As we become more 富裕affluent and educated, it is important to keep away from being too sure of ourselves. The recent death of a SCDF NS firefighter is a timely but sad reminder for Singaporeans who think that we are safe and sound. Napoleon, at his heights, said “God is on the side of him with the biggest guns.” During his exile, he said, “Man proposes, God disposes.”

The parable that Jesus told of the rich man who wanted to tear down the old barns to build new ones because he thought that he was successful (Lk 12:16-20), should give us a warning of being too conceited. We may just end up losing everything. Also, if our sight is only on this life time, then we will lose, big time, on the future that is to come.

As we come to the end of the year, we must take some time off to look deep into ourselves. What are there that need changing? How are we going about it? What kind of impact or consequence if there is no action taken?

It is good for us to start doing it before we get caught up in the festive celebrations and busyness. Time will fly by very fast and before we know it, it is gone. Another year will come and go.

Do not sit in the well and look up to the sky. Your view will be limited. And your decisions will be short-sighted and lacking. When all had come and gone, we may regret that we did not climb out to see the bigger perspective. Regrets are the worse things in life.

Also do not be the frog in a boiling kettle. Always be aware of the changes around and within you. With everything changing so fast, we may be boiled alive without knowing. Dying as a fool is a very bad way to die.

Brothers and sisters, Christmas and the beginning of a new year is around the corner. Make a choice to live well, a life that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

May you have a fruitful and wonderful time during this festive season.

God bless,
In Christ’s service,

Barry Leong

当我们越来越富裕及接受更多教育的同时，很重要的是要避免对自己过于自信。日前一名民防局国民服役消防员的逝世，对以为自己很安全稳当的新加坡人来说是一个及时但哀痛的提醒。拿破仑在他的巅峰时期，曾说：“上帝站在握着最大的枪的那一边”。他在流亡期间，他说：“人建议，上帝处置”。

主耶稣提及的比喻中，富有的财主筹划着要拆了旧的仓房以另盖新的，因为他以为自己已经很成功了（路加福音 12:16-20），这已经在警告我们不要过于自负。我们可能最终会失去一切。此外，倘若我们的眼目只在乎今生，那么我们在未来的日子，将会失去更重要的时刻。

当我们来到一年的结束，我们一定要拨出时间自我深省。有什么是需要改变的？我们该怎么作？若不采取任何行动，又将会出现什么冲击或后果呢？

能够在我们陷入节日欢庆和忙碌之前就先这么做是很好的。时间急速飞逝，在我们发现之前就已经消失了。一年来去又一年。

不要坐井观天，你的视角将受到限制，而你的决定也将是短视和贫乏的。当一切来了又去，我们可能就要懊悔自己未曾爬出来看看更大的视野。生命中最糟糕的事就是懊悔。

此外，也不要成为沸腾水壶中的青蛙。必须时常关注你周遭和内在的变化。当所有的事物都急速变化，我们可能在毫不察觉时就活生生被煮沸了。成为傻瓜死去是最坏与最笨的死法。

弟兄姐妹，圣诞节和新一年的开始即将来临。作出抉择活得有意义，活出一个配得耶稣基督福音的生命。

祈愿你在这佳节期间，有丰盛及美好的时刻。

上帝赐福，
在基督里同工的，

Barry Leong