On the Future: Prospects for Humanity (2018) by Martin Rees, Book Review

 On the Future: Prospects for Humanity (2018) by Martin Rees

I enjoy watching the YouTube Originals series on The Age of A.I. eight science-documentary episodes covering the ways how Artificial Intelligence is and will change the world in various fields such as robotics, health, food, space travel, relationships, and others. It is narrated and hosted by Robert Downey Jr. with the vibe of Tony Stark’s coolness and humor (actually it is more interesting if J.A.R.V.I.S. or F.R.I.D.A.Y. be the one who narrated the series). I’m always fascinated by how fast we humans have progressed in terms of knowledge, science, and technology. It is both creates excitement and anxiety. When I watched the series, I realize that the producers want to highlight the wonderful positive aspect of A.I. implementations in many areas of our human experiences, but I still can’t help to think realistically (with a mix of negative thinking), of “what if” this or that happened. What if we create evil Ultron with the good intention to protect ourselves? What if there are powerful but bitter people like Magneto who decided to choose only special people like them to survive? What if there are people with the Thanos ideology that in order to bring peace and order there must be wars and necessary sacrifices needed to be made?

These existential questions and more leads me to this book. Martin Rees, an Astronomer Royal, renowned scientist, and futurist, examines the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on earth and beyond. His insights into cutting-edge science and technology and global trends are very helpful. His main argument is that if we approach the future with short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism, we are doomed to extinction (my language). But if we take responsibility for the future NOW with long-term thinking, rational discussions, solution-oriented partnership, globally, collectively, and optimistically, we can flourish. “This book offers some hopes, fears, and conjectures about what lies ahead,” said Martin who doesn’t claim to be a prophet of the future but trying to act like one anyway due to the urgency of the subject at hand. “Surviving this century, and sustaining the long-term future of our ever more vulnerable world, depends on accelerating some technologies, but responsibly restraining others. The governance challenges are huge and daunting.” I agree. As a Christ-follower, I wholeheartedly believe that the future is in the hand of the sovereign God. But from the humanistic perspective, as the author seems to be one (he said he is a ‘cultural Christian.’ It doesn’t matter what he meant, for this book is not a Christian book anyway), the future is in our hands.

Overall, On the Future is an excellent read. The author’s careful and brief treatments on the issues like nuclear threats, eco-threats, climate change, biotech, cyber technology, human consciousness, robotics, A.I., and spaceflight are both encouraging and alarming for obvious reasons. Of course, a book like this is not without speculations such as the possibilities of our dominion outside our planet (for example, colonization of Mars), and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence. I find that it is interesting when Martin also discusses the limits and future of science. By the way, I want to share one thing that probably going to spark your interest. This book is published in 2018 and about two years after that, in March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. This is a glimpse of one of Martin’s worst nightmares coming true when he wrote: “Pandemics are an ever-present natural threat, but is it just scaremongering to raise concerns about human-induced risks from bio error or bio terror? Sadly, I don’t think it is. We all know too well that technical expertise doesn’t guarantee balanced rationality. The global village will have its village idiots and they’ll have a global range… Bio error and bio terror are possible in the near term - within ten or fifteen years. And in the longer term, they will be aggravated as it becomes possible to ‘design’ and syntheses viruses - the ‘ultimate’ weapon would combine high lethality with the transmissibility of the common cold.” 10 to 15 years, huh? How about 1-2 years?!

After I finished reading this book, I still have the “what if” questions about the future of humanity from the humanistic perspective. The difference is that I have moved from some (Oh, there are many!) of my ignorance to more informed “what if” questions.

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #OnTheFuture #ScienceAndTechnology #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

[P. s: Two other issues/topics that are important, in my opinion, that should be covered in a book on the future like this one are cryptocurrency and the metaverse. Check it out!]

To read my other book reviews (and articles) based on science, CLICK HERE 


FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                          
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify                          
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/                      

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

If It Isn't True, Forget It, and Go On and Serve the Lord

Not all criticism is wrong. Sometimes, if we let go of our ego (hard, right?), it can be a great lesson in life. If it's true, you have the chance to improve yourself. It is our responsibility to amend our mistakes and sins. For the Lord's sake. If it's half-true, perhaps you need to see the bigger picture or delay your response, for the one who pointed it out to you might be misunderstood.

If it's false in your good conscience, then do what H.A. Ironside said: "forget it and go on serve the Lord." Nobody who serves the Lord wholeheartedly will be immune to criticism. Therefore, don't let it discourage you - rejoice! - and don't take matters into your own hands. Romans 12:19 reminds, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'" ��������� #ServeToLead #PreachTheWord #GoOnServeTheLord

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/                       
Podcast: http://bit.ly/LegasiSpotify         
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LEGASItv/     

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Don't Be Distracted by Criticism

As a leader, my Lord Jesus faced a number of criticisms, notable among which was His encounter with His own people in Mark 6:1-6. Having marveled at His wisdom and authority, they began to question His origin and ancestry. They could not believe why a common carpenter should get the kind of attention He was getting. But Jesus ignored their criticism and went about preaching the Word. I believe Jesus was telling you and me, criticism comes with the package of leadership #ServeToLead #GrowingLeader

FB Page: https://facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/ 

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/LEGASI.tv/ 

IG: https://instagram.com/legasi.tv/ 

YouTube: http://bit.ly/LEGASItv 

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

BOOK REVIEW The Mystical Leader: The Seven Myths of Leadership (2017) by Ron Edmondson

The Mystical Leader: The Seven Myths of Leadership (2017) by Ron Edmondson

What a productive day! I enjoy reading this book and appreciate how Ron explains each myth with his own examples honestly and thoughtful. I love that he didn't push too much with Christian message but outlines his ideas practically and do-able.

Here is a fact: the church - and organizations and non-profits - need stronger leaders. But many leaders suffer from seven common misunderstandings of leadership, making them weak and ineffective. Ron writes, "In my long career in business and government leadership, and now after serving in church planting and church revitalization, I've found the problems churches face are generally the same. We need better leadership."

Here are The Seven (7) Myths with simple summary for each chapter:

1) A Position Will Make Me a Leader. Some believe simply has a big or fancy title makes them a leader. Not true. I’ve known many people with huge positions whom no one was truly following. They may give out orders and command certain obedience, but no one is willingly following their lead. They may be a boss, but “I wouldn’t call them a leader,” writes Ron.

2) If I Am Not Hearing Anyone Complain, Everyone Must Be Happy. Have you ever heard of passive aggression? The fact is sometimes the leader is the last to know about a problem. Some people are intimidated by leadership. Other times, they don’t know how to approach the leader, so they complain to others, but not the leader. And, sometimes, as the author said, the way I’m leading dictates who tells me what I really need to know.

3) I Can Lead Everyone the Same Way. So not true. It simply doesn’t work. Actually, people are different and require different leadership styles. The author not saying it’s easy, but if you want to be effective you will learn your people and alter your style to fit their personalities.

4) Leadership and Management Are the Same Things. Great organizations need both, but they are not equal and they require different skills. Simply put — Leadership is more about empowerment and guiding people to a common vision — often into the unknown. Management is more about maintaining efficiency within a predetermined destination but leadership requires change and innovation.

5) Being the Leader Makes Me Popular. “My file of criticisms...,” writes Ron, “[is] larger than my encouragement file.” The truth is leaders can be very lonely people. (It’s why leaders must surround themselves with encouragers and continually seek renewal). The only way to avoid criticism and be “liked” as a leader is to make no decisions, do nothing different, never challenge the status quo — in other words — don’t lead.

6) Leaders Must Have Charisma and Be Extroverts. Some of the best leaders I know and read are very introverted and subdued (read Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking). And, honestly, they are leading some of the biggest churches and organizations. Leadership IS about influence. If someone is trustworthy, dependable, has integrity and is going somewhere of value — others will follow no matter how introvert or extrovert the leaders are.

7) Leaders Accomplish by Controlling Others. Absolutely not! This is not leadership. It is a dictatorship. Effective leaders encourage others to lead. They challenge people to be creative and take ownership and responsibility for accomplishing the vision. They learn to delegate through empowerment.

I enjoyed and benefitted from this book. I would recommend this book to pastors and those who involve in church ministry.

FB Page: https://web.facebook.com/LEGASI.tv/

IG: https://instagram.com/richard_angelus

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (2018) by Jordan B. Peterson, A Review

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos (2018) by Jordan B. Peterson

Reading Jordan Peterson's book is refreshing. He is a psychologist whose writing combines science and common sense. One of his talents is his ability to articulate complex ideas to a wide audience, regardless of whether you have a background in psychology or not (although it would be good if you're interested in psychology, it will be very much helpful). In comparison with Stephen R. Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I find that this book is a bit complex in language and some of its term I'm not familiar with. But both book concepts are simple enough and easy to understand. It covers his twelve rules for life, which are intended not only as a guide for the life of the individual but as "a remedy for society’s present ills." Peterson believes that the cure for society starts with curing the individual, the smallest unit of society. Peterson’s well-known advice to "clean your room" is a reflection of the truth that if you can’t even manage the most basic and mundane responsibilities of life, then you have no business dictating to others how to fix society.

One of the main themes of this book is: "Personal change is possible." There's no doubt you can be slightly better today than you were yesterday. Because of Pareto's Principle (small changes can have disproportionately large results), this movement towards the goodwill "increases massively and this upward trajectory can take your life out of hell more rapidly than you could believe." Life is tragic and full of suffering and malevolence, says Peterson. But there's something you can start doing right, and all of these 'rule' is within our power to do so.

To read my simple summary for each chapter, CLICK on the titles below. It will link you to my second blog Idea For Today, enjoy!

Rule #0 Introduction: The Important of Personal Change

Rule #1 Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back

Rule #2 Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping

Rule #3 Make Friends with People Who Want the Best for You

Rule #4 Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not Who Someone Else Is Today

Rule #5 Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything that Makes You Dislike Them

Rule #6 Set Your House In Perfect Order Before You Criticize the World

Rule #7 Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient

Rule #8 Tell the Truth - Or, At Least, Don't Lie

Rule #9 Assume that the Person You are Listening to Might Know Something You Don't

Rule #10 Be Precise In Your Speech

Rule #11 Don't Bother Children When They Are Skateboarding

Rule #12 Pat a Cat When You Encounter One on the Street

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: A Leader’s Legacy (2006) by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

A Leader’s Legacy (2006) by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

One of the top leadership books recommended by other leaders is The Leadership Challenge by the same authors. Since I found this one in the library, and this one is the latest between the two and is shorter in volume than the other, and since each chapter in this book is briefer and nontechnical like the other one – I borrowed this one and I’m pleased with my decision. Satisfied customer! The idea of this book begins when their editor, Susan Williams, wanted both of them to write a book that was “a free-flowing exploration of leadership topics and lessons” that they learned over about two decades of experiences. She challenged them to “come down from the podium” and to be “much more personal, introspective, subtler, and at times, more blunt” in their writing style. And so this book is concise lessons that they learned in all those years. As a reader, this is good because it means I don’t have to read their other books.

What interest me about this book is the word “legacy.” Either you’re a leader or a leader with no formal title or a student of leadership (like me), every leader I’ve ever worked and talked with wants to leave a legacy. Thinking about our legacies requires us to move beyond short-term definitions of success. Legacies encompass past, present, and future, and when I pondered about my legacy, I’m forced to consider where I’ve been, where I’m now and where I’m going. I’m brought face-to-face with questions of who I am and why I’m here. “By asking ourselves how we want to be remembered,” writes Kouzes and Posner, “we plant the seeds for living our lives as if we matter. By living each day as if we matter, we offer up our own unique legacy. By offering up our own unique legacy, we make the world we inhabit a better place than we found it.”

Even though there were little ‘new ideas’ on leadership in this book, I’m challenged to think (or focus-thinking) about the legacies that I want to leave behind me. I’ve read books on leadership that touch on the subject of legacy, but none as intentional, personal, and provocative as this one. Here Kouzes and Posner examine in 21 chapters – arranged into four parts – the critical questions all leaders must ask themselves in order to leave a lasting impact. Below are the contents with my selection of quotes for each part:

Part One: SIGNIFICANCE

“When we move on, people do not remember us for what we do for ourselves. They remember us for what we do for them. They are the inheritors of our work. One of the great joys and grave responsibilities of leaders is making sure that those in their care live lives not only of success but also of significance” (p.10)

Chapter 1: Leaders Serve and Sacrifice

Chapter 2: The Best Leaders Are Teachers

Chapter 3: We All Need Loving Critics

Chapter 4: You Are the Most Important Leader in Your Organization

Chapter 5: No One Likes to Be an Assumption

Part Two: RELATIONSHIP

“Leadership is a relationship. It’s a relationship between those who choose to follow. Whatever the relationship is with one or many, leadership requires engaging others. No matter how much formal power and authority our positions give us, we’ll only leave a lasting legacy if others want to be in that relationship with us. Other people decide whether to follow or to run away. Others decide whether to cheer or jeer. Others decide whether to remember us or forget us. No discussion of leadership is complete without considering the quality of the leader-constituent relationship. Leadership requires a resonant connection with others over matters of the heart” (p.48).

Chapter 6: Leadership Is Personal

Chapter 7: Leaders Should Want to Be Liked

Chapter 8: When You Don’t See Eye to Eye, Seek to Understand

Chapter 9: You Can’t Take Trust for Granted

Chapter 10: Let Your People Go

Part 3: ASPIRATIONS

“People commit to causes, not to plans. Commitment is fuelled by what we cherish. If the values about which we care deeply are vividly clear to us, then the whims of fashion and the opinion polls won’t side-track us. A lasting legacy is built on a firm foundation of principles and purpose... Leaders must decide on what matters in life, before they can live a life that matters” (p.90).

Chapter 11: Lead from the Inside Out

Chapter 12: Forward-Looking Is a Leadership Prerequisite

Chapter 13: It’s Not Just the Leader’s Vision

Chapter 14: Liberate the Leader in Everyone

Chapter 15: Leaders Are Followers, Too!

Part 4: COURAGE

“Leaving a legacy is all about making a difference. We can only make a difference when we take stands. Every one of us is capable of taking stands on things that matter. That’s what it really means to live a courageous life. It takes courage to realize your dreams and to give meaning to your values. If you’re going to leave a legacy of lasting significance, it’ll be the result of acting courageously… Courageous is the virtue that makes all other virtues possible” (p.132).

Chapter 16: There’s Courage in All of Us

Chapter 17: You Can’t Plan to Be Courageous, But You Can Choose It

Chapter 18: It Takes Courage to Make a Life

Chapter 19: The Courage to Be Human

Chapter 20: Failure Is Always an Option

Chapter 21: No Money-Back Guarantee

Afterward: The Legacy You Leave Is the Life You Lead

The afterward title is worth repeating, read and let it sink in your mind. Read slowly:

The Legacy You Leave Is the Life You Lead. Lead on!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

John C. Maxwell on Leadership #22 Encourage The Dreams of Others

I consider it a great privilege when people share their dreams with me. It shows a great deal of courage and trust. And at that moment, I'm conscious that I have great power in their lives. That's no small matter. A wrong word can crush a person's dream; the right word can inspire him or her to pursue it.

If someone thinks enough of you to tell you about his or her dreams, take care. Actress Candice Bergen commented, "Dreams are, by definition, cursed with short lifespans." I suspect she said that because there are people who don't like to see others pursuing their dreams. It reminds them of how far they are from living their own dreams. As a result, they try to knock down anyone who is shooting for the stars. By talking others out of their dreams, critical people excuse themselves for staying in their comfort zones.

Never allow yourself to become a dream killer. Instead, become a dream releaser. Even if you think another person's dream is far-fetched, that's no excuse for criticizing them.

[25 Ways To Win With People: How To Make Others Feel Like A Million Bucks (2005) by John C. Maxwell. Published by Thomas Nelson Inc.]

Ask someone on your team to share their dream with you today.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

John C. Maxwell on Leadership #5 Value and Reward Loyalty

A quality you should look for in people to join you on your journey is loyalty. Although this alone not ensure success in another person, a lack of loyalty is sure to ruin your relationship with him or her. Think of it this way: When you’re looking for potential leaders, if someone you’re considering lacks loyalty, he is disqualified. Don’t even consider taking him on the journey with you because in the end, he’ll hurt you more than help you. So what does it mean for others to be loyal to you?

They Love You Unconditionally. They accept you with your strengths and weaknesses intact. They genuinely care for you, not just for what you can do for them.

They Represent You Well to Others. Loyal people always paint a positive picture of you with others. They may take you to task privately or hold you accountable, but they never criticize you to others.

They Are Able to Laugh and Cry with Your as You Travel Together. Loyal people are willing and able to share your joys and sorrows. They make the trip less lonely.

They Make Your Dream Their Dream. Some people undouble share the journey with you only briefly. You help one another for a while and then go your separate ways. But a few – a special few – will want to come alongside you and help you for the rest of the journey. These people make your dream their dream. If you find people like that, take good care of them.

[Taken from Your Road Map for Success: You CAN Get There from Here (2010) by John C. Maxwell. Published by Thomas Nelson]

Do you inspire loyalty?

Show gratitude to the loyal people in your inner circle today.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Faith versus Fact: Why Science and Religion Are Incompatible (2015)

Faith versus Fact: Why Science and Religion Are Incompatible (2015)

by Jerry A. Coyne

The New Atheist leaders such as Richard Dawkins argues that “it’s hard to see how any reasonable person can resist the conclusions of [Coyne’s] superbly argued book”; and Sam Harris praises Coyne by saying that he “has showing that the honest doubts of science are better – and more noble – than the false certainties of religion.” Jerry Coyne, an evolutionary biologist, author of his first own book Why Evolution is True, argues that “religion and science compete in many ways to describe reality – they both make ‘existence claims’ about what is real – but use different tools to meet this goal… the toolkit of science, based on reason and empirical study, is reliable, while that of religion – including faith, dogma and revelation – is unreliable and leads to incorrect, untestable, or conflicting conclusions. Indeed, by relying on faith rather than evidence, religion renders itself incapable of finding truth.”

In May 1988, a 13-year-old girl named Ashley King was admitted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital by court order. She had a tumour on her leg—an osteogenic sarcoma—that was “larger than a basketball” and was causing her leg to decay while her body started to shut down. Ashley’s Christian parents, however, refused to allow doctors permission to amputate and instead moved their daughter to a Christian Science sanatorium, where, in accordance with the tenets of their faith, “there was no medical care, not even pain medication.” Ashley’s mother and father arranged a collective pray-in to help her recover—to no avail. Three weeks later, she died. Had Ashley received medical care, Coyne writes, she would likely have recovered. The Kings, tried in an Arizona court for negligent homicide, expressed no remorse, pleaded no contest, and were convicted on a lesser charge. They effectively escaped punishment, because their actions were faith-motivated. “Had the Kings been atheists,” Coyne writes, “there was a good chance [Ashley] would have lived.”

One day after Coyne giving a talk on evolution, one of the attendees approached him, shook his hand and said, “Dr. Coyne, I found your evidence for evolution very convincing – but I still don’t believe it.” Coyne was amazed. “How could it be that someone found evidence convincing but was still not convinced?” he writes, “The answer, of course, was that his religion had immunized him against my evidence.” He also highlighted one survey stating that 64% of Americans would retain a religious belief even if science disapproved it (which only 23% would consider changing their belief): “If science contradicts the Bible, I will believe the Bible, not science,” one interviewer responded. Some people, he writes, claiming that science and religion are not in conflict but complimenting one another. But in chapter 3, he shows that accommodationist fails.

Jerry Coyle simply argues – from historical, psychological, philosophical, sociological, historical and mainly from scientific views – that any attempt to make religion compatible with science is doomed to fail. “It is time for us to stop seeing faith as a virtue, and to stop using the term ‘person of faith’ as a compliment.” Either you agree or not with his thesis, if you read this book, your faith will be challenge and your mind will be stimulated… I mean, in a good way. What good if you read a book that doesn’t do these things?

[To help me understand this book, I’ve watched two of his interviews on YouTube entitled “Freedom from Religion” and “Faith vs. Fact”]

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Book Review: Secrets of Watchman Nee: His Life, His Teachings, His Influence (2005) by Dana Roberts

Secrets of Watchman Nee: His Life, His Teachings, His Influence (2005)
by Dana Roberts

At first when I saw this book, I really thought it is about Watchman Nee’s life, teaching and influence, his chronological biography and what are the secrets of his effective ministry (I borrowed from our church’s library). But no… it is more about a “thoughtful, insightful analysis” of the ‘real’ Watchman Nee and his ‘secret’ life. In the beginning, the author presents this book as pro-Watchman Nee. But after I read the first chapter, I realized that what he said about “constructive criticism” is actually a cultural and theological attack. This remind me of a minister I know personally who always point that other churches is wrong, and in the end, causes people to stumble over small issues. It is not about major theological issue at all!

Dana Roberts is entitled to his opinion and it is okay if he disagree with Watchman Nee's teachings (I think he should retitled it as A Critic on Watchman Nee’s Teachings). But I take issue with the extremely deceptive presentation of his book. Anyone looking at the book will be tricked into thinking the writer is fairly presenting Nee's teachings but it’s not. I love books published by Bridge-Logos but this one is a disappointment.

First chapter, Roberts deal with these questions: “What training and life experiences prepared [Nee] to lead others on the way to spiritual maturity? Is the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the sole compass of his faith? Or has some less accurate device detoured him away from the Christian ‘walk in newness of life’ (Romans 6:4)? Are his ideas pragmatic? In other words, do they really do what he says they will do?” Chapter two deal with the content of Nee’s theology and the last three chapters are about the ideas of Nee’s theology, namely, the Word of God, anthropology and ecclesiology. Here is the contents of this book:

1. Watchman Nee and the Work of the Little Flock
2. Introduction to Nee’s Literature
3. The Word and Its Ministry
4. Nee’s Anthropology: The Spiritual Man and His Life
5. The Church and Its Work
6. Summary and Conclusions

I read this book rather quickly and to me chapter 3 is worth reading and all of Nee’s quotations are good. Even some of Roberts’s thoughts are fantastic. For example, his observation about two categories of avid readers of Watchman Nee is accurate: 1) They love God and want to know more about the one they love; and 2) They love God and want to be right at all times [These two categories can also be apply to the so called young-and-reckless Calvinists today]. But overall, I still think it is a disgraceful to Watchman Nee rather than “constructive criticism.” Roberts have the tendency to make bad rumours about Nee equivalent to fact (that also of Witness Lee). Of course he try to be fair and nonbiased but throughout this book I can sense his ‘persuasive’ rejection to Nee’s theology.

Watchman Nee is a faithful servant of God, but not without controversy and mistakes. All of God’s servants are not perfect, except One. Abraham, Moses and David slipped up. Even Peter had failings as a Christian leader. We all make errors. Martin Luther, John Calvin, Spurgeon make mistakes. If you try hard, you can find a lot in me… This “constructive criticism” is not constructive at all. It is a destructive of Nee’s reputation. Until proven unfaithful and theologically heretic, we should protect and back up one another – brothers and sisters in Christ.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus said, "You have Heard the Law that Says... But I Say..."

Jesus told passage below to his disciples

“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been faithful, causes her to commit adultery. You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’ But I say, do not make any vows!... Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also… You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”
(Matthew 5:31-34, 37-39, 43-45, NLT).

Three times in passage above I read of Jesus stating, “You have heard the law that says.” In each case, Jesus repeated the common understanding of one of God’s laws and then showed how it had been distorted by widespread misinterpretation. The laws for divorce had gradually been reshaped into a freewheeling policy in which men could obtain divorce on a whim. In other settings (see Matthew 19:1-9), Jesus referred to the origin of marriage in the Garden and the designed lifelong nature of the relationship. Marriage, like everything else in creation, was marred by the fall of humanity. While stating what the law allowed due to the sins of people, Jesus still maintained the value of commitment in marriage. Although unfaithfulness might be a reason for a divorce, the damage of adultery also could be repaired with genuine repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

A person’s plainspoken “yes” or “no” ought to be as dependable as any elaborate vow. If someone can’t depend on our word, a vow does not increase our integrity. Jesus also rejected the idea that offenses of any kind must be retaliated. He showed his followers a radical alternative: going the second mile, turning the other cheek, loving one’s enemies. The idea of loving enemies goes against common sense. Jesus knew that common sense may cause us to respond contrary to God’s heart in a matter.

Think about this: Jesus must have had a twinkle in his eye when he pointed out that God “sends rain on the just and the unjust alike,” thereby sparing a lot of us from a good deal of embarrassment. Few of us can escape the reality of today’s passage (passage above). Jesus exposes the raw edge of many lives. His words uncover what we might try to keep hidden. Do this – Before the Lord, examine yourself to see if you have applying the law to the lives of others while exempting yourself from God’s call to deep personal integrity.

Thank Lord Jesus for his continual mercy,

and ask for his power to heal your own attitudes and actions.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tynadale House Publishers, Inc., 2011).

Jesus, the Law Above the Law

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-20, KJV).

For average person listening to Jesus at that time, the Law of Moses was everything! The Law, the shorthand term for the first five books of the Hebrew Old Testament, was undeniably present in every situation people encountered. That law, with the multiplied traditions surrounding it, governed almost any action a person might need to take each day. Already Jesus’ challenging of traditions (human traditions, the Pharisees’ many traditions!) was being seen as an attack on the underlying law of Moses. Here Jesus formally disarmed those who would accuse him of trying to destroy or replace what God had already given his people.

Jesus warned anyone speaking on his behalf to take care not to ignore the least commandment or influence others to do so, because they would not have standing in God’s Kingdom. God’s laws were still to be taught as the ultimate standard of behaviour. “Whosoever shall do and teach [God’s laws]…” Then Jesus shifted the focus slightly to include the idea of righteousness. Jesus was not exactly complimenting the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees as paragons of righteousness; he was pointing out that genuine obedience to God would require greater and substantially different righteousness than these current leaders could muster. As guardians of the law, these leaders claimed to be obedient to it, yet Jesus pointed out on numerous occasions that these guardians invalidated the law by their contrived interpretations.

At the heart of this statement is Jesus claim to fulfil the law and the prophets. Jesus was “not come to destroy [the law or the prophets], but to fulfil it.” He was deliberately pointing to himself as the living standard of God’s laws. He also warned the scribes and Pharisees that their brand of righteousness would not gain them access to heaven. Think about this: The Pharisees were proud of their reputation. Yet the Old Testament prophet Isaiah declared that “all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). In other words, we can’t save ourselves by our good works – only by God’s mercy and grace, only by faith (see Romans 1:17). Only in Jesus. Only Jesus.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus encountered with Critics (Grace-Giver and Law-Keepers Collide)

“At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, ‘Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath’” (Matthew 12:1-2, NLT).

Jesus and his disciples were “walking through some grainfields.” Because the disciples were hungry, they began to pluck heads of grain and eat them. They weren’t stealing, God had told farmers not to harvest the edges of their fields, so travellers and the poor could partake (see Leviticus 23:22). On any other day, no one would have questioned Jesus about what the disciples were doing. Because this was the Sabbath, however, the Pharisees accused them of breaking God’s law about not working on the day they were supposed to keep holy (see Exodus 20:8-11).

The Pharisees had separated themselves from anything non-Jewish and carefully followed both the Old Testament (Jewish Scriptures) laws and the oral traditions handed down through the centuries. They were exacting, detailing and scrupulous in their attempts to follow God’s law as well as hundreds of those traditional laws (sayings of the rabbis, which are not directly inspired by God as the Scriptures). And the worst thing was – they expected the Jews to do the same.

According to Exodus 34:21, harvesting grain was forbidden on the Sabbath, and picking the grain and rubbing it could have been interpreted as “harvesting”. But, as was often the case, the Pharisees were missing the spirit of the law and focusing on the letter. The disciples were picking the grain because they were hungry, not to harvest the grain for profit (I’m sure God would allow His hungry people to eat). The disciples were not breaking God’s law as recorded by Moses, just violating one of the Pharisees’ many rules. Obviously, the Pharisees must have been following Jesus to find an offense worthy of accusation. They expected to put Jesus on the defensive. Instead, he refuted their specific accusation and their interpretation of the Sabbath.

Think about this: The Pharisees saw themselves as guardians of God’s law, so they were quick to judge and condemn anyone who might break even a minor interpretation and tradition. Emphasizing laws and rules is called “legalism,” and it’s easy to slip into, especially if we’re trying to justify our own behaviour. In the process, we can miss what’s really important. The Pharisees tried to create a religious crisis over a few heads of grain. Soon, in the next chapter of the gospel story, we’ll see them argue about whether or not to heal someone on the Sabbath. Don’t be like the Pharisees. Be graceful like Jesus.

Nobody’s perfect, so we can always find something to criticize if we look hard enough. Jesus was perfect, yet the Pharisees thought they had caught him breaking one of the Ten Commandments. Jesus said that he didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfil it (Matthew 5:17). Instead of condemning us for our lawbreaking, Jesus treats us with mercy and grace, giving us what we could never earn by our own efforts. Based on our merits, we wouldn’t have a chance for redemption and eternal life. The Pharisees focused on the law and missed the Saviour. Don’t be like the Pharisees. Be merciful and gracious like Jesus.  Focus on Jesus and don’t miss what is really important.

Examine your own spirit of criticism or judgment of others.

Ask God to fill you with His love, mercy and grace for others.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

The Commitment of Revolutionary

I recently finished reading an informative, challenging and inspiring book by George Barna entitled “Revolution” (2005, 2012). Here I want to quote at length from his book (page 27-28):

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from studying the words of Jesus is that he loved fruit. Not the kind you pick off trees or vines, but the kind that’s evident in the life of a person whom he has changed. Jesus made very clear that the proof of people’s faith is not in the information they know or the religious gatherings they attend, but in the way they integrate what they know and believe into their everyday practices.

The hallmarks of the Church (not refers to building but the aggregation of believers) that Jesus died for are clear, based on Scripture: your profession of faith in Christ must be supported by a lifestyle that provides irrefutable evidence of your complete devotion to Jesus. The Lord encountered numerous people during his earthly tenure who could quote Scripture or pretend that they knew and loved him. But his reaction to them was always the same: “Show me the fruit.”

Revolutionaries are Christ-followers who refuse to make excuses for their failings; instead, they address and overcome those inadequacies. Jesus did not die on the cross to fill church auditoriums, to enable magnificent church campuses to be funded, or to motivate people to implement innovative programs. He died because he loves you and me, he wants an everlasting relationship with us, and he expects that connection to be all-consuming that we become wholly transformed – Jesus clones, if you will indulge the expression.

Does something get in the way of your living like Jesus? Then figure out how to eliminate that obstruction. Does life get so complicated that it’s difficult for you to juggle everything and remain Christlike? Then simplify your life. Are you unable to find words that describe how you believe God has called you to know, love, and serve Him? Then develop new ways to communicate to others how God is ministering to you and through you.

Is society dragging you in the opposite direction from where Jesus calls you? Then acknowledge that your life is part of a spiritual war between God and Satan, declare your side, and get on with it. Admit that you are better off “fighting the good fight” and suffering on earth for the cause of Christ than winning the world but losing your soul for eternity.

God used to the fact that your life is lived in the context of warfare. Every breath you take is an act of war. To survive and thrive in the midst of the spiritual battle in which you live, seek a faith context and experience that will enhance your capacity to be Christlike. This mission demands single-minded commitment and a disregard for the criticisms of those who lack the same dedication to the cause of Christ. You answer to only one Commander in Chief, and only you will give an explanation for your choices. Do whatever you have to do to prove that you fear God, you love Him, and you serve Him – yes, that you live only for Him.

This is the commitment of a Revolutionary.”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Gary Lamb's Advice for Me on Blogging

"Make sure you have thick skin" just like elephant. 

Gary Lamb is the founder and lead pastor of Ridge Stone Church in Canton, Georgia. The church started in 2004 and is known for its creativity and emphasis on those who don’t normally attend church. In Brian Bailey’s book The Blogging Church (John Wiley & Sons, Inc: 2007), Gary shares three advice that are very helpful for us to remember as we write blog:

“Blogging has become a huge part of my life in a very short time. I can’t put a price on the friendships and networks that I have formed through blogging. This sounds funny, but my church wouldn’t be what it is today without these relationships.

            I have three pieces of advice. First, be aware that the written word shows no emotions. People many times can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic, funny, or whatever other emotion you are trying to portray. I have offended many people without ever meaning to when what I wrote was read differently than what I meant.

            Second, make sure you have thick skin. Anyone can read what you write. Unfortunately, that includes critics who want nothing more than to destroy and tear down the work God has called you to do.

            Finally, remember that the people in your church are reading your blog, not just other pastors (Richard: I also must remember that students are reading my blog). They are reading between the lines, trying to figure out who you are and what you are talking about. Sometimes, they misread things and think they know the ‘inside scoop.’ This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something to always remember as you blog.”

First, be aware that the written word shows no emotions

Second, make sure you have thick skin

Lastly, remember that people do read your blog

I hope this words will encourage you to start blogging (or to write blog again)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Master of Divinity (M.Div) in Tongue Ministry (Enrol Now!)

A prayer stuck up on my friend’s office table: “Lord, help me to keep my big mouth shut until I know what I am saying!” What a wise advice to follow. I think James, the half-brother of Jesus, was probably writing from the same kind of experience when he writes, “Beasts, birds, reptiles and all kinds of sea-creatures can be, and in fact are, tamed by man, but no one can tame the human tongue. It is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly” (James 3:7-8, J.B. Phillips).

If you think James’s reaction is a little extreme, ask Christian leaders how much harm is being done in their congregations, churches or fellowships by negative gossip, criticism, lies or part-truths being spread about, and how much time is being wasted by Christians in idle, useless chatter. Ask me. Ask yourself. In fact, ask anyone and they will testify that it is true.

The tongue is one of God’s most precious gifts to us. You can use your words – both spoken and written – to help, encourage, motivate and build up other Christians, and to bring the not-yet-Christians to a fuller understanding of the Kingdom of God and the relationship that God wants to have with them through Jesus Christ. We all should enroll to God’s school in Master of Divinity (M.Div) in Tongue Ministry, if you know what I mean, to learn how to control and use it for God's glory!

Do not let your words be a hindrance to God’s work rather than instrument for it. Let it be use “to bless our Father, God” and not “to curse our fellow-men, who are all created in God’s likeness” (James 3:9). Therefore, do not just be alert before you speak (or write post update on your Facebook and Twitter), think and be wise, and if possible, pray as well!

I think: It is better to ask God to control your tongue than to speak in tongue

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.