Misconceptions

I got this article from the paper "Today" (21 Oct 2005).


'During the question-answer round of the recent Miss International pageant, Miss Philippines Lara Quigaman was asked what she felt about people typecasting Filipinos as nanies.

She replid, "I take no offence in being typecast as a nanny. But I do take offence that the educated people of the world have somehow degraded the true sense and meaning of what a nanny is. Let me tell you what it is.

She is someone who gives more than she takes. She is someone you trust to look after the people most precious to you - your child, the elderly and yourself. She is the one who has made a living out of caring for and loving other people." '


It's true.. as I reflect on this article. I realised how different the same words are to us people today. At times, we (a general societal 'we', not necessary my view) take unconscious glee in putting down words, whilst expanding the meaning of certain words to justify the rather grey values of civilization today.

For example, words that modern yuppies tend to put down are "virginity" "submission" "honour" "God" "patriotism" "politician" and

words that are twisted and meanings expanded in order to justify the "me, myself and I" values are words like "freedom" "choice" "sex" "liberty"


Actually, when one thinks historically about it. The golden age of the Roman civilization and it's decline - it's decline being precepted by debauchery etc.. I just wonder whether we are now experiencing it. So much has changed, in the way we think and act and perceive, since just a century ago. What has once been taboo, is now being glorified as hip. And values that once has been treasured, is now deemed as dull and unattractive and 'won't you get on with the times?'

I've since learnt and even delight in an aversion of being common with "the rest" of the world. There is nothing to boast about if one is as common as mud. (The Word says our righteousness is as filthy rags) I've taken pride in not being and being lumped together with the masses - a one in the crowd. It's boring! Get a life, the world does not revolve around one's pleasure only.

Some people like to be cynical - it makes them feel wise. I suppose I'll rather keep my ideals and be a wide-eyed child to the beauties of the world, and the positive in every situation. I pray that I'll be like that by His grace. Jesus did tell us to be "as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves"

Some shows like to portray Christians as goody-two-shoes.. like it's something bad. It doesn't mean that just because we don't sting means we can't. It's not about being nice, having a good image.. it's because knowing how much God is for us, we don't have to step on people, play office politics, in order to succeed. But don't mistake inaction for ignorance. Don't mistake a desire to see the good as being naive.

The love that we are called to love others with is NOT the feely-good type of love. "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit." It is not simply compassion. It is love with wisdom. (so we don't get swindled by con-artist touting sob stories) We are led forth by the peace and love in our hearts.

Human compassion and human love is limited - and one has to struggle to sustain it. Divine love is unlimited and unconditional. It is the kind of love that enables us to experience joy and peace in the midst of tribulations. It is beyond comprehension.

We are made to be loved, called to love - but do not make the mistake of thinking love is weak. It is the most powerful force in the universe (not the world). For God is love. And it is God who created earth and man. Post-fall, it was man who shaped the world today as we know it.

To be sanctified and set apart, called by Him, into a royal priesthood, adopted as His own.. to be sanctified, meaning, uncommon and set apart; to be unique and His. That is something to boast about.