Christian Ethics in Human Relations (Part 2/3)

In our previous Post, we have discussed how could one follow the bible principle of blessing our enemies and how put it into practice.

I would like to move to another area that sometimes we tend to neglect.

Jesus once describes our world in this manner.

“To what then shall I liken the men of this
  generation, and what are they like? 
  They are like children sitting in the marketplace 
and calling to one another, saying:

‘We played the flute for you,
  And you did not dance;
  We mourned to you,
  And you did not weep.’” – Jesus (Lk 7:31-32)

Many of the older generation kids will remember the days where they role-play a wedding or a funeral. In Jesus description here, the kids are role-playing a wedding but they refuse to be happy, likewise they are playing a funeral and yet no one is crying.

Do we share in the joy of others? When we see someone feeling sad, do we share in their sorrows? God has created human beings to be creatures with emotions. But why is it that the modern man is becoming more and more emotionless?

Sometimes we defend ourselves saying we are only emotionless to strangers. But the fact is, sometimes we treat our relatives in the same manner. We do not want to know what happens to them, nor do we want to show any concern or love.

We say with empathy “It is none of our business”. Yet we demand their presence when we celebrating a joyous occasion. We silently hope that they will come and share the joy with us.  When we encounter times of grieving, we asked “Why are they not here when we are grieving? Are we still family or not?”

On one hand we accuse others of being heartless but we choose to be absent when they needed us. Human beings tend to be selfish, but it is not what God wanted his children to be.

Paul once encourage the church in this way.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” – Paul *(Rom 12:15)

Paul was giving 2 practical examples of how we could show care and concern for others. They are all according to what our Lord Jesus taught as well.  Christians ought to be able to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

If we show our care for others, the people will feel our concern for them even if we do not say a word.

The Difficulty Of Rejoicing With Those Who Rejoice

When it comes to rejoicing with those who rejoice, We often find it hard to practice in real life.  Lets us consider the story of David and King Saul.

When David killed Goliath, everybody is rejoicing, but  King Saul did not rejoice. In fact we know that he is unhappy and angry, he even wanted to kill David. The death of Goliath should bring much joy to King Saul. For Goliath is indeed the thorn in the flesh for King Saul.

When Goliath challenged the army of Israel, Saul did not dare to enter the battle field to fight him. Saul must have calculated the odds of beating Goliath, therefore he choose not to fight him.

Yet at this point of time, David came forward, killed Goliath with just a sling and 5 stones. Saul should be happy that his nemesis was killed. I believe that King Saul was happy about the  fact that David killed Goliath.

However the problem started when the women started to sing.

“Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”- The women of Israel (1 Sam 18:7)

That was when King Saul got upset saying

“They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” – King Saul (1 Sam 18:8 )

He is afraid of David stealing his glory, and he eyed David from then onwards.

Indeed, this is a record of selfishness in the hearts of man, sometimes our pride and selfishness prevent us from rejoicing with others.

Sometimes, when we are invited to rejoice and celebrate with others, we attend the event just because we know that it would be rude to refuse. But as we raise our glass and propose a toast to him, sometimes we murmur in our heart, “Why is he more successful than me?”

But yet my friends, if we take a step back and reconsider this. If  the man before us had failed and is feeling miserable. Will we reason and asked “Why did this happen to him and not me?”

Indeed, our hearts often bends toward evil, that is why we need to correct it often.

Sometimes, it is better that we could share the success of others,  and be happy with their achievement. But only by letting go ourr pride and selfishness, than it is possible to share the joy of others. 

Perhaps we can learn from the person and learn how he achieve his success. But we could only do so if we could share his joy.

The Difficulty Of Weeping With Those Who Weep

In life, many of us like to go to weddings and not funeral. This is because in funerals there are always weeping and death. We may be full of hope and happiness but yet once we enter a funeral parlor, our mood will be dampened and our hearts heavy. 

However, King Solomon once said

“Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.” – King Solomon (Eccl 7:2)

In our life on earth, we will definitely encounter painful and sorrowful situation. If we could learn to bring comfort to others in times of sadness, it would benefits us in the future. For if we encounter the same situation in the future, our hearts will be ready even if there is no one to comfort and cry with us.   It would be easier for us to be victorious over our sadness.

It is never easy to recover from a hurt, for sometimes the hurt will remain for 5-10 years. There are people who cannot overcome it and suffers from depression for the rest of their lives.

Therefore to weep with those who weep, helps us overcome our own sadness.

Understanding How Sympathy Works

If we want to learn how to comfort others, we need to understand and care for them first. Sometimes when we try to offer comfort, we may  make bold statements by accident. Statements  like

“Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith in God?”

“Have you not encountered death before? Why are you so sad?”

But usually such display of “strength” does not encourage. 

There was a farmer who owned a pig, a sheep and a cow.  Every year he would lead the sheep out to shear him. He would take a cow out of his pen and milk the cow on a daily basis. Usually he would  leave the pig alone in his pen.

There is a day, the farmer wanted to catch the pig. The pig was squealing and struggling in his pen, making a great commotion within the Barn. At this time, Mr Sheep and Miss Cow shook their their heads in disbelieve and remarked “Hey Mr Pig, we are often taken away by the farmer and we never complained. Why are you squealing and struggling here?  Why are you making so much noise?”

So the pig while struggling, shouted back , “The Farmer only wanted wool and milk from you , but now he wants my life, how can I not struggle?

Sometimes we cannot understand the difficulty faced by others, that why we tend comfort them with “forceful words”. Perhaps its time for us to rethink the Idiom “To Put Yourself In Someone Else Shoe”

I find this English Idiom interesting, for sometimes if we walk using our own shoe, we may find the road easy and comfortable. But then if you were to put on someone elses shoe and walk the same path, one may find the road not as comfy as walking in our own shoe.

The Chinese uses a similar idiom  “ 将心比心” which is literally to compare heart to heart.  If one were to do that, then we can understand how he feels.

In order to have sympathy one would need to have understanding. Understanding can only be achieved if you were to put on someone else’s shoe and walk in his path.

Jesus Wept

Jn 11:35 is the shortest verse in the bible, everyone can remember this verse It reads “Jesus Wept”. This is a verse that comfort many.

However, There are some over logical and analytical theologian who now claimed that Jesus was being hypocritical when he weep. They base their reasoning based on their logic. They even provided two reason to proof their point

Reason 1 : Jesus already knew of Lazarus death long before he died. The fact is that Jesus choose to come only after the death or Lazarus

Reason 2 : Jesus had already planned to resurrect Lazarus from the grave. Since he already know that Lazarus will be resurrected, why did he still weep?

Sometimes, these logical and rational minds fail to consider emotions in their reasoning. As the result, they ended up accusing Jesus of being a hypocrite.  I believe that Jesus indeed wept and it is of a great significance to me.

When we watch moving scenes in movies or read a sad story,  occasionally we would weep as well. This is because we have put ourselves in the shoes of the characters. In my opinion, when Jesus saw the people weeping for Lazarus , he can understand their pain and anguish, so therefore he wept with them.

The weeping of Jesus gives strength and comfort to the people around, and he gave them the strength. That is why the author of Hebrews says this.

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Author Of Hebrews (Heb 4:15-16)

Sometimes, when we encounter sorrows,  we can try to tell others our sorrow. But people may not be able to understand, some may even rebuke and make fun of us. They may not be able to weep with us.

But Jesus understand our pain, he will weep with us. This is because he understands our weakness, therefore we should come to him with all our pain and sorrows. He will comfort and encourage us.  For his weeping brings comfort to many around. We can ask him for help.

 

Lyrics Of “爱情” (Love)

The past few weeks is like a mini “Autumn of breakups” among my friends. There was so much sadness around. So as I saw many broken friends around me  I cant help recalling the lyrics of this song that I heard  years ago.

It has a very bitter sweet description of love.

爱是折磨人的东西 
却又舍不得这样放弃

爱让人心碎却又着迷

Translated

“Love is something that is torturous, yet one could not bear to let it go.”
“Love breaks ones heart, but yet it’s captivating”

These phase is extracted from Karen Mok’s song called “爱情". I remember I was in polytechnic when it was playing in the campus so often. It was a popular song among the students and I personally like the Jazzy feeling the song gives. 

In my own life experience, there had been much heart breaks… so I find her description of love somewhat familiar 

I personally like the simple instruments that was used, and its really beautifully played. 

Since it is “The Autumn of breakups” for a lot of my friends, therefore I would like to dedicate this to all my friends who are heart broken. Hopefully they will be alright soon.

Title: 爱情 Lyrics：姚谦 Tune：张洪量 Sung By：莫文蔚	Title: Love Lyrics: Yao Qian Tune: Zhang Hong Liang Sung By: Karen Mok Note: The Parts in brackets are sung in Taiwanese, and there is no proper way to Romanize Taiwanese.
(若不是因为爱着你) 怎么会夜深还没睡意 每个念头都关於你 我想你…想你…好想你 (若不是因为爱着你) 怎会有不安的情绪 每个莫名的日子里 我想你…想你…好想你 爱是折磨人的东西 却又舍不得这样放弃 不停揣测你的心里 可有我姓名 (若不是因为爱着你) 怎会不经意就叹息 有种不完整的心情 爱你…爱你…(爱着你)	(Nang  si yin wee ai tio li) zěn ​me​ huì​ yè​ shēn​ hái​ méi​ shuì ​yì​ měi​ gè​ niàn ​tou​ dōu guān​ yū​ nǐ​ wǒ​ xiǎng​ nǐ xiǎng​ nǐ ​hǎo ​xiǎng​ nǐ​ (Nang si yin wee ai tio li)  zěn​ huì yǒu bù​ ān​ de qíng ​xù​ měi​ gè​ mò ​míng de​ rì ​zi​ lǐ wǒ​ xiǎng​ nǐ xiǎng​ nǐ ​hǎo​ xiǎng​ nǐ​ ài​ shì​ zhé ​mó rén​ de​ dōng ​xī què​ yòu​ shě ​bu ​de zhè ​yàng​ fàng ​qì​ bù ​tíng​ chuǎi ​cè​ nǐ​ de​ xīn ​li​ kè​ yǒu​ wǒ​ xìng ​míng​ (Nang si yin wee ai tio li)   zěn​ huì bù ​jīng ​yì​ jiù​ tàn ​xī​ yǒu ​zhǒng​ bù​ wán ​zhěng de​ xīn ​qíng​ ài​ nǐ​ ài​ nǐ​  (ai tio li)
爱是折磨人的东西 却又舍不得这样放弃 不停揣测你的心里 可有我姓名 爱是我唯一的祕密 让人心碎却又着迷 无论是用什么言语 只会 只会 思念你 (若不是因为爱着你) 怎会不经意就叹息 有种不完整的心情 爱你,,,(爱着你)	ài​ shì​ zhé ​mó rén​ de​ dōng ​xī què​ yòu​ shě ​bu ​de zhè ​yàng​ fàng ​qì​ bù ​tíng​ chuǎi ​cè​ nǐ​ de​ xīn ​li​ kè​ yǒu​ wǒ​ xìng ​míng​ ài​ shì​ wǒ​ wéi ​yī​ de​ mì ​mì​ ràng​ rén ​xīn​ suì​ què​ yòu​ zháo ​mí​ wú ​lùn​ shì​ yòng​ shén ​me yán​ yǔ​  zhǐ huì zhǐ huì​ sī​ niàn​ nǐ​ ruò​ bù​ shì​ yīn ​wèi​ ài​ zhuó​ nǐ​  zěn​ huì bù ​jīng ​yì​ jiù​ tàn ​xī​ yǒu ​zhǒng​ bù​ wán ​zhěng de​ xīn ​qíng​ ài​ nǐ​ (ai tio li)

 

The English Translation

It is all because that I have loved you, 
How is it that I am awake throughout the night? 
For all my thoughts are about you
I miss you … Miss you… Miss you very much

It is all because that I have loved you,

How is it that I feel unstable and moody? 
During this indescribable period of time
I miss you … Miss you… Miss you very much

Oh love is something that torments,
but yet I am unwilling to let go of it. 
Incessantly trying to guess if my name
appears within your heart.

It is all because that I have loved you,
How is it that I am sighing uncontrollably?
For there is a feeling of incompleteness
Love you … love you… because I loved you.

Oh love is something that torments,
but yet I am unwilling to let go of it.
Incessantly trying to guess if my name
appears within your heart.

Oh love that only secret that I have,
It breaks my heart yet it captivates me.
No matter what I am saying.

it only… only… makes me long for you.

It is all because that I have loved you,
Why am I sighing uncontrollably?
For there is a feeling of incompleteness
Love you …because I loved you.  

 

 

Lyrics Of “All The Way The Savior Leads Me”

I started this habit ever since God sent me out to a foreign land on May 3rd 2010. Then I was unemployed and passing by East Malaysia in a hotel in Asia City Kota Kinabalu.

I was wondering how I would have survive the difficulties, and then the hymn I have chosen was "What A Friend I have In Jesus”. Since than, God had settled me down here for 3 years now. This is a job and a place I have stayed longest in my professional life.

Later on in 3rd May 2011, God has just begin stabling my life over here. That is when I dedicated the hymn “Thanks to God” . On 3rd May 2012, I shared about the “Hymn Day By Day”. I am thinking, would it be too hard to continue dedicating hymns to God on 3rd May? My church had a 523 hymn hymnbook, I believe I would use less than 1/5 of the hymnbook for this endeavor.(Unless I have the lifespan of Yoda or Methuselah, then I should be worried of not having enough hymns to do that)

For the past few years the grace of God, had been always there for me. Indeed, there are still problems that are encountered on a daily basis, and there are also much things that disappoints in life.

There are also  unanswered prayer request and some problems remain the same since 2010 and show no signs of improvement.

But I know, that God has been watching over me still, and what is most important is that God had also prepared many good things and precious things for me this year. There is much improvement and happiness that will come. Out of which I would give thanks to God ceaselessly.

With Gods blessing also comes more responsibility for the year to come. More people that will be in my care and in my life. Sometimes I wonder how I would be able to handle them. For I know I am a man of many weakness.

God once comforted Paul when he was praying to God to remove the torn of his flesh .

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My 
  strength is made perfect in weakness.”- Jesus (2 Cor 12:9)

Paul’s response to the Lord is written in the next few verses

“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, 
  that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take 
  pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, 
  in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I 
   m strong.” – Paul (2 Cor 12:9-10)

Indeed as I look into the future there is much more new responsibilities and there are many questions that I have yet to answer. There are also much path that I require God to continue to guide me. But I am sure he will lead me all the way.

That leads me to the story of Fanny J Crosby. Apparently once in 1874 she ran into a difficulty, where she did not have enough money for rent. She committed the matter to God. Miraculously a stranger came and give her just enough money for the rent.

So later that night, she pondered over the incident and was inspired to pen down the lyrics of this Hymn.

No matter how difficult that road is before me, there are many questions about the future that I am unsure of what to do, and where to go. But I will remember that Jesus would lead me all the way.  Lets enjoy this hymn together.

 

Title: All The Way The Savor Leads Me
Lyrics : Fanny J Crosby
Music : Robert Lowry

1. All the way my Savior leads me,
   What have I to ask beside?
   Can I doubt His tender mercy,
   Who through life has been my Guide?
   Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
   Here by faith in Him to dwell!
   For I know, whate’er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well;
   For I know, whate’er befall me,
   Jesus doeth all things well.
2. All the way my Savior leads me,
   Cheers each winding path I tread,
   Gives me grace for every trial,
   Feeds me with the living Bread.
   Though my weary steps may falter
   And my soul athirst may be,
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see;
   Gushing from the Rock before me,
   Lo! A spring of joy I see.
3. All the way my Savior leads me,
   Oh, the fullness of His love!
   Perfect rest to me is promised
   In my Father’s house above.
   When my spirit, clothed immortal,
   Wings its flight to realms of day
   This my song through endless ages:
   Jesus led me all the way;
   This my song through endless ages:
   Jesus led me all the way.

 

Christian Ethics in Human Relations (Part 1/3)

This was a sermon I heard sometime ago.

As Christians living in the world, we meet many people. There are the good, the bad, the reasonable as well as the unreasonable. Indeed, there will be people who treat us with kindness, while some people treat us like enemies.

We all encounter people who are mean and unkind to us at some point of our lives.

Sometimes we wonder, how should we as Christians, deal with such people?

Indeed, man of the world like to say a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye. I will gladly return the favor you have given me. But we know, that as Christians we ought to listen to the words of God. All of us are well aware of the rules “To love your enemies and to forgive them 70X7 times.

But as human beings, we know that it is a hard requirements for man to meet. We are all aware of the requirements of Jesus, and if Christians are able to do it. We will become the son of God.

Jesus once said

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,  that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”- Jesus (Matt 5:43-45)

Indeed, the world believes in the idea of loving neighbor and hating your enemies. But as Christian, we are suppose to go one step further, to love our enemies as well as our neighbors.

This is good, but difficult. Its main difficulty lies in the the point that we need to love those who are mean to us. It is always easy for us to love people who love us, because these people deserve our love. But when it comes to people who treat us badly, we will say that these people do not deserve our love.

By the standard of the world, what Christians are doing are silly and foolish. If we were to follow the values of the world, we will find it hard to love our enemies. But if we follow the principles of God, we will find it worthwhile to follow the instructions of Jesus.

The Way Of The Father

Once Confucius was having a discussion with his students about  interpersonal relationship. So Zi Lu, said “I would treat a person well, only when he treats me well. If I am mistreated I would fight back.”. Confucius replied “That is the way of a barbarian (“野蛮人之道”). 

Then Zi Gong shared “I will be good to whoever who treats me well, but if I am mistreated, I will avoid confrontation and to guide him”. Confucius replied, “This is the way of a friend” (“朋友之道”).

Yuan Xian replied “I will treat whoever who is nice to me well, and I would continue to do so even when they mistreat me.” Confucius smiled, and said “This is the way of a good man” (“好人之道”).

So what will our response be?

Jesus said that since we are the children of God, we ought to follow the way of our heavenly father. And how does God treat the people of the world? God treated evil man and good man in the same manner. For he allowed the sun and rain to fall on both of them.

Sunlight and Rain are both essential for life to grow. They are the basic things for humans to survive. Perhaps we ought to ask, why did God give this for evil man?

We know in Jn 3:16 that God loves the world, and he does not want any one to perish. He would rather a sinner to repent than to face his wrath. God purpose is to give him a chance to repent, and perhaps be saved. He gave everyone a chance, including the wicked man.

If we are indeed the children of God, we ought to understand his will, and to give everyone a chance to repent. At the very minimum, we could at least pray for them.

Loving your enemies doesn’t mean we need to run forward to embrace them, but we could pray for them. For if we were to pray for them, our hatred and anger will slowly dissipate. For it is not possible to hold on to hatred while praying for the people we hate. By giving them a chance, we are in fact giving ourselves a chance.

If we could love our enemies, will God not love us even more? Jesus knows that we are following his instruction to our utmost.

The world may view our actions as foolish and silly, but that is because they are unaware of the will of God. But if we want blessing and grace from our heavenly father, we ought to pray for them, and to ask God to forgive them.

The  Wisdom To Pray For Our Adversities

There was a scene from the show “Fiddler On The Roof” where the townspeople acknowledge that in Judaism there exist a blessing for everything. The Musical was set in the world of Tsarist Russia, and then the Jews were oppressed by the Tsars.

So there was someone who asked a Rabbi “Is there a proper blessing for the Tsar?”

The Rabbi paused for a moment and replied “’May God bless and keep the Tsar… far away from us!”

That is indeed a blessing for his enemies, if the Tsar was far away from them, it would be difficult for him to persecute them. If he cannot persecute the Jews, he will not have to face judgment from God.

To Bless our enemies require wisdom from God

Bless Those Who Persecute You

Paul once tells the church in Rome,

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Paul (Rom 12:14)

Indirectly, Paul is acknowledging the fact that it is inevitable that Christians will meet persecution here and there. Perhaps we no longer face physical abuse and attack, but modern persecutions come in the form of mockery , insult,  mental and emotional torture.

Even though we do not respond with physical violence, but we often respond with our sharp tongue and cruel speech.

It is natural for us to fight back and to show that we are no pushovers. In fact Paul knows that Christians are not weak people, if they choose to unleash their anger, they have the potential to be fiercer than lions.

Therefore he remind us again and again to bless and not curse, for we are children of God who is aware of the laws of God. 

Putting Coals On The Head, Overcoming Evil With Good

Sometimes, when we see the people we dislike meet with misfortune, let us refrain from passing comment such as  “Thank God, he received his just reward”

For if we do that, we are gloating over their misfortune, and God will be displeased. Paul once quoted the old testament scriptures

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”- Paul (Rom 12:20)

To Put coals of fire on his head is to shame our adversity. It will allow him to see that we could be nice to him even though he is mean to us. It is make him feel bad with our goodness.

Perhaps he would repent and be nice to us once again. Then we would have turn an adversity to a friend.

If one were to repay evilness with evil, there will be no end to retribution. That is why the Chinese like to say “冤冤相报何时了” . If we replay evil with evil, even if we win, we are still committing evil before God.

This is why Paul concluded his point by encouraging everyone

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Paul (Rom 12:21)

The Difficulty Of Overcoming Evil With Good

Sometimes, even though we know the truth about overcoming evil with good, we find it hard to apply it to our lives. For very often we see this happening to our lives

If we were to replay the guy’s evilness with good, he will only bully us even more. This is because he sees us as “easy picking” and he will just pick on us even more. We seldom detect any sadness or remorse in the other party.

So how do we reconcile the words of Paul with that?

Actually Paul did not finish quoting the entire Proverb from King Solomon

“ If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
  And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
   For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
  And the Lord will reward you.” – King Solomon (Prov 25:21-22)

Even though the man would not repay our goodness, but the Lord will see and surely he will reward us. In fact Paul did not censor the last verse, but rather he wanted Christian to look beyond the reward. For to be able to overcome evil with Good is of a much higher value.

The Conclusion So Far

So therefore, when we encounter a evil man, let us not murmur and ask “Why am I so unlucky to run into him?”

Rather, let us treat it as test from God, so let us instead ask ourselves “How can I repay this evil with Good? How can I keep the way of the Lord?”

 

Lyrics Of “Sparkling Diamonds”

I remember the first time I heard this song was during the break time from my orderly duty in the army camp. Then the soldiers will all bring in their own little videos and share it with the other guards to make the long Sunday orderly duty less boring.

I have to say, I love the Movie Moulin Rouge (2001)  a lot..  I was serving the army during the period

Recently, I have been hearing about how a friend of mine had a group of friends. They were talking about how a guys love is measured by whether they can afford a diamond ring.

As I hear about it.. The Lyrics of the this song keep floating back to my mind.

“ Cause we are living in a material world
  And I am a material girl”

Although I know that these lyrics originated from Madonna’s “Material Girl” but the version that float back to me come from that scene when Satine was singing it in Moulin Rouge

Apparently, the song used in Moulin Rouge’s Sparkling Diamond is adapted from Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamond Are The Girls Best Friend” with some of the modern terms  such as “Automat” was replaced as Moulin Rouge was suppose to depict the 1900s. The director also changed the names of the Jewelers are change too to fit the historical context of the show.

Personally, I believe that diamond rings doesn’t guaranty happiness in relationship. Although diamond last forever, but it cannot guarantee that love will stay true all the way to the end.

The true secret of a happy life lies in contentment for Paul once said

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content”- Paul (1 Tim 6:6-8)

So to those materials girls out there, perhaps they would also consider what Elder Peter says

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” – Peter (1 Pet 3:4-4)

Finally I would like to dedicate this song to all the Material girls that I have met in my life. Hopefully they will find their boyfriends who drives Lamborghinis, Ferraris and had lots of giant diamond rings in their life. But remember that there are always someone prettier and nicer who gets to receive the Diamond ring.

For just as you are entitled to your standards, “Mr Diamond” is also entitled to his standards. So before setting a standard, make sure you could meet their requirements first.   

 

Title: Sparkling Diamonds

Perform By : Jim Broadbent, Nicole Kidman,
                         Natalie Mendoza, Lara Mulcahy
                         & Caroline O’Connor

[Satine]
The French are glad to die for love

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental
But diamonds are a girl’s best friend
A kiss may be grand but it won’t pay the rental
On your humble flats,or help you feed your Pets (most people think its “Pussycat”)

Men grow cold as girls grow old
And we all lose our charms in the end

But square-cut or pear-shaped
These rocks don’t lose their shape
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

…Tiffanys..Cartiers..

[Satine and the Diamond Dogs]
Cause we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl

[Satine]
Ah
Come and get me, boys
Black Star, Ross Cole
Talk to me, Harry Zilder, tell me all about it!

There may come a time when a lass needs a lawyer
[Zidler and the Diamond Dogs]
But diamonds are a girl’s best friend
[Satine]
There may come a time when a hard-boiled employer
[Zidler]
Thinks you’re awful nice
[Satine]
But get that ice or else no dice

[Diamond Dogs]
He’s your guy when stocks are high
But beware when they start to descend
Oooo…Diamonds are a girl’s best
Diamonds are a girls best
Diamonds are a girls best friend

[Satine]
Let’s make love
Yes!
Oh, come on
Yes!
[Zilder]
Oh!
[Satine]
Tiger!
Roar! Roar!
[Nini Legs-in-the-air]
Ole!
[Zidler]
Everything’s going so well!

[Satine]
Cause that’s when those louses go back to their spouses.
Diamonds are a girl’s best
Diamonds are a girl’s best
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

 

In case if anyone wants to hear the original song by Marilyn Monroe, here is the youtube clip

 

Rich Lord Poor Lord? (Part 8/8)

So far we have covered

1. My preliminary response to the sermon by the Pastor
2. My thoughts on the Magi Gifts To Jesus
3. Millionaire Supporters Of The “Sophisticated Travelling Ministry”
4. Jesus Providence To The Disciples
5. Jesus ministry to the poor
6. Demystifying Judas, The Property Tycoon Wannabe and Treasurer
7. Demystifying Insulas and the housing at Jesus time.

Finally we have reach the last point, which is just as hilarious as the previous post

Pt 9: Jesus wore good clothes

John 19:23-24 : The soldiers were casting lots for the clothes of Jesus. As the video of his sermon ended, I was unable to hear this point. So I did a little research over the internet, and I realized, the main argument for claiming that Jesus was wearing designer wear, lies behind the fact that the soldiers cast lots for his tunic, and it was describe as a “Seamless woven” from top throughout.

Some claims that the Roman soldiers would not argue over a worthless clothing.

The Truth About Dressing In The Time Of Jesus

According to the time of Christ the people’s clothing have 5 components. I managed to find this from a website

1.  A head piece, some type of turban or cloth about the head
2. Sandals, a type of walking shoe
3. An undergarment
4. An outer robe hanging loosely usually all the way down to the ankles
5. A belt or sash called a girdle which held up the outer garment

Jn 19:23 tells us that the soldiers took 4 of the parts, and divided among themselves. and there was a 5th part known in Greek as “χιτων” (Chiton) that was the so called “Designer piece” that Jesus was wearing.

There are many legends surround this piece of clothing, you can see them  here.

It is most likely a coat

While we think that the soldiers are arguing over a expensive piece of Garments. The same words Chiton is also found in Lk 9:3. And here Jesus told them not to bring more than 1 when they travel.

The ancient people do not have wardrobes of clothes to wear in their time. Even on a journey, they only wore the one that they have. (In the case of Jesus) . Therefore, to own a second piece of garment is a big bonus. Hence it Is not surprising the soldiers would fight for the clothes.

Therefore it cannot be used as an evidence to prove that the Chiton  wore by Jesus are “designer wear”.

The Jewish Tunic

If we were to recall the story of Dorcas, she made many Chitons for the widows and Orphan (Acts 9:39) and if the one wore by Jesus was the outer garment.

Jewish woman made Chitons for their children when they grow up and have reach manhood. Hence this “designer fabric” designer could jolly well be Mary the mother of Jesus.

While I believe clothes like this has semimetal  values,  I do not think one could compare this to designer clothes today.

Why Then Did The Soldiers Bid For It?

Bear in mind a coat is useful for the wearer especially in the cold winters time. In fact, in ancient time, the coat could even be used as a pledge for loan (Deut 24:10-13)

In Deut 24, God instructed the people to return to the pledge items (clothes) back to the people so they will be able to keep warm at night. This was Gods law regarding lending to the poor.

Hence there are many reasons why the Soldiers would want to bid for the garment. It is valuable and useful, but most people would have at least one. Although an addition coat like that would always be useful in time of cold weather.

I guess it is up to you to decide if that is indeed “an expensive designer apparel” as the prosperity teachers believe  it to be.

Conclusion

I hope that this series will shed light into the time of Christ and help readers to read in context of the life and times of the bible. It has allowed me to relook once again into the the life and times Of Jesus and it has also challenged me to rethink about some of my previous understanding of the bible stories.

Before I close off, I would like to close off with Paul’s words

“ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” – Paul (2 Cor 8:9)

The riches mentioned by Paul here is talking about the fact that we could inherit eternal life. This could only be accomplish when Jesus sacrifice himself for us on Calvary.

To degrade the salvation grace of God into a “quest to get material blessing from God” is just like the days when the Israelites build a golden calf and said

“This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!" – Israelites (Ex 32:4)

In fact, Aaron said this that angered God even more

“Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” – Aaron (Ex 32:5)

The Israelites then did not deny the fact that the Lord brought them out from Egypt, they just made a golden calf and called him “The god who brought you out of Egypt”.

We all know what happened at the end of the story, it resulted to the death of 3000 men.

Let us be careful when we interpret scriptures, and let us not make the same mistakes the Israelites of those days did.

 

Lyrics Of Cô Dâu (Bride) (新娘)

Just a song that I came across while travelling in Vietnam, it was sang by someone special to me, and I hear it every morning.

I feel that the lyrics captured the feelings if a new Bride. The excitement of a new life together. It also talk about couples needing to go through difficulties and to have one heart. This is something that we in the modern world tend to forget

When God created Adam and Eve, he solemnized the very first wedding on earth himself. And God laid down the first principles of marriage.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Moses (Gen 2:24)

Jesus quoted this principle when the Pharisees came and asked him about Divorce.

“Have you not read that He who madethem at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’  and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”-Jesus (Matt 19:4-6)

Sadly, the modern man now regarded marriage as a mere paper contract between a man and a woman.

So as we read the lyrics of this song, let us remember the promise we made to each other, and the resolve to walk through life’s difficulties together. Let us remember our marriage vows before God and rekindle that love that had died down.

Title: Cô Dâu  (新娘) Artiste: Rachel Ái Phương (Stanza 1) Người ơi,em mơ về anh đã bao ngày Một người yêu em và thương em Chờ anh,em đã chờ lâu lắm Biết không?người em chờ là người cho em ngày bình yên (Chorus) Ngày mai,em là cô dâu mới Ngày mai,em mặc chiếc áo dài theo chồng Ngày mai,em cười thật hạnh phúc Ngày mai,em được ở bên người mà em yêu Ôi! em thương anh,em yêu anh,yêu vô bờ Ôi! em mong anh,em nhớ anh đến từng giây

Title: Bride Artiste: Rachel Ái Phương (Stanza 1) I have been dreaming of you for a long time The one who would love me , whom I have been longing for a long time. Do you know that I have been waiting to spend days of bliss together with you? (Chorus) Tomorrow I am going to be your bride. Tomorrow I will wear my áo dài and follow you Tomorrow I will smile brightly with happiness For I will be with the one I love tomorrow Oh! I love you, I love you so much Oh! I long and missed you each passing moment Note: áo dài is the Vietnamese Traditional Wedding Dress

(Stanza 2) Hãy mãi,cho em một tình yêu thật chân thành,thủy chung Em chỉ cần như thế Mỗi đêm,vai anh là chiếc gối ấm êm,dìu em vào bình yên Cho giấc ngủ em say (Repeat Chorus) (Stanza 3) Người ơi! em mơ về anh đã bao ngày Một người yêu em và thương em Từ đây,hai ta sẽ chung bước Đôi tim hòa chung nhịp Cùng nhau,đi qua ngàn mưa giông Bình yên trong ngôi nhà Yêu thương……….

(Stanza 2) I asked for your sincere and faithful love forever For I only need to rest my head upon your shoulder every night. I would sleep soundly (Repeat Chorus) (Stanza 3) I have been dreaming of you for a long time The one who would love me. We will hold on to each other from now on With our hearts beating in unison We will get through all difficulties together. Living in our lovely home, peacefully.