In Cambodia it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone’s home and especially before entering places of worship. This shows respect and portrays that you are entering sacred ground.
On Sunday, a pastor of a local Khmer church here made the point that if all Jesus did for us was die, that would be way more than enough. And yet we always ask him for things in such a way that portrays entitlement. The truth is that we deserve death but God is full of compassion and grace.
Here in Cambodia there are many rituals that go along with the religion of Buddhism, especially at different times in the year. (It my goal to understand Buddhism better so I can understand better. So if any one knows of a good book to read please let me know.) Right now we are in the middle of a spiritual holiday that lasts fifteen days called, “Bonn Pchum Ben.” It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors return to earth. People travel to pagodas (temples) to make offerings of food, incense and money to ease spirits’ burden.
I went and observed this today and it was definitely a new experience. We were able to talk to the monks (which was interesting because of my very limited Khmer), sit in the pagoda and watch the different ceremonies. What struck me was that there are so many rituals that people dutifully perform but they all seem so empty, out of obligation, and fear. I watched the monks eyes as they chanted and I did not see life, I saw…. nothing.
My heart broke as I kept thinking about Jesus, how he died for all of them and yet they had no idea. And all Jesus wants in return is their hearts and for them to know him. I also felt convicted and thought about all of times I have put off spending time with Jesus. But God also doesn’t want to guilt us into a relationship with him. God… sent his son to die for me and he does not desire me to be a slave to rituals, seeking to pay him back. The truth is there is nothing I could ever do that would amount to what he did for me. All he wants from me is to seek him. How freeing is that? And that is what inspires me to seek him more. My love is definitely not out of obligation but thankfulness…
In fearing God we do not need to live in fear of God. There is a huge difference. Rituals out of fear are rooted in guilt and not love. We need to learn how to fear and love God. We need to practice taking off our shoes and approach the thrown of the creator of the universe. This should affect the way we pray, not demanding things but praying for his will. I would love to see the trend of taking off shoes spread to churches in the States. I love the symbolism of coming humbly before God and literally showing him the respect he deserves and yet does not demand.
