An important decision made at the risk of your life

At certain moments in life, we face grave decisions that have immense impact on not only ourselves, but our families, society, and even the nation and world. Whether we recognize them or not, these decision come upon us irregardless and in that moment it is up to us how we will respond.

What is important is our attitude in these crucial moments. Do we feel the gravity of the situation and the great responsibility endowed on us and make ample time and space to humble ourselves in prayer for guidance, or rather do we pass the moment along whimsically and deny the weight on our shoulders?

Although the weight can honestly be heavy, those who make righteous decisions in such moments almost always take on that burden through a sincere attitude and making time for prayer and reflection.

Setting such conditions habitually will allow us to be people that are trustworthy and that have integrity even when faced with rough times.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

The outset determines the outcome

What goals we set when we begin something will determine what we achieve. If we don't set big goals, we won't achieve big results. And if we don't believe in our goals, we also won't achieve them.

Love leads to concern

When you love someone, it naturally leads to your being concerned about their situation and that they can find happiness. However, the way this concern should be expressed is often in the form of judgement, which can put the recipient in a  position of uncertainty of whether there is love behind the judgement.

It is a valid concern because people can easily judge others without a genuine concern for that person's well-being, rather it could be merely an unpleasant mood that wants to lash out at others and point out their faults.

But the other motivation is to free someone that is trapped in a dungeon of their own creation by honestly pointing out what they are doing wrong so they have the opportunity to find greater happiness and fulfillment.

So when we give judgement, we should always check that we are motivated by a genuine love, and if we receive judgement, we should take the opportunity to check ourselves and see if there is some way we can improve, yet not get too concerned if our conscience clearly knows we stand on solid moral ground.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

Don't go the easy way

 The path of righteousness requires significant effort and hardships to overcome the challenges of a world lacking a clear ethical standard.

However, this path is not only the principled way to go, but it is also the path of happiness. We cannot ultimately feel fulfilled without living a life in alignment with our conscience.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

A Precedent Embalms a Principle

"A precedent embalms a principle." -Benjamin Disraeli, Speech in the House of Commons (February 22nd,  1848)

There are many spoken ideals that are spread through religious texts, inspirational speakers, and facebook posts. Yet there are not so many examples of these ideals being put into practice.

In many cases, no one has successfully lived up to an ideal or principle and so it remains as a spoken aspiration with no real-life implementation. In such a case, someone must be the first to fulfill the principle in action, and this is called 'setting a precedent'.

Setting a precedent is challenging because you walk an untrodden path with no guidelines or past experience to give you confidence. Yet without it, the great teachings and principles we cherish will be nothing more than dust in the wind.

And when you have set the precedent, you can offer that living example for others to follow and support them.

Olympic Coast, WA - Feb. 27, 2013

Gratitude

Why should we make effort to be grateful even when we don't feel grateful?

Simply, it is because that is the way we give our lives meaning.

When we offer our sincere heart of gratitude we are living a life of purpose to benefit others. Conversely, when we fall into the trap of self pity, we lose our sense of purpose and abandon that which gives us dignity.

How to be realistic

A common saying when setting goals is that 'you have to be realistic'.

Usually when people say this, they are inferring that your goals should not be too far-fetched and rather should be based on what is practical considering the current circumstances.

However, this approach tends to dismiss the significance of each individual's influence over the current circumstances.

Who decides what is far-fetched and what is attainable? We decide that assessment based on our own perception of a situation. If our mindset is pessimistic, everything can seem unattainable, and as a result, everything WILL be unattainable.

So how can you truly be realistic? By recognizing that to a large extent you define reality based on your outlook and level of conviction.

Deception Pass - May 2013

Initiative is integral

When you take initiative, you disrupt the normal routine with a new factor. This new factor can not only add value, it creates a dynamic environment and lead to greater innovation.

Taking initiative is thus a proactive approach to life, because it is the action of someone who is constantly seeking to develop beyond the current scope of thinking and the status quo.

Some things in life are given

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -Reinhold Niebuhr

Certain things in life are given to us, and we have no say in them. For example, our hair color, nationality, the cultural background we grew up in, even our parents and family history, was all decided for us regardless of our preferences or opinion. This gives us perspective with how we deal with the circumstances we find ourselves in. Some things beyond our control we should simply not worry about, because that is within the realm of our responsibility.

Our purpose in life was also given to us by our Creator. This is statement is probably a point of contention between people of faith and the modern thinking of secular culture. But although democratic society tells us that we can decide our purpose and aspirations in life, is that really in line with the principles of the universe?

Those who think they can determine their own purpose will soon find that pursuing a purpose not intended by our Creator does not lead to a meaningful or fulfilling life, because the universe was created for a certain and particular reason. We have to align with that reason to allow our lives to have value.

However, contrary to our instinctive thinking, this realization also liberates us in a sense. How often do we become trapped in confusion because are pursuing our own ambitions and purposes in contradiction to the purpose God intends for us? Once we recognize that all we need to do is let go of our misguided pursuits and submit to a Heavenly purpose, we find much greater value and happiness than we could ever imagine in the chaotic mess of our own self-centered ambitions.

Edmonds Bay, Puget Sound - Feb. 13, 2014

Does your opinion matter?

"Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something." -Plato

In this world there are countless opinions that often conflict with each other. How can we decipher opinions that have worth versus worthless opinions?

Worthwhile opinions have logical consistency and are based on absolute, universal principles. Without logical consistency, any rational person will notice the contradictions. And without the foundation of absolute principles, you can make all sorts of logical justifications for something, but in the end the natural law of the universe will reveal things for what they really are, not what someone makes it out to be.

In a sense, time reveals all things. Something that stands the test of time usually turns out to have substance while flaky trends without substance are naturally weathered away in time.

Someone with rational integrity who bases their opinions on fundamental truths and backs it up with their own conviction and faith regardless of opposition and persecution from the environment will have an enormous and historical impact. This is because truth is consistent and unchanging. All of past history will support a person that stands for truth and all future generations will eventually recognize whether a person stood for truth or not.

In conclusion, opinions based on popular trends and personal preferences are fleeting and insignificant. Because God is the most consistent being throughout history that upholds an absolute and unchanging standard of truth, by seeking to embody His will and perspective, naturally we become people that will make a meaningful and historical impact.

View of Olympic Mountains from Puget Sound - Feb. 13, 2014

Investment is never wasted

Sometimes we think that our efforts are wasted. Especially when we are doing something with a good motivation and goal, it is not healthy to think this way.

Whatever effort we make with a good purpose, we are growing our hearts and character. Thus even if we do not achieve what we set out for, we are still developing internally. That is something that is not only valuable, but that is also more long-lasting than most of the external accomplishments we can make in life.

Deception Pass - May 2013

A global epidemic

Humanity today is facing a global epidemic. We have contracted an illness that has spread without restraint to every corner of the world.

This is an illness of love. But this illness began not from an external contagion, but from inside, it began from the way of thinking that put oneself's needs and desires above the needs and desires of others. It began from the virus of a love based on a selfish motivation and developed into the full-blown flu through our lifestyle and now has become a worldwide pandemic manifested in wars, poverty, racism, greed, and a general societal breakdown.

Where is the antidote to this deadly virus? The flu will need to run its course to burn away the remnants of the deadly virus of our self-centered nature, yet once it has, the immunization will be a dedication and commitment to the way of life of sacrificing one's one needs and desires for the sake of benefiting others, even at the risk of one's life. This change of heart will restore humanity back to its original state of health and prosperity.

Spanish Peaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Montana - September 2013

Righteous authority

There are many structures of authority in the world. Whether it is in politics, diplomacy, scholarship, or athletics, in any sector there is always someone that stands in the privileged position. Yet in the end do any of these worldly distinctions really carry weight? People may swear allegiance to someone based on their secular prominence, but if that person is shown to have little integrity, people will recognize that the secular prominence was not rooted in the merit of a righteous life and thus their allegiance will wane. 

Real authority does not come from the things that this word deems to be honorable, but rather from living up to the ideal of selfless service and upholding moral principles in the face of immense challenges. This is the type of authority that can move people to naturally submit themselves even at the risk of their lives. 

Mt. Pilchuck trail, WA - October 2013

Where does an unchanging love reside?

If a bird is looking for a tree to make a nest for its babies, what kind of tree would it look for? A flimsy, unstable tree would not be suitable. It would need to be a solid and reliable tree to hold something as precious as babies. Even if a bird did choose a unreliable tree for its nest, the nest would probably fall off in a short time when a strong wind blows.

It is the same with an unchanging love. To possess something as precious as an unchanging love, a person needs to possess an unchanging and absolute character that allows them to live by moral principles in any situation. From that kind of character unchanging love can be given to others. And that is also the kind of person that can receive unchanging love, not because of favoritism by the giver, but rather because there is a basis on which to understand and appreciate an absolute and unchanging quality.

near Kodiak, Alaska - December 2009

Appreciating our heritage

As we grow up, we recognize that everything we have been given did not come freely. While we may not have appreciated fully the food, shelter, and guidance of our parents at first, eventually we come to understand the investment that was put into every meal, word of wisdom, and helping hand.

This is because we ourselves experience this when we try to give to others, and through that experience we understand what it takes.

The same goes for appreciating what God and the founders of the great religious traditions have given us. To truly understand the effort put into every holy scripture and every breath of air given by God, we similarly need to see what it takes to live according to those words and to serve others with an unconditional love.

An incomparable life

Living a righteous life can be difficult compared to an apathetic or carefree life. More challenges need to be overcome and more effort needs to be made.

Yet however difficult it is, when we think about the ideal we are striving for and the destruction that will inevitably come in a world devoid of righteous people, we realize that there is no comparison between these two lives.

And in that moment we can offer sincere gratitude for being able to walk a righteous path.

Marka Bay, Kodiak, Alaska - December 2009

Purpose and technique

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" -Matthew 16:26

There are so many opportunities to develop your skills and capacity in today's society, yet are there many opportunities to fortify your soul? Unfortunately, today's common culture does not emphasize spiritual fulfillment.

How can we strengthen our soul? The first step is to hone our sense of purpose to clearly direct our life to a meaningful goal.

Once our purpose is clearly established, the skills and abilities we have developed can be fully utilized to live a meaningful life.

This framework can be applied on any level, for our personal lives, families, communities and nations.

In eating a meal, we have the decision to either think carelessly about the cost, taste and texture of the food or to purposefully think about how this food can give my body energy to serve someone or accomplish a meaningful goal.

How many books do people read on the techniques of man/woman relations in the hope of solidifying their intimate relationships in comparison to the books they read to help clarify the motivation they should have and spiritual significance of a married couple in God's viewpoint?

How often when we organize community-building activities do we focus a majority of time on how to make our program efficient and smart yet forget to ensure our efforts are building the loving and altruistic community we are aspire for?

In building or reforming nations, is there a guiding principle and ethic within our founding documents or amendments, such as the ethic established in the founding document of the U.S., the Declaration of Independence ("We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."), or are we merely deliberating over the best system of governance and public policy to appease the most vocal citizens and most powerful neighbors?

It is a decision we face in every circumstance: whether or not we choose to clearly establish a meaningful purpose. When we reflect on the implications of this decision on ourselves, our families, our communities, nations and the world, we realize how important it is.

Yet those that don't recognize the value of this decision may never realize what they have been losing, until it's too late.

Ocean fishing near Kodiak, Alaska - December 2009

Inside-out or outside-in?

In any life situation there are 2 components: Ourselves and the environment we find ourselves in. And in terms of influence, there are also 2 options: Either we can change the environment or the environment can change us.

What should decide which direction this influence moves, inside-out or outside-in? Our lives should be guided by moral principles, so it makes sense that if the entity with the moral high-ground should be given the power of influence. So if we are conversing with our friends, and we find that our friends have the moral high-ground, we should listen to them. This is a challenge in itself because often our ego doesn't want to acknowledge when we are wrong.

In the case that you have conviction in your strong moral standing in comparison to your environment, you should absolutely not allow the environment to influence you, rather you should transform the environment to meet your own ethical standard, which should remain unchanging.

Heavenly fortune can move through a person that is humble enough to recognize when he is wrong yet has conviction  and strength to influence the environment when he genuinely feels he is right.

A park in Georgia - 9/27/2011

More than meets the eye

To understand anything, we must recognize that there is always a non-visible aspect that is not immediately evident upon first glance. An ordinary rock may actually be a geode that formed over intense conditions for hundreds of years in a volcano, a humble beggar may have the mind of a genius, a small unfamiliar nation may have a grand history beyond imagination, a small company may have the key technology that will one day change the world.

This is why before we rush to judge anything or anyone based on our first impression, it's best to look into the history, character, and future direction of that thing or person. Only by understanding these hidden aspects can we truly understand and value that entity for it's true worth.

Where to find real value

Often times in our lives we get caught up in our work and ambitions, yet what is the most fundamental role we should play that allows us to realize our God-given potential? It is within our familial relationships.

Although society constantly pushes us to make money, climb the social ladder, finish our degree, etc... what value does it have if we are bereft in the development of our hearts? Our real value lies in the first title we were given upon our birth, which is that of being a son or daughter of God and our parents, eventually becoming a brother/sister, a husband/wife, and even a father/mother.

These fundamental roles we play in life with those that are closest to us give us the fundamental value that comes from practicing true love, if we choose to fulfill those roles properly.

Ownership

Recently my hometown football team, the Seahawks, won the superbowl. This exciting phenomena also carries many lessons.

One interesting phenomena was the 'bandwagon effect'. Many people came to support the Seahawks later in the season as their prominence grew through winning many games. Especially at the Superbowl, the number of fans probably quadrupled since the beginning of the season. And now that they won, I'm sure they have over 100 times the number of fans they started with!

However, what kind of value do these 'fair-weather fans' really add? Do they really have ownership over their role as a fan for the Seahawks, or did they just join because it was popular and the circumstances were favorable?

It is the same in our lives of faith. Do we believe in moral principles and values when it's popular and the environment is conducive to it?

The definition of a moral person is someone that aspires to live by absolute principles. Just as the Seahawks fans that became fans after the Superbowl can't be called true fans, a person that only aspires to live for an altruistic and noble ideal once it's popular and comfortable to do so cannot be called a moral person.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback

Merit is never given freely

"It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit." -Horace

The environment in which we were born can determine many things about the kind of life we will have. Even in our Mother's womb, the nation we will grow up in, the stature and wealth of our family, the liberty or oppression of our government, our race, culture, and physical attributes, all are mostly predetermined for us and are beyond our influence.

However, one thing that no one is gifted with from birth is their merit. Even the son of a king is not given a badge of merit freely. And even an orphan raised by a criminal has the same opportunity, at least in the eyes of Heaven, to earn his/her merit based on how he/she deals with the circumstances that have been given. 

What is the universally recognized standard of merit? It is the one who dedicates himself/herself to benefit the world even at the risk of losing his/her life. 

Spider Gap, Glacier Peak Wilderness - July 2013

To offer sincerity

In Korean tradition there is a word, 'jung-sung', which means to offer a sincere heart through making an extra effort in some action.

For example, traditionally, Koreans like to wake up early in the morning to climb a mountain as the sun is rising to offer their prayers to Heaven. Other examples are the painstaking efforts to hand-sew wedding dresses, the long and arduous process of making spicy cabbage, a staple Korean dish, and traveling miles to visit older relatives and ancestral grave sites to offer a bow of respect.

This sort of practice is very meaningful, because it allows us to purify our motivations towards any goals or purpose that we aspire for. By putting in our extra physical effort it creates an environment for our mind to focus and weed out impure elements that hinder us. This greatly advances our capacity in any endeavor.

But foremost this offering of our sincerity clarifies to ourselves what our motives are. If our motives are not on track, it gives us a chance to re-align them to a proper direction. This is why jung-sung is something that should not be done in public, but should be done privately in a place where you can examine yourself without any recognition.

Crossing Cle Elum River, WA - May 2013

A great vision creates a great result

"A man reaps what he sows" -Galatians 6:7

If you believe in a certain ideal with all your heart, and put your body and soul to accomplish it, it is certainly a strong possibility that you might accomplish it.

On the other hand, if you don't even think something is possible, why would you put any considerable investment into it? With little to no investment, how likely is it that you will actually make it happen? This is how significant our way of thinking is.

The problem we often face is that we don't believe our dream is possible because of discouraging circumstances. Yet consider how many times in history people have surpassed what was deemed 'possible' by the contemporary thinking of their time? From the first airplane, to landing on the Moon, to Copernicus' theory, to the light bulb, innovative people have constantly gone beyond self-imposed mental restrictions that were limiting humanity's development in that time.

The motivating factor that lifted these leaders above their less creative colleagues was usually a passionate desire to benefit the larger society and world.

So do not pay too much attention to the existing circumstances. Focus on your aspiration with optimism and a passion to benefit humanity. Yet also back up that optimism and altruism with hard work and the dedication needed to overcome the challenges you will inevitably face.

Blaze Mt., Lee Metcalf Wilderness, MT - September 2013

This is how you can figuratively reap a great harvest... You must sow the grandest seeds. These 'seeds' are acts displaying your conviction in and commitment to the loftiest ideals based on a genuine and selfless love.

The demarcation line between good and evil

"With great power comes great responsibility" - Uncle Ben, Spiderman (2002)

These words from Uncle Ben in the movie 'Spiderman' guided Peter Parker to understand that because he was given incredible spider super powers, he carried a heavier weight of responsibility to make virtuous decisions based on a strong moral compass.

It is the same in our lives. Everyday we make decisions that can influence not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and nations, all depending on how much influence or power we happen to be entrusted with (whether we wanted it or not).

But what determines whether our decisions are good or evil? Is there an arbitrator or judge designated for ruling good vs. evil in the decisions we make everyday?

Rattlesnake ledge, Snoqualmie Pass/NorthBend area, WA - January 25th, 2014

There is such a judge, and not only does this judge monitor every decision in every circumstance of each moment, but this judge is also recognized by all people as the absolute authority on every issue without exception.

This judge is the innate conscience residing within every man and woman, and his standard of judgement is based on the universal principle of living for the sake of others. The demarcation line between good and evil is whether your motive, which only you and your conscience can know, is solely to benefit your counterpart or if it is to benefit yourself at the expense of your counterpart.

But knowing this, when we look at our lives, what is the greatest force and power in the world that we should take the utmost care to utilize properly, in alignment with this principle? What is the one and only power that can cause nations to fall or rise, that can influence countless generations and that goes beyond any cultural/national/religious distinctions? This is the power of love. Love even has the power to engender new life and form a lineage.

Since the most powerful force in the universe is something that we ourselves possess it must also be our most important responsibility to use it according to the fundamental principle of living for the sake of others. We should be grateful that God entrusted us with this most valuable gift and utilize our own free will to manage and use it to bring about a world that we truly aspire for in our hearts and souls.