Undercover

yesterday when i was having some 3 hours of free time in between, i went to the big 'study room' which has nice aircon, free seating tables and many power sources that ppl use to play games on their laptops n create noise pollution. while doing stuff on my laptop i was suddenly approached by a stranger.

he asked if i was free. he said he would like to share something with me. i didnt think about marketing goods or drug peddling. i guessed he was a poor depressed guy trying to get sth off his chest. And so his first sentence gave it off

"do you know about someone called Jesus?"

I decided to switch to undercover mode, acting as a nonchristian who has never read the bible or been to church. a chance to test his knowledge and his zeal for God. i told him i was a freethinker, and he believed. (even tho i had chrisitan name)

i tried to be as doubtful as i could, questioning everything he says that is unclear, has loopholes or sth to criticise about. but he so effectively answered my questions and put ideas across that in the end after about half an hour i was truly convinced and i agreed to make a prayer to 'accept Jesus into my life.' but doesnt mean anyone would be convinced by him. the character i took on was someone who isnt stubborn or resistant at all, but just need to understand the essentials and be convinced its worth my time.

real cool. and hes only been a christian for a year. he had been doing that often to stationary lone ppl around the campus during his free time, on his own accord. he will do great things for God next time.

it was a thrilling scenario where i get to experience what is it like being a totally secular teen who doesnt care anything about religion. i have never been thru that, so only now can i empathise with the countless freethinkers around me. and i realise the difficulties they face.

after the prayer, i revealed to him that i was a christian. immediately i felt such a relief cos i can finally take off that uncomfortable mask. i talked to him on a fellow christian level and it was so much more lighthearted.

i was under a big restriction - i had to pretend i knew nothing in the bible. and minimal knowledge on christianity. so i could only ask questions based on whatever he told me. much harder questions would come from those who know alot and can select their critic's pick. can even cross refer other verses that seem to contradict it.

from what i felt, after i agreed to accept the prayer, i was still far from being a full fledged christian. busy lifestyle and laziness or unwillingness to sacrifice time will pull me away. being unconvinced especially after i get to know more (ironically) could lead to marking the whole thing as a scam altogether, or simply not worth my time.

So i say, im really thankful i was brought up as a christian. Cos if i were to really be in my character's shoes, i doubt i would have made it to being a full time christian.