By Julian Abraham Chua, 20, Singapore
Ever threw your tantrum before? Ever felt dissatisfied with your life? Ever battled with lust, selfishness, jealousy or greed?
Perhaps, that is because we often take life and the privileges we have for granted. For instance, having good health, being able-bodied, having our five senses intact, having close friends and family whom we can turn to for help—these are some privileges we took for granted.
Imagine waking up from a car crash only to find that you will never walk again. Imagine contracting HIV or cancer knowing your time here will be shortened, or losing a loved one. What if you went blind, deaf or even end up in a vegetable-state one day, how will you face these? Because we get too familiar with things, we subconsciously assume that they will always remain as they are.
As Christians, we have to live our lives seeing beyond the surface of things and appreciating what we have as much as we can. It’s good to remember that anything can happen and we are vulnerable to all sorts of dangers despite advance technology that enhances the safety of individuals. The most recent earthquake in Haiti is an example of how unpredictable life can really be. It left hundreds of thousands of Haitians dead and millions more needing aid.
Putting it across simply, the best solution against discontentment is to cherish each day, to appreciate people, and ultimately to embrace God’s Word.
yes…i agree we are always complacent with familiar things. thinking that things will never change and never wanting to move on and improve our lot. Its sad, but true. We dont cherish each day or God’s love for us enough sometimes.
Thanks for this Julian! A simple but challenging article. It’s easy to forget those blessings GOD has poured out upon our lives and is continuing to pour out. We forget even the victory JESUS CHRIST has won for us! As holy week approaches, I pray that every Christian will take time out to read the passion narratives in the Bible and meditate on CHRIST’s sacrifice. May we not take GOD’s love for granted!
I had a cold yesterday and it’s reminded me to thank GOD for my health that HE blesses me with 98% of the time! We must thank GOD for giving us life every day we wake up, for GOD is after all, the GOD who holds our breath in HIS hands and who owns all our ways (Daniel 5:23). HIM we must glorify!