Stand Up and Be Counted

My thought for today is our unwillingness to make a stand. All of us at some point of time had our own set of ideals, especially when we were young and on fire.. eager to leave our mark and impression on the world out there. Somehow, as we enter the work force, with the pursue of financial security the center point of our focus and the goal of being respected by our peers we begin to rot inside... sad but true, I remember the farewell speech I gave to my classmates in the six form prior to the STPM exams.. I exhorted my fellow mates to never forget the ideals we hold dear, to always remind one another to stand up for what is right. Now, after tujuh belas tahun, I have to remind myself of my own words.. Stand Up and Be Counted!

All our preoccupations with attaining status and financial riches, many of us have lost that precious part of our inner being, the part that could tell right from wrong, good from evil, white from black, now it is all grey, in this age of colour monitors, TFT, Plasma screens.. it is pathetic for us to make that choice to live in the grey zone. A zone where our conscience is seared and wounded, no longer sensitive, no longer relevant. Our very being reduce to just another speck of insignificant grey in a vast sea of grey waves. We are tossed back and forth, our position determined by the company we keep.

We will go through this journey of life achieving all sorts that eventually does not matter, passing into eternity with so much that we couldn't bring with us. What an irony, having lived and yet never truly alive. It is time to be reminded, time to fall on our knees and wait, wait till the small still voice speaks again, speaks gently yet firm and strong... it is time to stand firm, stand up for what is good, just and noble. Stand for the oppressed, the downtrodden, the weak, the poor. Stand for Godly values and virtues. Stand and be counted, let the light shine in this dark world, let the salt bring taste to the world, live the life worthy of the calling which you have received!

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 4:14-16

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32

Read the entire book of Ephesians for context. Ephesians 6 is relevant for today's thought.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17

God bless and keep us from falling! Good night!