the force

so yeah, many people have been in crazy joyful mode since "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" came out. Many fans were crazy about it, and I even got to enjoy a 85% day off because of a Star Wars event at work.

The three original movies were a classic, achieving a legendary status, and revolutionary on the time that were released. Then there were some fake movies that came out later, but that was catastrophic, and the only redeemable thing that came out of it was this: http://winterson.com/2005/06/episode-iii-backstroke-of-west.html

The new movie got very positive reviews. I will abstain on taking too much about it, but I have to admit, it is very entertaining and fun, but the more I analyze it, the more I dislike it.

I want to expand on the concept of the "force", which plays a very major role on the Star Wars story. The force is this impersonal power that seems to be everywhere, and certain individuals can use or control part of it to do cool stuff (psychokinesis, mind control, reading minds, fighting abilities, etc). It seems that individuals must concentrate, focus, and train to use the force. But the force can be used for either good or evil purposes, depending on the user. There is a light side, and there is a dark side. A great deal of the story from the movies is to show the battler between both sides, and how an user from the light side can be tempted to to the dark side.

The idea of the force is very influenced by the worldview of "Pantheism". It is not my intent to describe this worldview in details, but I just want to point out a couple of key points on it:

• Pantheism describes"god" as an impersonal "force"
• The goal of man is to become one with the "force", and that is usually accomplished by denying one's individuality (via meditation, mantras, chants, etc)
• the concepts of good and evil does not really have a standard, other than favoring the process of becoming one with the force, as a "good" think (e.g. karma is considered good, as it helps me to be closer as one with the "force")

There are issues with this worldview, the major one been the classic issue of ethics, where there is no absolute standards that defines what is good and what is evil. Plus the concept of an impersonal god (consistent with the lack of standards of good and evil) is not very hopeful for a purposeful life, and the assurance that a "god" is watching over us.

In Christianity, we have a personal God, who is almighty, all powerful, and is loving and just. The fact that He is personal, and that He has created us in His image is very encouraging, because our lives are made with a purpose, and we are most satisfied when we reflect His image in our lives. This is a much more hopeful and worth "worldview" to live for. Due to God's character, there is a clear standards on what is good and what is bad, and there are instructions on how to walk in holiness.

We praise God for what he has done, by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our transgressions, so that we can find forgiveness and be reconciled to Him, so that we can live in eternity with Him.

Merry Christmas!

maximus decimus meridius

"What we do in life echoes in eternity." - Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator

Gladiator is one of the my favorite films of all times, and I really believe every man should watch it. It shows a character with so many commendable characteristics:  a man who is honorable, who is respected, who keeps his word, who overcomes great adversity to triumph, who fights for justice. I don't get bored at all re-watching this movie. It's also worth mentioning that a lot of the good deeds Maximums end up doing in the movie produce fruits that he did not get to enjoy.

I remembered when I was in university, an upper year brother challenged me to think about the legacy I want to leave behind in my years in school. This is a question that most people will not naturally think about, since school is usually treated as a stepping stone to get a job that pays well. Indeed, this is a question that I still think about today. How do I want to be remembered when I leave the "current place" I am in? If I am able to answer the previous question, what steps can I take to achieve it?

Often, we are placed in locations where we are just there temporary (5 years in school, a job placement, a full-time job, etc) and it is very tempted to do the minimum to get by or to work hard only on the aspects that will benefit us (e.g. work extra hours at a job to please my manager). But how about helping those around us (which is outside of our "job description")? How about making a positive impact on the people that I see everyday at work?

This is often challenging especially when the responsibilities of the "job description" is already stressful enough.

I have been swimming through a bit of disappointments at my current job for some time now, and it got significantly worst when changes occurred on my job management (people moving to different teams, people leaving, people getting fired). So it is easy to be demotivated and wanting to just do the minimum.

But God has called us to do our best in the work we do, as if we are working for Him (Col. 3:23) and we are also called to be the salt and light of this world (Matthew 5). And even if life is tough, we are called to do our best in all situations, walk that extra mile, and be a good witness in all. Even if the my work employers does not appreciate the work that I do, I can only find assurance and peace when I know that my efforts are pleasing our ultimate Boss, the our great Father, our great King.

so much to learn...