Origin of sin in the workplace

One lesson I learn in 2008.

We have all been thinking about that "greener pasture" or that "land overflowing with milk and honey" 2008.
In our hearts, we somehow seem to believe that there was a Garden of Eden - whether at home, or at our workplace, or even at church. But the reality is, the orginal Eden was long gone. The plants and fruits no longer live forever. The soil no longer fertile and pure. Man, from then on, has to till the land with sweat and blood, but the land will never produce enough. (Reminds me of all the endless complaints from patients and staff.)

2008, I had learnt a couple of new skills too, but I will still need to practise even harder in 2009. I have also found a few new friends. Somehow, still cannot shake off the idea of learning Salsa. Yen seemed keen to learn too, when Phillip and I brought her to view (twice) them. Anyway, still must decide carefully. Hmm... I have also managed to make some extra pocket money for Yen but my greatest reward will be the day when Yen is finally able to find teh extra pocket money on her own. Tho it was just a few Ks for the whole year, I still think it is not bad. Better than nothing. The lessons learnt were much more valuable.

2008, a few of my friends have resigned. YJA, DCP and most recently, YYZ too. Can't blame them. I admire them for the courage they have taken to uproot. I believe that they are much happier now, after having tendered their letters. Everyone tends to doubt that "greener pastures" really do exist. Especially when one has been very disillusioned with one's current work situation. Nevertheless, I can feel it, quite strongly, that they are going to do even better outside in their chosen fields. So, my best wishes to them.

Back top Eden. Unfortunately, Eden has been locked up and fiercely guarded by an angel now. Becos it has been corrupted by the thing that first slithered into the presence of Eve, who was at that time the most trusted living partner of Adam. Her thoughts were subsequently polluted, and before long, a murderous and wicked atmosphere permeated the air and stained the land.

2008 has reminded me how potent and well-disguised the human venom can be. 2008 reminded me that it was just a beautiful creature that spoke with Eve. It spoke with an intelligence that opened Eve's mind. It is too clever and cunning. And a single session was enough to bring about the downfall of human character.

So, always be mindful that the very first instance of human politics began in the Garden.

Actually, come to think of it, Lucifer was a very beutiful angel to gaze upon, brightest star among the rest. Something inside it made it fell to the ground and onto its belly. What was it? that fed its own unchecked desire to rise above every other angels and be worshipped instead. Its tendency to ursurp power is basically lust in disguise. This hunger for recognition is still prevalent in our human hearts, tho some stronger than the rest. Fuelling that lust for power can potentially lean towards selflish ambition.

Lucifer fell from grace. From being the most beautiful and powerful angel in the whole of creation. In the end, he became to be noted for being wicked, scheming, contentious and destructive. Likewise, humans can become like this too, if we are not careful to guard our hearts with all diligence. Cain and Saul were examples of children of God who finally fell.

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Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had ... "

Philippians 4:8 -"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

1 Thess 4:11 "and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands ..."

^{Micah 6:8} - "He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."