Title: To the young people who love
To young people who love / Romans 12:2
Before I give any advice to the young people I love who will be the protagonists of the 21st century, first of all, as one of my seniors, I would like to say that I have passed on the shameful traditions of 'false', 'selfishness', 'greed', 'conflict' and 'confrontation'. I am sorry and I feel sorry for you. However, I think that darkness and despair promise light and hope. Now, as I look back on my life as a lackluster person, I would like to offer some advice to the young people I love.
First, I want you to live ‘backwards’. I'm not saying you have to live with hatred and confrontation. When I was young, I lived against North Korea's policy of oppression of Christianity, when I was a college student, I lived against the political and social currents of corruption, and after returning to Korea after studying abroad, I lived against the military government's policy of obstructing Sunday holy water. And it has been living against the vested political currents. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Third, I hope to live ‘adventureally’. Whether it was when I crossed the 38th parallel when I was 11 by myself, or when I went to the United States by boat with $100 to study while earning money for 12 years, I've been adventurously living my life out of control. So I've been dreaming of flying all my life and I love to try anything, any sport, everything. That's why other people gave me the nickname 'Magharius, who does anything', 'Maggarius' or 'Red Toma', who goes wherever I go. “Faith is the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Fourth, I hope to live 'optimistically'. When you look at the ground or look at yourself, you become pessimistic. But if you look to the sky or look to the Lord, you become optimistic. No matter how lonely or sad or painful or painful, I did not cry and looked up to the sky and lived optimistically. I didn't feel anxious or afraid when I was arrested and interrogated in the people's fear of Namsan, or my passport and belongings were stolen while traveling. Sometimes I enjoyed it. I thank God for giving me such a disposition. “Do not be afraid, do not be dismayed” (Isaiah 41:10).
Fifth, I hope to live in harmony with cooperation. I learned this a little late. I came to like, respect, and love the Japanese, North Koreans, and blacks I hated, and I became friendly with people of different races, cultures, and religions, and I became friendly with people of different denominations and theology. On a KBS program, I even said that the person I admire is Buddhist monk Falun. Now, little by little, living in harmony and cooperation with almost everyone. “Peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).
Seventh, I hope you enjoy listening to ‘classical music’. I love, love and enjoy classical music since I was in college. When I was studying at home, I always listened to classical music. Classical music made my heart pure and joyful. We all know that classical music makes plants and animals happy and uplifting. Even now, when I sit at my desk and prepare a sermon, I listen to classical music and gospel chants. Even now, I am writing this while listening to Yunkyung Heo’s gospel chants. “I am coming to the Lord and make me new.”
Eighth, I hope to live while loving ‘mountains, fields, rivers, seas, and nature’. I have loved mountains since I was in high school. I climbed Baekundae countless times in spring summer autumn winter. As I climbed the mountain, I loved the wild chrysanthemums and cosmos that bloomed along the roadside. I can't tell you how happy I felt when I lay down in a cosmos field and looked up at the blue sky during my military service. I climbed Seoraksan five times last summer, autumn and winter. And when you see the sea, you jump in. I always pick up trash when I walk in the mountains and by the sea. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains” (Psalm 121:1).
Ninth, I hope to live while 'looking at the sky'. Life is a sleep. The life on earth today is a life that prepares for an eternal life connected with heaven. All our ancestors of faith lived as foreigners and strangers on earth, looking at their hometown in heaven. Yu Gwan-sun, Son Yang-won, and Jang Ki-ryeo all prepared for eternity by living their lives on this earth worthy of their lives. “I look forward to the coming of my Lord with tears in my eyes, day and night. Jesus who said to come again when he left, oh Lord, will you always come?” I hope you all live an eternal life connected with heaven from now on.
Dear young people, we live a short and valuable life that we only live once. It is a life that is lacking and broken, but it is a precious and noble life. It is the life we live, but it is the life that God allows us to live. May you value your life as noble and honorable. “What is man, that you think of him, and what is the Son of man, that you counsel him? You have made him a little lower than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:4,5). . We compared our lives to drawings on white paper, to the various vessels in a large house, and to parts of the temple where God would dwell. If you draw a wrong picture, you can erase it with the tears of repentance and the blood of the cross. If the vessel is broken, it can be molded again by the hands of God who is the potter. If our bodies and souls become so dirty that we cannot receive the Lord, we just need to burn them with the fire of the Holy Spirit. May God's grace, love and blessings be with you. I love you all.