My second entry

Its been months since my last post. It’s harder to start and continue blogging than I thought. The reasons are for such delays are many: Procrastination, fear, and a sense of meaninglessness(which could be unfounded). There are, after, plenty of quality blogs out there in the blogosphere, and who am I, a Malaysian small town boy living in Singapore, to blog and voice my opinions and blah! But I guess that it is good for myself because the articulation of thuoughts actually helps me to be more clear about my own thoughts and beliefs. Perhaps such an exercise would be good for self-examination.

My first entry – vanities and vanities

Hi,

This is my first entry in this blog. Actually, its kind of funny starting out on a limp like this. I am pretty sure that no one will read this blog some time from now (though I confess secretly that I hope that someday somebody may be reading this?)

Hence a quote from Blaise Pascal seems appropriate:

“Vanity is so anchored in the heart of man that a soldier, a soldier’s servant, a cook, a porter brags and wishes to have his admirers. Even philosophers wish for them. Those who write against it want to have the glory of having written well; and those who read it desire the glory of having read it. I who write this have perhaps this desire, and perhaps those who will read it… “

and yet another quote…
“We are so presumptuous that we would wish to be known by all the world, even by people who shall come after, when we shall be no more; and we are so vain that the esteem of five or six neighbours delights and contents us.”

The forthrightness with which Pascal writes is something which I delight in reading. Surely, the problem with vanity is a problem of the heart. When the heart is vain, it does seek to be renowned in the world and yet is so easily pleased by the admiration of a few. The challenge, therefore, lies in seeking the praise from a correct source, which is a cure to vanity. The words of Christ echoes in all this:

“How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”John 5:44

Therefore it is my prayer, Lord, that this blog would be a means of fellowship and communion with other brothers and sisters, rather than an avenue for seeking the glory that comees from one another and not the glory that comes from the only God.

The vanity of men is as such. He that begins to be concious of his vanity begins to take pride in this conciousness, for he realizes that this conciousness is not shared by many others. The urge to compare with others is so strong that it is almost irresistable. Unless, we cure it by recognizing the presence of a majestic and holy God before whom all pride is vain and in vain. Oh Lord, cure this heart which is deceitful above all else and desperately sick!

Maybe this blog is more of a means to preach to myself. Perhaps all blogs start out as such… seeking to speak to oneself(simply because nobody else is reading it! ) before speaking and interacting with others. It is definitely not a means of self-expression (see this) but rather a way to speak to myself within a community.

God bless,

Edward