The Turning Point
Timothy Tin
Ever since the Coronavirus spread throughout the world from the beginning of this year, everyone is looking forward to seeing a “turning point”, which is a point when the numbers of infected and deceased begin to decrease. This so-called “turning point” refers to the decrease in spreading of the virus, meaning that the pandemic is under control, cure rate increase, and mortality rate decrease, then people can resume normal everyday activities. When we are sick, doctors want us to get effective treatment and become healthy again. Doctors want to see a “turning point” reflecting on our physical examination report. This is just like when we are facing crises in our lives, we also hope that there will be a “turning point” appearing that can turn the whole situation around. How can this “turning point” appear when we are in trouble?
Since ancient times, human beings have always wanted to be able to control their own destinies. They used various ways of fortune-telling such as suan ming, feng shui, changing their names, hanging charms, and worshipping Buddha to try to change their future. However, as you can see, no one can escape from the Coronavirus pandemic today! Even in civilized countries with advanced technologies, the ways to stop the spreading of the Coronavirus are merely wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Meanwhile, there are still many countries and regions that managed to control the spreading of the virus successfully. The reason is that they do not believe in folklore religions or use high-tech equipments, but rely on group cooperation and personal self-control, coupled with clear and accurate information. The unity of all the people will surely bring success!
When our lives are going downhill in a crisis, what we need is knowledge, wisdom, confidence, and perseverance, and we must not blame others or give up on ourselves. Many people unfortunately fall into the abyss of depression and are powerless! When people fall into the dark, negative thoughts, angry emotions, ignorant judgments, and choices will make them sink deeper and deeper into helplessness! The following guidelines can give our lives “turning points” that bring hope:
1. Correct knowledge: There is a half-lying sculpture on the campus of The University and King’s College of Aberdeen in Scotland. It was carved by Kenny Hunter in 2005. The half split apple in each of the sculpture’s hands means “One side is good knowledge, and the other side is bad knowledge” (Youth with Split Apple by Kenny Hunter, King’s College, Aberdeen). In the era of internet and social media today, we are full of “bad knowledge” and “fake information.” Such false knowledge confuses people’s thoughts and logic and causes contradictions. If we got brainwash by this false knowledge, we will suffer greatly. This is even more terrifying than viruses! Therefore, we need to seek correct education, and only good schools and mentors can provide correct knowledge. If you do not have the opportunity to obtain a formal education, you must master the ability to learn by yourself, seek the right sources of information, and consult mentors and good friends!
2. True wisdom: After we obtained the correct knowledge, we also need to know how to master and use this knowledge, and more importantly, make correct analysis and judgments based on the correct knowledge. This requires wisdom with experiences! Some people can say it but they can’t do it, some people can do it but they can’t say it, some people can neither say nor do it. This kind of people will not provide you with any true wisdom. Only the ones who can both say it and do it can give the real wisdom! The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) The Lord created all things in the universe. He is the true God of eternal life. Not only that He manifested His wisdom through His creations, He also sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, into this world and taught us the wisdom of God. We can get true wisdom by knowing Jesus Christ!
3. Good friends: you can never have enough good friends; better not have any bad or evil friends, because they may become your enemies! The Bible also says, “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.” (Proverbs 27:10) In the midst of crisis and adversity, the help of good friends is very precious. A friend in need is a friend indeed; daily friendship can only be tested by going through difficult times! Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”(John 15:12-14) Jesus is a good and helpful friend. He not only taught us God’s wisdom but also gave His life for our sins so that we can all become His friends. Whoever truly believes and obeys in His words will surely become a caring good friend. Only such a friend can help us get to a “turning point” in the crisis we have in life!
Dear friend, are you facing a difficult time in your life? Are you waiting for the “turning point” in the midst of adversity? I hope this article can give you the correct knowledge to identify true wisdom. More importantly, get to know the holy one, Jesus Christ, and get help from your good friends, so that your life will have a real and irreversible “turning point”!
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