Spring 2009 - Issue 5

The Silversword: Home > Op-Ed > Opinion: God Doesn't Make Junk.

Opinion: God Doesn't Make Junk.

Darren Wong, Staff Writer

Through life we find out what we like, for example, relationships, clothes, video games, food, people, sports, cars, books, etc.

I feel that through it all, the value of being or trying to be accepted has gone up. Why? Whatever the case, this semester has been an irritating experience for a lot of people. I personally can say I have been affected by all this chaos. Specifically, I’ve noticed there has been a lot of drama related to acceptance.

Let me ask you a question: With whom did Jesus spend most of his time?

Once you read His words and the story of His life, you will understand. He dedicated His life not only to spreading God’s word, but healing the sick, helping the suffering, and generally trying to improve the state of society. In many ways, a major lesson of his life was that of acceptance.

We all have struggled with acceptance, leaving us at times lost, broken, and confused. We find ourselves, trying to do things to get accepted.

But for what? Just to get people to like you?

People who like you for shallow things are fake themselves; shallow things such as wearing revealing clothing for attention, having the best swagger, or possessing the latest “in” thing on the market. As I walk around campus, I see a live version of MTV going on. I see people trying and speaking in ways to be accepted and loved, but others gossiping and bad mouthing people behind their back, trying to be “cool.”

Where is the depth and truth in life if it's just shallow? Why even live for such a purpose? Life was meant to experience greatness, not created to inspire fakery. Each of us was given personality traits that define who we are, such as a face, a body, legs, arms, feet, height, the way we look, talk, see, and breathe. We are all unique.

I believe that there is a God who created you perfectly, and everything that is added is just a blessing. He created us and said we were "Good."

God doesn't make junk.

Ironically, one of the places where I most experience people obsessed with a false image rather than acceptance is the church. I never thought that I would have trouble with acceptance in a place of worship. Yet, aren't we as a “church body” — meaning all the religious denominations in the world — supposed to love everyone?  

How come it seems that people who aren’t churched understand people better?

I've been told I'm a very real and direct person. Well, damn straight. I believe this is one of the things that God has placed me to do.

Do you think within a church body there needs to be more depth, truth, and realness? I think so. I believe we need to move in that direction once again.

Anyway let’s get back to Jesus. Jesus spent most of His time with the lost, the broken, and the confused.

Why?

I believe He knew these people would be truthful about their problems. For example, if you get deep enough into peoples’ lives, no one is going to lie about the burdens they carry. There comes a point of breaking and telling the truth.

I feel that Jesus knew and understood people, and they in turn understood Him. There came a point where they would realize and know that He was the only one who would accept them for who they were — that when society shunned them, when words fell on deaf ears, when no one cared, when nothing could control and stop the nights of depression and tears, there was hope in Jesus.

They knew Jesus had something no one else could give them: love, hope, compassion and truth.

The world didn't understand him because of the things he did.

You were created to do great things. I believe each and everyone one of us is capable. But if there's blockage there, won't be an “able.” Be who you are supposed to be in God, and let God be who He is in you.