Today Singapore celebrates 45th National Day. We are grateful to God for the many blessings that He has bestowed upon this nation. In terms of economic progress, we have achieved far ahead of our neighbouring countries. I hope this wealth effect triggers down to people from the lower strata of our society who find hard to catch up with high cost of living here. We also must be mindful not to become arrogant as a result of our success. (Psalm 75:7- It is God who judges; He brings one down, He exalts another)
People including our leaders are now trying to coin new Cs for ‘Singapore Dream’ to include some non-material goals in life such as consideration and charity. The current 5 Cs that the Singaporeans are familiar with are too 'materialistic' for one to utter aloud proudly.
As for myself, I do not want to aim for so many Cs in my life but just the 3Cs below will do:-
“Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into the temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” (I Timothy 6: 6-9)
CONTENTMENT
(Definition: pleased with situation, satisfied.)
One of the greatest evils in a materialistic society is the culture of greed. We can fall into the trap of non-ending wants in our lives that caused us unnecessary stresses and broken relationships. Contentment will free our energy and time from reckless worldly pursuits, and we will have more priceless peace and joy in our hearts.
”Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
COMPASSION
(Definition: A strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering of others and a desire to help them.)
Compassion is a natural progression from contentment. We can channel our time and energy free up once we are contented with lives, and to be compassionate towards others.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)
CARE
(Definition: The process of or responsibility for protecting and giving special attention to someone or something.)
Care for one another is the culminating effect when we have contentment and compassion. It represents the acting out part. We put our desires to help into practice by sharing with others rather than keep all blessings to ourselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment