Never Be Complacent
By: Xavier Woon
Tags: Christian Living, Leadership, Parenting, Family, Catholic

Your loss is unbearable

Antiochus IV Epiphanes — Altes Museum — Berlin — Germany 2017.jpg

Reflection Mark 13:14–32

In 167 BC, the Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Temple of Jerusalem by setting up a statue in honor of the Greek god, Zeus. To the Jews, it was sacrilegious. The Jews abhorred it, yet they could do nothing against the occupying forces. This was already a sign of troubled times for the Jews. Because of their unfaithfulness to God, they became self-serving. Their greed brought about disunity. That resulted in the Greeks and Romans occupying their land. Further disasters were expected. So, Jesus warned the devout Jews who have kept the faith. Instead of staying and trying to save this decadent city, flee to the mountains with haste. He asked them to be watchful for the signs of the impending disaster. Indeed, when the Romans laid siege on the city in AD 70, many of the Jews suffered and died.

Corporate Leadership

Israel was located at the intersection of two great empires — the Roman Empire to the West and the Persian Empire to the East. It was strategically located for trade and it was also a fertile land situated next to the Mediterranean Sea. God chose the best land for His people. However, the people, having had many blessings over the years, took things for granted. Instead of thanking and God, they indulged themselves. Likewise, people working in a well-established company may be lulled into complacency. They may think that the company owes them a living rather than putting their heart into their jobs. Instead of striving for improvement, they fight for more welfare benefits that cause them to lose their competitive advantage. A good leader, however, has to warn his team against complacency. The job that they take for granted could be lost to other competitive workers. Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States said, “I hate to see complacency prevail in our lives when it’s so directly contrary to the teaching of Christ.”- XW

Family Leadership

The development of children from birth through their adolescent years is crucial. Their learning and experience during those years form their thinking and behavior for the rest of their lives. So, it is important that at a young age, children are taught Godly values. If they are neglected, they would be self-serving and take things for granted. This happened to the Jews who failed to practice God’s commandments. They had the thinking that, since they were the descendants of Abraham, they were the specially chosen. Since the Temple of Jerusalem, with all its splendor was still standing, they were protected. Not true. The city did fall to the Romans eventually. Likewise, parents should observe their children closely during their developmental years. Children’s behaviors are indications of what they are thinking and feeling. These are signs to watch out for and not be ignored. The best way for parents to maintain a close watch is to be open for conversation with their children and teens — be sensitive when children want to ask a question, share an experience, or confide in something important. At every stage of their developmental life, parents must teach them values to raise them up to be responsible adults. Erik Erikson, a German American developmental psychologist said, “There is in every child at every stage a new miracle of vigorous unfolding, which constitutes a new hope and a new responsibility for all.” — XW

Next: Be Vigilant Always