Saturday, February 03, 2007

Mercy

Something happened at the KL/PJ SCF Leaders' Convention at the Methodist Boys' School (MBS) this morning that greatly disturbed me.

My friend, Pei Wern, the immediate past president of Pudu Girls' School's Christian Fellowship, was turned away at the registration counter because she was wearing jeans. The rules did not allow for jeans.

But the thing is, virtually the entire worship team was wearing jeans due to an error in communication!

And not only that, Michelle Chan was also wearing jeans. Michelle was the president of Assunta's CF in 2004 (my year) and was part of the Convention committee then. She then went to the MBS for Form Six, and was also present at last year's Convention. She, of all people, should have been aware of the dress code.

Mrs Lim Hean Hwa, one of the advisory teachers of the MBS's CF, explained her predicament to me; "If we let her in, then we'll have to do the same for others wearing jeans." And of course, they want to make sure they make a good impression so that the school will be more favourably disposed towards such events in the future.

But my contention is this: it's not fair to turn someone away, while others who have committed the same offence get in scot-free simply because they are part of the programme (for example the worship team) or because they are ex-students of the school who are helping out (like Michelle).

I'd put it this way:

Pardon one, pardon all
Or pardon not at all


When Jesus told the thief who hung beside Him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise," He tells that to every hanging criminal who turns to Him. Jesus practised no partiality, so why should we?

Besides, it is always better to err on the side of mercy and grace than that of legalism. As some would put it; when in doubt, obey the spirit of the law over its letter.

* * * * *


Bought this book from MPH today. Something which looks like a very promising read! (Can't say the same for the green book Shern Ren bought, though *wink*)

I like the idea that the DNA molecule is pictured on a stained glass motif on the front cover.

d'NA. DNA.

Who knows what the future holds?

Might this be my destiny?

1 comment:

Sivin Kit said...

wow ... looks like I missed the drama . Fascinating how an incident on "jeans" can serve as raw material for theological and/or ethical reflection.