20150530
It is often said that Singaporeans have the culture of “kiasu”. “Kiasu” or “kiasuism” means to take extreme measures to achieve success or to take advantage of opportunities. In the Oxford dictionary, believe it or not, there is a definition for this word. It means that one “is very anxious not to miss an opportunity.” “Kiasu” has a negative meaning, implying undesirable qualities and rude behaviours, such as greed, selfishness and rudeness.
Having written the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon (the Preacher) ended with the words in Eccl 12:13:
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
While being kiasu might be negative in meaning, can Singaporean Christians apply it positively to a similar anxiety in their pursuits to fear God?
During the time of Moses who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land, the people had personally experienced God in their 40 years journey. They witnessed God’s power and feared Him. “When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die’” (Exodus 20:18).
In the New Testament, Jesus’ disciples also witnessed His power over the elements and were awed and feared Him. “The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ He asked His disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him’” (Luke 8:24-25).
The believing Christian has a reverent fear for God, knowing that:
“The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth; His eyes examine them” (Psalm 11:4).
However, God is not watching so that if anyone sins, He will pounce on them to judge them. The believing Christian knows and understands the grace and mercy of God. In deep gratitude for the salvation and forgiveness of sins he has received, the Christian seeks to please, to please His new-found Master. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12-13).
