Liars, Liars, Pants On Fire!
2 Timothy 3:1-5
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Romans 1: 28-32
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
So that's why I'm not surprised when I was told of this person's ambition, or rather, how he manipulated situations and people to build up his port folio. No matter how worrying it may seem because I'm concern for his character development, somehow it just wasn't a jaw-dropper.
Well, it is "nothing new under the sun" in having dreams and ambitions, the selfish ones that only benefits the self. I'm sure those who raise their eyebrow were probably those who lack that "enthusiasm" in life. As much as it is noble to be selfless, and necessary that we work towards that, I seriously doubt that anyone could or would be completely so. In fact, I think it's commendable that a person plans ahead and work towards a goal seriously and actively.
I must admit that, at this moment, I'm still organising my thoughts regarding this new knowledge. As much as it's not surprising, it is the first time I have to deal with it. Something similar happened in my beloved group before and the Instructor whom I respect said something like... it's nothing wrong that people want to quit cos it's their right, but if they try to get others to do the same, then it's conspiracy. Now that we cannot condone.
That taught me a lesson and since then I was not so affected by people quitting. I'm more able to empathise with their reasons. The understanding allows me to appreciate their sense of responsibility in making that decision. Let's face it, there are some other people who do more damage by staying. These are usually the ones who would sow discord, say things unsubtly to cause people to waver, exaggerate or distort facts about things and people to plant doubts and drag people along with them, with no consideration of what's best for others. It's a way of justifying one's action and thinking (and in this case, debased ones) - by having more people on their side.
This time, however, matters are more complicated because the one in question is one of the leaders. From what was told to me, for I was not physically present during the confrontation, not only was the person getting close to the members and the authority figures in the hope to accumulate votes of confidence, he also planted distorted fact in favour of himself and against certain targets. Does being open about one's hidden agenda makes it less undesirable? Forgiveness doesn't eliminate the consequences. What is said is like throwing a pillow of feathers down the mountain. Try getting every piece of feather back.
There is a reason why cheating in exams and even forgery of MCs call for suspension from school. And there's a reason why plagiarism, piracy, infringement of copyright are criminal offences. You may say that what I'm dealing with is but a small case. But think about it, nobody takes the first sip of alcohol or first puff of cigarette with the intention of becoming a alcoholic or drug trafficker.
If, at this age, this person is already consciously resorting to methods of deception to get what he wants, I pray to God that he will not evolve to a point of no return. It is tormenting to be a compulsive liar to a point where you don't even know what you say is true.
I stand by my belief that "the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked". However, I'm not at all next to saying that we should cast off all restraints and "join in the party". It is a warning that at this perilous times as we have been forewarned two millennia ago, we need, more than ever before, to guard our hearts, look to God to search us inside out and change towards Christ-likeness. How can we improve if we don't know what and where the problem is?
Be careful not to think of ourselves as noble just because we helped some grannies cross the road, buy overpriced tissue paper, or give up our seats to a pregnant lady. Sometimes doing good could just be about making one feel less guilty or better about oneself. Yet, we should, and we must, continue to develop the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just don't be too anxious to take credits for it. Such opportunities to do good are placed in our paths so that we can do good works and glorify our Father in heaven!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Romans 1: 28-32
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
So that's why I'm not surprised when I was told of this person's ambition, or rather, how he manipulated situations and people to build up his port folio. No matter how worrying it may seem because I'm concern for his character development, somehow it just wasn't a jaw-dropper.
Well, it is "nothing new under the sun" in having dreams and ambitions, the selfish ones that only benefits the self. I'm sure those who raise their eyebrow were probably those who lack that "enthusiasm" in life. As much as it is noble to be selfless, and necessary that we work towards that, I seriously doubt that anyone could or would be completely so. In fact, I think it's commendable that a person plans ahead and work towards a goal seriously and actively.
I must admit that, at this moment, I'm still organising my thoughts regarding this new knowledge. As much as it's not surprising, it is the first time I have to deal with it. Something similar happened in my beloved group before and the Instructor whom I respect said something like... it's nothing wrong that people want to quit cos it's their right, but if they try to get others to do the same, then it's conspiracy. Now that we cannot condone.
That taught me a lesson and since then I was not so affected by people quitting. I'm more able to empathise with their reasons. The understanding allows me to appreciate their sense of responsibility in making that decision. Let's face it, there are some other people who do more damage by staying. These are usually the ones who would sow discord, say things unsubtly to cause people to waver, exaggerate or distort facts about things and people to plant doubts and drag people along with them, with no consideration of what's best for others. It's a way of justifying one's action and thinking (and in this case, debased ones) - by having more people on their side.
This time, however, matters are more complicated because the one in question is one of the leaders. From what was told to me, for I was not physically present during the confrontation, not only was the person getting close to the members and the authority figures in the hope to accumulate votes of confidence, he also planted distorted fact in favour of himself and against certain targets. Does being open about one's hidden agenda makes it less undesirable? Forgiveness doesn't eliminate the consequences. What is said is like throwing a pillow of feathers down the mountain. Try getting every piece of feather back.
There is a reason why cheating in exams and even forgery of MCs call for suspension from school. And there's a reason why plagiarism, piracy, infringement of copyright are criminal offences. You may say that what I'm dealing with is but a small case. But think about it, nobody takes the first sip of alcohol or first puff of cigarette with the intention of becoming a alcoholic or drug trafficker.
If, at this age, this person is already consciously resorting to methods of deception to get what he wants, I pray to God that he will not evolve to a point of no return. It is tormenting to be a compulsive liar to a point where you don't even know what you say is true.
I stand by my belief that "the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked". However, I'm not at all next to saying that we should cast off all restraints and "join in the party". It is a warning that at this perilous times as we have been forewarned two millennia ago, we need, more than ever before, to guard our hearts, look to God to search us inside out and change towards Christ-likeness. How can we improve if we don't know what and where the problem is?
Be careful not to think of ourselves as noble just because we helped some grannies cross the road, buy overpriced tissue paper, or give up our seats to a pregnant lady. Sometimes doing good could just be about making one feel less guilty or better about oneself. Yet, we should, and we must, continue to develop the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Just don't be too anxious to take credits for it. Such opportunities to do good are placed in our paths so that we can do good works and glorify our Father in heaven!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:8-10
