A Weekly Meditation of Pastor Chang (February 7, 2010)

<Futurology, Soothsaying, Fortunetelling, and Biblical Prophesy) (9)

Before saying anything about the future of China, it is necessary for us to talk about the past of China and the people first. The past history and culture may help us to reflect who we are now; and to predict and even to prophecy the future. Plus when we have the biblical understanding of God’s working principles, we may easily find out a trace of the future. Certainly, it is nothing to do with soothsaying or fortunetelling; for both are abominable before the sight of God. It seems that I am using certain principles of “futurology” and “the biblical prophesy.”  Yes. I believe it is part of the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord says, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.” (Mat. 24: 32.) In other words, by the past experience, seeing the present situation, then, we may predict the future.

Chinese people have many good characteristics and natures; I believe that they are all from God. Let me give several examples: A few days ago, Amy Wang, a church member from Flushing, emailed me a very famous popular song now in China, entitled, “Mom, China!”  The writer is a Chinese American, Timothy, who was born and raised up in China but now works in America. From this song, he regards China is “his mom” who gave him birth and raise him up. Such kind of passion for caring a person’s root, it is very nature and strong among Chinese people. It is very good. But unfortunately, such kind of passion in identifying oneself with China will be reduced 80% or more in the second and third overseas generation. It is different from Jewish people, wherever they go, their passion of identity is always strong no matter after how many generations.

Furthermore, Chinese always emphasize on strong family ties and relationships. Also Chinese love friendship. Yet, a common problem is that Chinese are poor in expressing them affectionately. Which means, generally speaking, Chinese are always very awkward in expressing their love or affections to their love ones. In compression with Americans, American people are easily to let their affections and love expressed. For example, it is very common, one can find a Chinese couple who have been married for 50 years and they never say any word, such as, “I love you” to each other. 

A few years ago, Rev. Lian-Te Cheng gave me a piece of information written by a Methodist missionary, Arthur H. Smith (1845 – 1932). He made a list of 27 points describing some major Chinese characteristics. Of course, they are both good and bad.

Now let me translate from Chinese language here for us as reference:

Very polite; saving face; Difficult to know them; Smart but not wise;

Do not like to get involved in other’s affairs; Strong and tough in life;

Good in filial piety; Quarrelsome; Being doubtful always;

Very frugal; No time concept; saying is different from thinking; Stubborn;

Very patience; Believe in good works for good rewards; Emphasize on relationship;

Difficult to keep promise; Working hard; Ambiguous in statement; Flexible;

Pride and bias; Easily set up a trap for oneself; Self-satisfactory;

Never pay attention on the public benefits; Choose goodness and follow well.

Besides these descriptions, allow me to add one more: “selfish” is another characteristics of Chinese. But, if anyone who is touched by Jesus Christ, his life will be totally transformed, such kind of person will be different from “the common” Chinese people. Which means: anyone who is in Christ will be a new creation. The reason that I cite these matters is for us to be reminded whatever the good we need to preserve; but, the bad part we need to be transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. If more Christians can be found in China, the entire world will be blessed more. To be continued…