
in Everyday Living, Purpose
0

DISCLAIMER: The following only represents the views of the author and does not reflect the views of Island ECC.

—

(Continued from Part 4)

For many people, few things are as enraging as witnessing injustice—no matter how tame a temper the Lord may have blessed them with. Christians and vegans alike, and perhaps doubly so Christian vegans, are sometimes perceived as being arrogant. They are also often accused of pushing their beliefs onto (or rather, “down the throats” of) others. The truth is, change can be scary and uncomfortable. Some people may feel judged by those who undergo or prescribe it (since doing so implies that there is something wrong or amiss with the current state of things). Others may become defensive because they are being reminded of a sense of unease they normally keep buried deep within themselves, far from confrontation. As we endeavor to champion change, it is inevitable we will encounter pushback. People will resist change and attempt to delay or avert it. This resistance, combined with the urgency that motivates our active advocating, risks leading us to fiery encounters with others that may leave both parties feeling discouraged or misunderstood—if we fail to keep God’s goodness well in sight, that is. Tough conversations are sometimes needed. Still, however much sadness, indignation, or disappointment we feel overcome with, it is important for us to hold on to His love, mercy, and compassion as we tackle the ills of our fallen world. Along our walk with Christ, we are likely to experience moments of righteous anger. Unlike the anger James warns against (James 1.19-20), righteous anger reflects our offense at things not of God (such as in Proverbs 6.16-19 ESV). But most importantly, because it stems from love, righteous anger does not hurt. Let us use this feeling as fodder to better serve His kingdom, rather than being tricked down lanes of divisive strife, frustration, or judgment.

 

… however much sadness, indignation, or disappointment we feel overcome with, it is important for us to hold on to His love, mercy, and compassion as we tackle the ills of our fallen world.

 

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12.21 NIV)

 

Our choices matter. Society floods us with them to the point of overwhelm. Every day we must use our hard-earned Christian money to cast dollar ‘votes,’ each according to our values and beliefs, no matter how small our mental bandwidth or how obscured the truths behind the options offered us are. (No wonder we’re stressed out.) And because numbers are all that matter to corporations, our daily choices as consumers are a direct action that funds one thing over another, thus sponsoring its continued existence according to profits. With every purchase, we either act out our faith or shy away from it. Even if we strive for the former, all of us do a bit of both. Often, these split-second decisions are the product of our overall mindfulness, understanding, and background. It is incumbent upon us to evaluate our choices and their cost on the Creation, and to educate ourselves on what they truly entail. Moving the needle toward a more Shalom-like alignment requires discipline and accountability, as does our quest to become more Christ-like. The concept of Shalom is what dreams are made of, especially to Christian vegans. The Hebrew word means peace. Peace between all men, between men and animals, between earthlings and the earth—all things reconciled to God in favor of complete harmony, wholeness, and prosperity. (Hosea 2.18, Isaiah 11.6, Isaiah 65.25) Like the word Aloha, it can also be used to mean both hello and goodbye, which points us back to Christ (our Prince of Peace!) as the beginning and the end, the alpha and the omega, and the gift through which God brings us back to Him.

 

… because numbers are all that matter to corporations, our daily choices as consumers are a direct action that funds one thing over another, thus sponsoring its continued existence according to profits. With every purchase, we either act out our faith or shy away from it.

 

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life […] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith […]” (2 Peter 1.3-5 NIV)

 

Kingdom Vision          As in the garden of Eden, life in the restored earth of Christ’s New Creation will be a vegan one, in accordance with the standards of God’s ideal. We, as Christians tasked to serve the glory of God, are encouraged to lead lives of active faith governed by love. Our choices and actions matter today. Although we dwell in a fallen world, we must begin to act according to our New Nature, working to overcome darkness with His light. We should live in anticipation of what is to come rather than by the lower standards of a sinful world. Instead of choosing to live in apathy, we can work to mold our present day after the perfect, loving standards of our God. Let ours be a generation that labors for radical change—a generation for redemption. The world of tomorrow, that of our children and of their children, is our responsibility. Let our approach to Dominion, Stewardship, and Righteousness reflect the unified Vision of one body centered on Jesus Christ. Let our plates be filled to honor life over death, that we may say grace for His blessing rather than forgiveness. Let us go through life as beacons of God’s Love, Mercy, and Compassion—treating God’s creatures, creation, and our fellow men as He would have us do. The day of His return is near (Romans 13.11-14) and we must hurry, lest we be caught off-guard, as were the foolish in Matthew’s parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25.1-13). “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

 

The world of tomorrow, that of our children and of their children, is our responsibility. Let our approach to Dominion, Stewardship, and Righteousness reflect the unified Vision of one body centered on Jesus Christ.

 

Soon, He will separate sheep and goats according to the deeds revealing of our hearts. (Matthew 25.34-46) “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” (Matthew 25.45) As a Christian vegan, my takeaway is this: how we treat God’s Creation is how we treat God, and so to love God well is also to love His Creation well.

 

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12.48 NIV)

 

——

For practical tips on vegan living, check out the PDF guide linked below!
Damien’s CHRISTIAN VEGAN GUIDE

Damien Clay

Damien Clay

A fiction, poetry, and content writer who has considered Island ECC ‘home’ for nearly a decade. Damien enjoys nature walks, movie marathons, attempting to exhaust HK’s ever growing plant-based scene, and taste-testing unusual food pairings. // Favorite book: Sometimes A Great Notion, by Ken Kesey

Related Posts

Family

Home Is Where Your Heart Is

by Hugo Chow
February 8, 2023
Identity

Interview: Transformation from Pole Dancing

by Carrie L.
January 17, 2023

© 2021 Island ECC – A Dynamic English Speaking International Church in Hong Kong

  • About
  • Island ECC
  • Contact
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Spotify
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Study
  • Faith
  • Living
  • Relationships
  • Culture
  • Creative
  • Podcast

© 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
-
00:00
00:00

Queue

Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00