Changed Perception

3 months after Audacious, I can stil remember the lessons I learnt from Hope City. The lessons I learnt there were life changing. It changed the way I look at life, at work, at the world and mostly, at God.

Change No. 1

Change from Chritianity the 'Religion' to Christianity the 'Relationship'. I learnt a very powerful lesson during my first service in Hope City. Previously, I thought Christianity was all about Sundays. I thought that Christianity was the same as other religions in the sense that it teaches you moral values and how to live a good life. I learnt that it was much more than that. Christianity is all about God forgiving our past sins and wanting to be in a relationship with us. I know realize why we call God, our father in heaven. He, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, wants to know us as His children. He desires that we know Him so well that He can talk to us directly and that we can talk to Him directly at any time as well.

Previously, I thought holy Christians were people who were meek and mild. They don't cause trouble. They love everyone and that they had no problems because God took care of them. What I learnt though is that the truly devoted Christians are nothing like that! They push the barrier, they are passionate, enthusiastic and they celebrate life like no one else! I have since learnt that knowing God doesn't mean no more problems, it just means that any problems I go through, I don't go through them alone. Especially since I've been up to Penang, I've learnt just how much He can do for me. While I have problems, I don't have to worry about them. I know that God is always taking care of me and any problems I face now, I can put it in His hands and He will guide me through it.

I've come to realize that knowing God intimately will result in doing crazy things. In going out on a limb, in doing things that I won't normally even dare think of doing. But at the same time, I am comforted in knowing that He is always looking over me and that all the things I do for Him is good.

Change No. 2

Other things I've learnt to look at in another way is at work and especially at money. I've always believe money is the root of evil. But now, I realize that I can change that perception and use money to do God's work. I also learnt that many things I previously thought was unholy are actually can be for His glory. It's just been used the wrong way.

In conclusion, I have learnt much.

Right vs. Easy

I heard this quotation (in a movie no less!) "...choice between what is right, and what is easy." It surprised me the first time I heard that. I would think the right decision is between right and wrong. But after giving it some thought, I realize that that quote was very true, especially in this day where perception of right and wrong is quite distorted.

For example, many people nowadays believe in 'white lie'. Lying as so not to offend someone. Many think it's not wrong because it doesn't hurt anyone. However, it is the easier option compared to telling the truth. To me, the completely, 100% right option is to tell the truth, no matter what the situation. Honesty is the best policy after all. I believe white lies are dangerous. First of all, what is the difference between white lies and blatant lying? Not knowing the difference can allow people to claim all their lies to be white lies. After all, everything we do is for your benefit, isn't it? Secondly, if your white lies is discovered by the other party, how would he/she react? Humans don't like being lied to, whatever the reason or situation. Their perception of you can be based upon your words. If you lie, some of the perceptions that can arise is insecurity, untrustworthy, dishonest and many others. For me, those are traits I wouldn't like to be associated with, would you?

Another example of easier options is buying pirated goods. It's easier to buy them because

1. it's much cheaper,
2. it's more readily available AND
3. everyone is doing it and if you don't, you're like an outcast.

Another reason I've heard and used myself sometimes is that the people who create the original goods are earning massive amounts of money already so buying a pirated one here and there isn't bad. Also, they are doing daylight robbery with their expensive prices so in a way, we're rebelling against them. However, lately I've realize the right thing to do is still to buy the original. Yes, it costs more and that we might be making the rich richer but the alternative (though easier) is wrong. People who provide those goods have work hard to create those goods and ultimately, it's their choice what price they want to charge for it. They do not owe it to us to charge a lower price. If we feel it's expensive, don't buy. That's the right way to rebel. Another way would be to provide the same goods as well (legally!) at a lower price. That way, we create competition for them and they will be force to lower prices to compete. Both options are not easy, but they are the right options. Buying pirated goods just lowers us to the same level as thieves.

So, from the examples above, I have come to realize that doing the right thing is never the easier option. In the world, there will always be easier options to do anything. But I believe doing the right thing all the time will result in a better life and, a better self worth. In fact, I also truly believe by always doing the right thing, we create an aura of self-righteousness that others will look up to, no matter what they say about it.

Bus ride (6 November 2005)

Interesting enough, this marks my 2nd bus ride in Malaysia only. Depending on how you look at it, the surprise is that it's only my 2nd bus ride or that I have ridden a bus before. Ok, that's not counting the Putra buses which I've taken at least 5 times. However, this is my first long trip bus ride.

The bus was quite comfortable. I had a lone seat so more space for me! Heh... It was a night bus so by the time it moved off, all the lights within the bus was turned off and most of the passengers were asleep. Since it was so dark, couldn't do much other than twiddle with my laptop till the battery was low. Couldn't read (light at my seat was faulty) so slept half the time. Lucky for me, I could shut off the air-con so it wasn't too cold. Due to ample warning, I was also wearing 2 shirts.

The bus ride was quite uneventful. Nothing to see since it's dark plus everyone was sleeping. It rained off and on throughout the journey, making sleeping a very nice option.

Arrived in KL at 11.30 pm. Not bad actually.