Essay 1: My vision

Previous to describe about my vision, I would like to elucidate the difference between ‘Dream’ and ‘Vision’. This is due to a common definition in the Christian culture. While word ‘Dream’ means something that is completely related to one’s personal needs and desires, ‘Vision’ means God’s plan and guidance upon us. Many people talks about what kind of job they will get or what kind of social position they will hold when they are asked about their vision, but in my opinion, that’s just a tool or a vessel rather than an integral purpose. In addition, a specific future cannot be anticipated as a human, it seems not much important, compared to finding the purpose of life.

In this point of view, I found my vision in the Bible. It was not my private goal, but the general mission for all the Christians. In Mark 8:34 Jesus said “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” My vision is to deny myself, and follow the road of cross that Jesus have walked. Now I realize that this is the hardest and most essential quest in my whole life. Truth is always ironic. It is an unquestionable common sense that people must live for themselves, and moreover it even seems ridiculous to object that the intrinsic value inside of human is “Selfishness”.  I realize at every second that I cannot deny myself. This overwhelming calling makes me feel frustrated. However, again in the Bible, I could barely have hope. Faith isn’t accomplished by one’s ability or struggle. It is just consummated by God’s grace. Faith is not rooted in one’s will, but God’s. So what I can do is just following God’s words and always praying for his will’s fulfillment in my life.

In addition, I have a personal interest in some studies. I want to learn philosophy and history. The reason why is because they are interesting and I think these are very valuable. For philosophy, the idea and the worldview is the center of human, I believe it’s mandatory to know and understand about it. For history, it’s the story that God is creating by his sovereignty, thus we must know it clearly. These will be a great tool that can be used to serve God.