The school does not allow male students (specifically undergraduates) to grow their hair long or grow beards and mustaches. My hair about eight inches long. So when I approached the one in charge of taking ID pictures, I was told I can't have my photo taken because of my hair.
I played the double-agent card.
I told her I am also a member of the faculty of the university.
She told me I am also a student so I should have my hair cut. Shortly after, she snapped that I can have my photo taken.
But I have to wait in line.
I left. The long line was the perfect alibi for leaving. And my seemingly busy schedule would further support my action. But what the ID-girl said left a sting in my mind.
Some weeks after that, one of the members of the faculty of our department asked me if the university allows male teachers to grow their hair long.
Again, I played the double-agent card.
I told him I am also a graduate student.
That was when I started thinking more about why I wanted to get both a faculty and a student ID. I realized I need my faculty ID to gain for myself more access and "power" inside the campus. And my student ID? I need it to get discounts.
This made me reflect - on life, on being a Christian. We love to play the double-agent card. We tend to switch from one side to the other depending on which one benefits us. We boldly claim all the blessings of being a Christian. But when we are called to step out of our comfort zones, we cower away.
Remember the story about the bats who were caught in the middle of a war between mammals and birds? The bats could not decide which side they are on. And so they were caught right in the middle with no way out.
In life, we need to be bold and steadfast. As Christians, we should also be bold and steadfast.
"So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth" - Revelation 3:16 NIV