Category Extra Thoughts

Just some of my many thoughts…

Making Every Point Count in a Race

andrewong2024 1 Comment

It is commendable that despite having more popular votes in snap polls against John McCain, Barack Obama never rest his laurels.

He was not never waiting for chance to repeat what his former Democrat presidential nominee, Al Gore had experienced during the 2000 Presidential elections. Back then, Bush narrowly won with 271 electoral votes to Gore’s 266.

As this week’s election results showed, Obama fought hard for every vote from Americans including territories that were traditionally Republican dominated. And he managed to achieved a winning feat of 349 electoral votes against McCain’s 174.

Winning is the name of the game

Are all these hard-pressed efforts necessary?

Well think Felipe Massa, the Brazilian Ferari’s driver. Early this month, he lost the Formula One (F1) World Championship title to Lewis Hamilton by a mere one point.

That same mere one point also made Hamilton the youngest ever F1 Champion at 23 years old.

In the 1998-1999 season of the English Premier League (EPL), it was one point that gave Manchester United its most successful season as treble winners. They edged Arsenal with 79 to 78 points to end the season as EPL champions.

In all races or games, every vote or point matters; that one point might just differentiate the winner from the losers.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize…  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 9:24,27

Living all the way for the Lord

Though the chances of us being presidential nominees or sportsmen to not come by all the time, but as Christians how are we making every minute, every day and ounce of our energy count for the Lord and His will for our lives?

For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation…

Acts 13:36

Taking our cue from both the Apostle Paul and King David, both are great examples of a Christian’s life that made sure every ounce of God’s grace upon their life was well-spent despite the adversities.

Both not only ended the race well, but from the start till the end, they did what they did with passion, excellence and purpose.

Likewise, I believe each of us need to know the race route that has been marked out for us and complete it in our own generation.

With understanding who we are in Christ- our identity; our destiny; His presence, His promises and the Holy Spirit- we can be confident of achieving all that we need to for His glory.

God in Government & Politics

andrewong2024 7 Comments

I believe many Christians are for the motion that Christianity in politics should be doing more to ban abortion or to enforce laws against homosexuality.

Not that I approve these acts of immorality (in accordance to scripture), but politics in the government isn’t as straight-forward and simple as the State comprises of people from a multi-religion, multi-racial and multi-cultural background.

Even if a government were to ban abortion, would that really put a stop to abortions from happening?

Likewise, if a gambling law was enforced which worked against the construction of the Integrated Resort (IR), would we be naive to think that people will not gamble?

The biblical role of the government

According to Darrell Dow in an article Christians and Government, God created civil government for three primary reasons:

  1. To protect human life that is made in the image of God (Gen 9:6)
  2. To defend the law-abiding from law-breakers (Rom 13:3-4)
  3. To provide for a peaceful and orderly society (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Its role is to restrain evil by exacting negative sanctions which is limited to the administration of just laws to defend life and property, punishment of criminals, and to defend the innocent.  The government is not meant to be a redemptive institution.

With God’s love and truth being the fundamental modus operandi, Christianity and politics in government should exhibit respect to others and not enforce religious laws on others.

The government is not the same as a Christian organisation even if the President or Prime Minister is a Christian. For a Christian organisation, the Christian leader can easily address issues to its members as it is assumed that all believers subscribe to the same book- The bible.

Wherelse in the State, not all people subsribe to that same book, hence the bible cannot be used as a justification or reference for setting public policies and laws.

Being salt and light in the government

In an article- Christian View of Government and Law written by Kerby Anderson, the author said that “the Bible does not propose nor endorse any specific political system.

The Bible does, however, provide a basis for evaluating various political philosophies because it clearly delineates  a view of human nature. And every political theory rests on a particular view of the human race.”

He went on further to add that the government is unambiguously a “legitimate sphere of Christian service.”

In view of this, we as Christians have an obligation to fight for our godly biblical values and to correct the evils within the political system. But the challenge is doing it with love and truth, not out of bigotry or self-righteousness.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”

1 Timothy 2:1-2

As marketplace ministers, we are also called to government and politics, and to be salt and light; participating from the inside, as an elected representative or a civil servant, or from the outside, as a lobby group or advocate.

By being an active citizen, we are doing God’s work in politics and playing our part in obeying His Great Commission.

Who Will Be the Next US President?

andrewong2024 Leave a comment
Uncanny resemblance between the two? Ha ha...

Uncanny resemblance between the two? Ha ha

It will be exactly two weeks from now that the US and the world will know who will be the next US President to lead for the next four years.

The latest polls from Gallup, the Washington Post, Ipsos and Ramussen put Senator Obama on 52 per cent, 53 per cent, 48 per cent and 50 per cent to Senator McCain’s 42 per cent, 43 per cent, 39 per cent and 36 per cent nationally.

Will it be the Democrat, Mr Barack Obama or the Republican, Mr John McCain?

If you are clueless who they are and what they stand for, you can visit this site for an overview comparison of their plans and policies.

But on a personal note. Whoever it might be, it beats having Mr Bush around. Thanks to his leadership, whoever becomes the next President will inherit a big mess to clean up.

Opportunities in Times of Uncertainty

andrewong2024 1 Comment

It is unavoidable that organisations, families and ordinary folks will be taking steps in responding to the winds of change in the economic and market forces.

Manufacturers will be looking into cost-cutting measures to sustain their operations in view of low demands. Our government will be looking at ways to facilitate a vibrant economy and to manage unemployment. Families and people alike will be grimly tighting their belts to brace for the uncertainties that lie ahead.

With the media feeding us with day-to-day news that are reactive and short-sighted, there’s no doubt our future looks bleak.

Catching wind of the Holy Spirit

Apart from reading the news to follow the wind of the economy to determine our steps, I believe it is imperative for us (especially Christians) to keep in step with the wind of the Holy Spirit.

“Therefore I am now going to allure her (Israel); I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her”

Hosea 2:14

Even in these times, the Holy Spirit might be leading us out of our comfort zone to new areas to conquer. There might be some priorities that need re-aligning or wrong fundamentals that need to be corrected.

Staying in the realm of faith, this recession can pose opportunities for stock-taking in our life.

Arising opportunities  

A change in industry for our careers might be where the Holy Spirit is re-directing us. Or signaling for us re-train or upgrade our knowledge and competency in our professions.

For businesses, the slowdown will provide more time to take a step back to evaluate and streamline core processes to improve capabilities.

For folks like myself, the situation will “force” us to acquire more interest in being financial savvy in the management of personal finances.      

No matter how gloomy and uncertain the road ahead may look, we must not lose heart and keep the faith. And not just hold on to our jobs, but hold on to God.

Just as the sun continues to shine brightly behind every dark cloud, we can also be sure that there is hope and an opportunity for the better in every gloomy and uncertain times.

Responding to The Economic Crisis

andrewong2024 1 Comment

I believe many are gripped by fear and anxiety from the shockwaves of a worldwide crumbling of our global economy.

Presently, it is very obvious that many (in general) follow the tides and winds of the economy.

Hence, are blown into an emotional turmoil with the fluctuation of the economy.

Staying focus on God

Unlike the economy, God never changes. He is the same today, tomorrow and forever. No one controls Him as He is above the economy.

The story of Joseph is a good example of which we can learn from in responding to this situation.

“The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did.”

Genesis 39:2-3

Despite being stripped from his majestic robe and the luxurious life he had as the favourite son of a wealthy man, he experienced an incredible amount of success and prospered.  

From a slave in Egypt, he eventually became the second most powerful person as prime minister in Egypt.

Connecting with God

The key factor of Joseph’s success was God; God was with Him and he remained connected with God in spite of his dire situation. He continued to walk in obedience to God’s ways.

Like Joseph, even if we might lose our jobs or have no increment or bonuses in this recession, we can still experience success. The key is in cultivating a strong sense of God’s presence in our lives just as Joseph. One way is by reading and applying His word daily.

True success should always be sustainable and unshake-able because it is found in a Person, not in things we possess. 

When we are focused and connected to God, we will have access to an abundance of everything we need in our God who is the Creator God- Elohim.

Being a Lighthouse in a Storm

andrewong2024 3 Comments

As the world sinks into a financial meltdown which spilled over from the US sub-prime woes, Singapore is not unaffected.

Being a nation that is largely dependent on export to US consumers for our economic growth, this is bad news. And already our government is bracing Singaporeans for a looming recession ahead.

With such a huge recession storm heading our way, companies are all ready to roll out possible retrenchment exercises in order to remain afloat. This panic and anxiety state will eventually or has cascaded down to the average joe (like you and me) on the street.

Though we might not be able to avoid this storm, we can still hold on to hope that we can pull through this. And especially for Christians, this situation calls for us to trust in our God and to serve as a lighthouse for those around us.

Learning from Paul in the storm

In the book of Acts (c.f. Chapter 27), Paul was to sail for Rome and was on board an Alexandrian ship. When Paul foretold the crew that danger lurked ahead of them, they chose not to heed his advice over the pilot and the owner of the ship. True enough, a huge storm met them.

For many days, this storm went on and many of them had gone without food. It was then that Paul stood up and addressed them:

“Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed.

Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’

So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

Acts 27:21-26

Eventually, we know as we read on that everyone reached land safely. True to God’s word as spoken through Paul.

Let’s be a Paul in our own storm

I think it is incredible that Paul had such confidence of survival in the midst of the storm that was threatening everyone on board the ship including his.

What made Paul different from the rest?

Even with us facing a financial storm, are we responding differently from the rest? Or are we responding just like the person beside us?

Who are listening for advice? Who and what are we placing our trust and security in?

It is obvious that Paul’s placed his security in the Hands of God’s will. And more importantly, he had a relationship with God and was close to God. He was close enough to God to listen what was His plans for the future. That was his confidence- knowing God and following Him.

I believe that there are principles and lessons that can be gleaned from what had happened with Paul in that storm and use them in our present situation. Paul’s God is the same God that we worship today.

Like Paul, let’s continue to look to God and trust Him. And when we do that, we also save those around us as that is God’s intention- to use us as His lighthouse.

Looking Onwards, Running Forward

andrewong2024 1 Comment

With all the attention on the Singapore’s inaugural F1 Night Race, many other Singaporeans like myself are also gearing up for annual Singapore Marathon by Standard Chartered in December.

Like any marathon, staying ahead and to keep on keeping on is the challenge. Ask any veteran and they will agree that besides stamina, the real battle is in the mind in focusing on the finishing line.

Life is like a marathon

Ever wonder how easy it is to slow down when you see others behind you when you’re ahead? Or how tempting it is to give up with the many excuses that arises at the half-way point?

If you follow on, I think you will agree with me that running a marathon is so parallel to our journey in life. For instance, when our culture in general accepts pre-marital sex, isn’t it easy to give in to the crowd and lower our moral standards?

In the marketplace where integrity may not be highly practice and compromised for quick personal promotion, isn’t it easy for us to conform in order not to lose out?

In our Christian community, we may also start to look at our peers and conclude that since most are not serving or obeying God around me, then it is alright that I don’t to either.

Running with excellence

Like running in a marathon, in life we need to look onwards and keep going forward. Allowing complacency to creep in would prove detrimental. And to focus, requires a much needed paradigm shift.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Instead of choosing to look at those around us or behind us, we need to learn how to tune our focus on a leader who is setting a high standard. In the case of moral and godly excellence, we have Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as we run this marathon of faith in our lives, let’s not aim low or live our faith in mediocrity by following the majority- the wide gate (c.f. Matthew 7:13).

Today, choose to set a high standard by fixing our eyes on Jesus who has ran ahead of us for us to follow.

Living in the Era of Grace & Truth, not Law

andrewong2024 1 Comment

From my personal experience and observation, I have realised how many of us, Christians (knowingly or unknowingly) are still pre-dominantly living our lives under law, rather by grace.

This is despite of us knowing the truth that none of us are saved by works, but only by grace through faith in Jesus.

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

John 1:17

Notably, there is a drastic difference in how intimately we will walk with God and how accurately we will reflect His likeness in our relationships with others whether or not we walk under law or grace.

Bound under law, not love

Ironically, Jesus came and died for us so that we might have freedom, but somehow we bound ourselves by our wrong understanding of the truth or even our human tendencies of having security in the things of this world which includes things of christian culture that we refer as “spiritual”. 

First and foremost, there should not be any divide between the spiritual and the secular, or the Church and the world. The Church is in the world, but yet, not of the world. And we are in the world, in order we can influence the world.

Like the passage of the Samaritian woman at the well, Jesus did an unconventional act by approaching the woman for a drink. Even this “unclean” woman was taken aback and astounded by this Jewish Rabbi. But that was love reaching out to her and not theology or the law.

If we are honest, many of a times we allow theology or the law to hinder us from showing love to others who are or have broken the laws.

Is our love conditional and based on performance in carrying out the law? Does God loves us in that manner to?

Living in the era of grace and truth

As modern day God-fearing believers, it is imperative that we understand that we are positioned to live in the era of Jesus, and not in the era of Moses. The former is a life lived by grace, and the latter is a life lived under law.

Living in grace  transmits the Spirit of God in living out the laws “naturally” in truth. Living under law subjects one to obey out of rules and regulation which relies on one own’s strength and only alters a pattern of behaviour.

But obedience by grace and truth is following God with a heart motivation of loving and pleasing Him which is compelled by His unfailing and inconditional love. This inside-out change will eventually manifest in the alteration of behaviour that will last.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”

1 Corinthians 8:1

As people living in the era of grace and truth, let us not attempt to win others by our theology or amassed knowledge of the law, but let us rather win others primarily by love that stems from theology just as Jesus did. 

Right versus Wrong

andrewong2024 Leave a comment

I believe you would agree with me that the general rule which people will use in discerning the practice of right conduct is that first of all, they should not feel shame from the judgment of their family and friends when thinking or doing something right.

Next, the feeling of shame at the scorn of acquaintances and strangers would be the next level of measurement between right and wrong.

Generally speaking, all of us eschew the wrong and do what is right in this manner from adolescents to adults; from our family’s influence to society’s cultural norms. This will then naturally become a habit, and in time we shall acquire the disposition to prefer the right and dislike the wrong.

Question of subjectivity

As people who are naturally communal in nature, the reason that why we want to do what is right is more to gain acceptance or to avoid displeasing others. Though this is not entirely unhealthy or wrong in itself, but the question that demands to be answered is what is the true definition of good and wrong? And is there one global standard to follow?

For instance, in some countries it is an offence for a couple to hold hands or to display public affection. Such couples that are caught or usually shamed and slapped with a fine like this case that was committed by two students in Malaysia.

Not sure which part of the world you are in as you read this, but I can safely assumed that holding of hands between couples are perfectly normal in most countries. I think in some society norms, couples might even be looked upon as being weird if they are not holding hands or being affectionate to another assuming that they are of opposite genders of cos! Ha ha…

What if a child is raised in a family where the parents are chain smokers? I think the likelihood for this child to grow up thinking smoking is alright in spite of its ill-affects would be higher than a child that grows up in a non-smoking family.

When a person from a non-smoking family thinks of lighting his/her first cigarette, the first natural thought would be how it will affect his/her parents; the unwanted shame would be a resistance against smoking.

Objectivity with the truth

In truth, our world be a less chaotic and peaceful one without political and economical wars if there was one standard or authority on what is right and wrong that nations submitted to. As one man would always see himself greater and better than his counterpart, there will be no end of petty squabbling and politicking.

In my personal opinion, God is above all and is the highest authority. His word is what clearly defines right and wrong. It is eternal and powerful, and has proven itself true all these years in spite endless attacks to discredit what it claims to be as the Word of God.

The Word of God is not just for Christians, but for all mankind. Everything in it, provides the framework for us to discern the right from the wrong, and to practice what is right towards improving our quality of life.

More importantly, His Word points to our need for a God in our lives and His grace that we need to live by in order to live a righteous life.

You stumble day and night,
and the prophets stumble with you.….
….. my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:5-6

So the answer to the question of what or how do we accurately distinguish the right from the wrong: The Word of God.

Without the knowledge His Word or the lack of it, would have an adverse affect on our lives as we would be plagued with inconsistencies and confusion; and to the extend of affecting those around us.

Which Way Should I Go From Here?

andrewong2024 2 Comments

Looking for directions? Here is a thought-provoking article that I’m certain will provide some help in setting your thoughts in the right direction towards your purpose in life.

Many people ask for advice on which way they ought to go from here, however the issue is they don’t have a clear picture of what their purpose is and therefore where they want to go.

Without a sense of where we want to go, it is no wonder that we become confused by all of the advice that is available to us on how to get somewhere. For many of us it as if we are a sail boat set upon an open sea with out a rudder or compass going where the wind of the day takes us.

I know this feeling intimately for in many ways my life has taken the direction of where the winds of the days have taken it. My life has been a wonderful journey, however in many ways a life without a sense of direction and as I observe others, I find that many people live their life the same way.

So it is no small wonder that many people find themselves working jobs they don’t enjoy, living life’s they are not happy with, in relationships that they do not desire to be in, etc. When we are adrift, it is natural to find ourselves caught up on the rocks, stranded on a sandbar, moored in unknown and unexpected harbors or destroyed by the ravages of storms.

A life without purpose, without direction is a life of existence rather than a life of living. A purposeful life is fueled by passion. A life lived without purpose is an undulating sea of experiences which often leaves us tired, distraught and confused.

Read the full article here>>>