There is a certain silliness in the way we live, if we are honestly reflecting at the big picture. We aim to build wealth meant to outlast us. We plant trees we shall never sit beneath. We labour for companies and nations that will forget our names. We sacrifice for loved ones thinking (or not thinking) that it may be reciprocated. And all the while, if we are Christians, we profess to believe that this world is not our home. We are, as the old hymn says, “just a-passing through.”

Why does the Almighty not simply extract us from this temporary dwelling the moment we confess His name. Why the delay? Why this peculiar arrangement whereby we are born from above yet remain below, eternal beings existentially stuck to chasing fleeting objects, citizens of Heaven compelled to pay taxes to Caesar, aliens in a foreign land who must nevertheless learn its language and customs and suffer in its harsh terrain?

No Home in Pharaoh’s Land

Consider Joseph, second only to Pharaoh in the mightiest empire of his age. He had every reason to call Egypt home. Yet in his dying breath he gave a curious command: “Do not bury me in Egypt.” Here was a man with Egyptian power, Egyptian fame, Egyptian honor, yet his bones rejected the soil. Perhaps he knew, as only the dying know, that Pharaoh’s court was not his true resting place.

So here we have this paradox, of how can we live fully in a world we must not love ultimately? We are to be in it but not of it, to use it without abusing it, to inhabit it without being inhabited by it. The difficulty is not in seeing that Heaven is better than Earth. That requires no great spiritual insight. The difficulty is in living an earthly life well with that knowledge in our bones.

Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:19: “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.” Christianity, if false, is not simply a neutral error. It is a catastrophic misdirection of the soul’s deepest longings. It teaches us to hunger for a country we shall never see, to invest in a currency that does not exist, to train for a race that will never be run, considering that the race was already won.

But Paul knew it was true, and therefore he could endure what he endured. Here we see the answer: God leaves us here because this world, with all its grit and grief, is the workshop in which eternal beings are forged. “Our momentary light affliction,” Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.”

Mark that phrase: a weight of glory. Not a whisper or a hint, but a weight. Something solid, heavy, and substantial. And it is being achieved, even now, through the very things that make us groan. The cancer ward, the betrayal, the financial ruin, the loneliness that gnaws: these are not interruptions to our journey heavenward. They are the journey. They are doing something in us and to us that could not be done in any other way.

Imagine trying to build muscle without resistance, or to learn courage without danger, or to develop patience without frustration, or to develop faith and hope without uncertainty and fear, or to develop love without sacrifice. It cannot be done. And so God, in His severe mercy, does not remove us to Paradise the moment we cry, “Lord, save me!” Instead, He leaves us in the gymnasium, not because He enjoys our suffering, but because He knows what manner of metaphysical build is expected in creatures created for the life to come.

We are not to be mere spectators of Heaven, sitting in eternal pews singing endless hymns. (Though I suspect the hymns will be better than we imagine and our desire to sing them less forced.) We are to be active participants in a reality so substantial, so utterly real; that this present world will seem by comparison like a pencil sketch next to the landscape it represents. But such participation requires preparation. The soul must be enlarged to contain such joy. The heart must be strengthened to bear such glory. And this world, for all its pain, is where that preparation occurs.

Our Home Calls Us

Now we come to the uncomfortable bit. There is much talk in our day about Hell. Some of it is meant to frighten, some of it meant to dismiss. But I suggest that for the true Christian, Hell ought not to be the primary terror. Not because it is not terrible. (It is.) And not because we should be indifferent to the fate of souls. (We should not.) But because fear, by itself, produces only slaves, not sons.

What should move us, what should wake us at midnight with a cry we cannot name, is the thought of Heaven. Not the Sunday school version with golden streets. (Though why should we object to gold underfoot if God thinks it suitable?) But Heaven as the place where every good desire finds its consummation, where every noble longing is at last satisfied, where the ache and traumas that haunt us since childhood finally, very finally resolves into recognition: “This is where I was made for. This is Home.”

The prospect of Heaven should create in us a desire so intense, that by its light we see our earthly pursuits for what they are. Not evil, necessarily, but makeshift. Not forbidden, but far too small for the creatures we are becoming. That promotion, that pleasure, that romance, that recognition we crave: they are not wrong, but as C. S. Lewis put it": “they are to the true thing as a child’s mud pies are to a feast at the Savoy. We are far too easily pleased.”.

And here is the liberating truth: if Heaven is real, then our present toils take on a different character entirely. The weariness, the sting of criticism, the slow erosion of the body, the warfare against our filthy desires: all of it is temporary. Not in the sense that we merely endure until it ends, but in the sense that it is working toward an end we can barely imagine.

Our struggles with sin will one day not merely be suppressed but replaced. We shall desire God as the hart desires the waterbrook, not because we have disciplined ourselves into it, but because we shall finally see Him as He is.

The Homesickness That Heals

We are homesick, and there is no cure in Egypt, or Dubai, or Amsterdam, or Lagos, or any other Pharaoh’s land. Joseph knew it. Paul knew it. And in our better moments, when the distractions are away and we are left with the raw ache of existence, we know it too.

So let us not be frightened by threats of Hell or our momentary afflictions. Let us instead be allured by the promise of Heaven into becoming the sort of creatures who could enjoy such a place. We must become those who could stand in the unshielded presence of Perfect Love and not disintegrate, but finally, wonderfully, become fully ourselves.

All the toil will end. All the suffering will be seen to have had a purpose. All our mistakes will have been inconsequential. All the pain and brokenness will be healed. Even our filthy desires, those shameful things we can barely confess to ourselves, let alone our closest allies. All will be replaced by desires so pure, so powerful, that by them we shall fly to God as a few grams of metal would fly to one giant magnet.

This world is not our home. Thank God for that. For our true country is better than we dare imagine, and we are being prepared for it even now. In the waiting, in the working, in the warfare, and yes, even in the wounds.

We are going Home. This delay is not punishment, but preparation. And when at last we arrive, we shall see that every moment of the journey was worth it, not in spite of the difficulty, but because of what it made of us.

Until then, we are pilgrims. I pray we journey with hope as those who know where the road leads. Because we do.

References

• Book: “The Weight of Glory” by C. S. Lewis

Songs

Baptism is an ordinance, a divinely instituted practice, given by Christ to His church as a visible sign and seal of the gospel. Christ commanded His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). We may disagree that baptism must always come with salvation, or what sort of baptism is being referred to in Scripture, but we should always agree that baptism is an inseparable physical symbol of the gospel itself.

Foundational Conclusions

Before proceeding further, several distinctions clarify what baptism is and is not.

Baptism is not regeneration. While baptism signifies and seals the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, it does not effect or affect it. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through the physical act of baptism. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism (Luke 23:39-43); baptism follows faith, not the reverse, neither is it probable or practical to be simultaneous. 1 Peter 3:21 is often used to argue for a regenerative effect of baptism, but the disagreement with this lies in the phrase “but by an appeal to God”, which already indicates inward belief and repentance preceding the outward expression in baptism. Mark 16:16 is another verse that puts belief and baptism together as leading to salvation, but the clause after retains only unbelief as a means to condemnation. By merely sticking to this verse, we will be refuting the salvation of the thief on the cross. So what do we do with baptism in this case?

Baptism is not sacramental in nature. Baptism conveys no ex opere operato grace; there is no automatic spiritual benefit through the act itself. Rather, it is the sign and seal of grace already received through faith that is now made visible to the church (Romans 4:11, Colossians 2:11-12).

Baptism is far more than a mere symbol. It is a covenantal act of obedience, a public identification with Christ and His church, and a means of grace through which God powerfully communicates truth to the believer’s soul (Colossians 2:12). Though physical, tangible actions like baptism do not save, God has ordained them to communicate spiritual truth and strengthen faith. Baptism is the means in which we physically feel and experience the washing away of sins, and death, burial and resurrection of ourselves with Christ.

Baptism is an act of the church, not merely an individual action. Though the believer is the subject of baptism, it is administered by the church in accountability and recognition of the individual’s profession of faith. It was normative in the book of Acts for baptism to always be done in the midst of witnesses whenever possible.

What does baptism do?

Baptism publicly testifies to and enacts the gospel. In immersion, the believer performs a living parable of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The descent into water represents death to self and sin; the rising represents resurrection to new life. Paul writes: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). This visible demonstration teaches the gospel in a way words alone cannot.

Baptism is an act of obedience and discipleship. This marks the beginning of covenantal faithfulness to Christ. Jesus instructed His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and baptism stands as the first public commandment of the Christian life (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38-41).

Baptism seals the believer’s membership in the local church. It is the gateway into the covenanted community. Through baptism, one formally enters the communion of saints and submits to the church’s oversight. Acts 2:41 describes this: “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Baptism visibly incorporates believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Church membership and participation in the Lord’s Supper typically flow from and after baptism (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

Baptism strengthens faith through tangible participation. When believers are baptized, they experience their union with Christ not merely intellectually but experientially. God meets the believer in this ordinance: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). This tangible participation deepens remembrance and assurance of salvation to a believer.

Who should be baptized?

There are usually two sides of this question. I will be arguing from a credobaptist’s (believer’s baptism) perspective and against infant baptism (pedobaptism).

Infant baptism is not in Scripture. There is no biblical advocacy, command, or record of infant baptism. Historical evidence shows infant baptism didn’t arise until centuries after the apostolic era. Going to “Sola Scriptura”: if Scripture doesn’t command it, it shouldn’t be practiced.

Baptism replacing physical circumcision is not a clear conclusion for infant baptism. There is no direct scriptural connection between infant baptism and Old Testament circumcision. Colossians 2:11-12 “Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism” is often used to link baptism as a replacement of circumcision, but when examined, shows that both circumcision (in this context) and baptism occur during salvation, and hence circumcision must then be spiritual in nature only. Circumcision was a sign of ethnic and temporal membership in the Abrahamic Covenant; baptism is a sign of saving faith in the New Covenant. If we were to agree that baptism replaced circumcision as a covenant sign, it would directly contradict the reason for baptism given by Jesus (Matthew 28:19). In the Old Testament, circumcised Israelites were often not believers in the covenant, and the prophets called out Israel and described true heart circumcision, which had a separate meaning from physical circumcision (Deuteronomy 10:16, Deuteronomy 30:6, Jeremiah 9:25-26, Ezekiel 44:9). Also, if circumcision was done to males alone, then why use it as a case to baptize both male and female infants as well?

Household baptism cannot imply infants. Passages like Matthew 18 and household baptisms in Acts are cited, but none provide explicit support for infant baptism. In all passages, household baptisms were done to those capable of “hearing”, “believing”, and “receiving” the Holy Spirit. Infants are not capable of these.

The described method of baptism cannot be done by infants. Jesus’ baptism and that of the Ethiopian eunuch involved “going down” and “coming up” from water (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:38-39). Infants are incapable of being baptized through these means described in Scripture.

How should baptism be done?

The proper mode of baptism is believer’s immersion, the complete submersion of the professing believer in water.

The Greek term baptizō literally means “to immerse” or “to dip.” While some appeal to metaphorical uses, the physical practice described in Scripture consistently involves sufficient water for immersion. John baptized “in the Jordan” (Matthew 3:6), indicating a substantial body of water.

Immersion most fully expresses baptism’s symbolic meaning. As shown earlier, baptism portrays death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Sprinkling or pouring fails to represent the burial that immersion conveys. To use an inadequate mode dumbs down, or at worst mutes, baptism’s gospel testimony.

Historical evidence confirms immersion as the normative apostolic practice. The Didache (70 and 100 AD), an early post-apostolic document, prescribes immersion as standard, permitting sprinkling only when water is scarce: “Concerning baptism, baptize as follows... in cold water. If you do not have cold water, use warm. If you have neither, pour water on the head three times in the name of the Trinity” (Didache 7). The shift toward sprinkling and pouring came later, driven by accommodation to climate, infrastructure, and the rise of pedobaptism.

Immersion respects the dignity of the experience. To use the element in full quantity provides a serious, tangible, memorable, and meaningful experience of grace to the believer and witnesses.

Immersion preserves the voluntary and participatory nature of baptism. Sprinkling or pouring can be performed on the unwilling; immersion requires conscious cooperation. This reinforces that baptism is an act of discipleship undertaken with intentionality.

Who can baptize?

Baptism should be administered by pastors and elders of the local church who are recognized and authorized by that congregation. Because baptism incorporates believers into the church and marks their membership publicly, it logically falls under the church’s pastoral oversight and authority. It will not be orderly if any member of a congregation could go around baptizing anyone and everyone.

Scripture shows that apostles and appointed church leaders administered baptism. The Great Commission was given to the disciples (Matthew 28:19), Peter baptized at Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Philip, a deacon recognized by the apostles, baptized the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:38-39). Paul baptized new converts, though he emphasized that preaching the gospel was his primary calling: “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17). This indicates that while baptism was important, designated individuals within the church’s leadership structure were seen doing it.

Pastors and elders carry the responsibility to “guard the flock of God that is among you” (1 Peter 5:2, Acts 20:28), and this includes overseeing the administration of the ordinances and maintaining the integrity of church membership.

Conclusion

Baptism, rightly understood, is the immersion of a believer, one who has made a credible profession of faith in Christ, in water, in obedience to Christ’s command and as a visible sign of union with Him. It marks the believer’s formal entry into the local church and commits the believer to a life of discipleship. In baptism, the gospel is proclaimed and depicted through water, and the believer enacts the central narrative of redemption. Thus, baptism remains essential to the church’s health, fidelity, and faithful witness to a watching world.

But as the sun rises over Narnia, death is undone. The Stone Table cracks. Aslan returns not just alive, but more powerful and more glorious than before. His resurrection breaks the witch's magic, frees the petrified creatures of Narnia, and ushers in the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy that ends the long winter. Winter's grip on Narnia—a hundred years of cold, barren darkness—finally gives way to spring as Aslan leads the children and his followers into a battle for victory and a new day and a restored kingdom.

When asked how this miracle was possible, Aslan explains that the White Witch knew the “Deep Magic”, which demanded a traitor's blood. But what she failed to understand was the “Deeper Magic” from before the dawn of time – that when a willing, innocent victim is sacrificed in our place, death itself is undone.

Through this story, Lewis was trying to reflect a greater reality, for it points us to the central truth of the Christian faith:

The Crushing Price

Before we can truly grasp the victory of resurrection, we must understand the devastating cost that made it possible. Isaiah, writing centuries before Christ's birth, describes this cost in what many call the "Suffering Servant" passage:

"Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities." (Isaiah 53:10-11)

These sobering words reveal a truth that challenges our comfortable understanding of salvation. The Father did not merely allow his Son to die—he actively willed it. The text says plainly, "it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer." This is no mere passive permission, but divine purpose. God's holy wrath against sin—the righteous anger that demands justice—was poured out in full measure upon his beloved Son, for us.

Why would a loving Father do this? Isaiah provides the answer: "though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin." Jesus became our sin offering, taking upon himself the punishment we deserved. The cross was not primarily a display of Roman cruelty, but the place where divine justice and mercy met. There, Jesus bore the full weight of God's wrath against sin so that we would never have to.

This was no easy or simple transaction. The Father "crushed" the Son. The original Hebrew word conveys the idea of being utterly broken, shattered, or pulverized. On the cross, Jesus experienced not only physical torture but spiritual abandonment—the agony of bearing sin and being separated from the Father. As he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" he tasted the bitter cup of divine judgment to its dregs.

Yet this crushing was not the end of the story. Isaiah continues, "After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied." Here we find the prophetic glimmer of resurrection, 500 years before Jesus. The suffering servant would not remain in death but would "see the light of life"—he would rise again. And in this resurrection, he would be "satisfied"—the work of redemption complete, the price fully paid.

Between the Cross and the Crown

Having grasped the devastating cost of our salvation—the crushing weight that Christ bore on our behalf—and glimpsing the glory of His resurrection, we now face the question: How should these twin realities reshape our lives today?

The resurrection isn't merely a future hope that we passively await. Rather, it draws a line from Christ's finished work on the cross through our present struggles to our future glory, giving meaning and power to every moment in between. The same Father who was willing to crush His Son for our redemption now offers us the resurrection power of that Son for our transformation.

When we truly understand both the cost of our salvation and the promise of resurrection, generosity becomes natural. We can sacrifice freely and gladly—whether our time, our money, our energy, or whatever we have—knowing that we will be well repaid in the resurrection. The One who surrendered everything for us inspires us to hold our possessions loosely.

This forward-looking perspective changes how we see others. Even the brother or sister with whom we struggle to get along, we can remember that soon they will rise perfected in Christ and we will enjoy fellowship with them. For those who don't know Christ, we're moved with sincere desire for their salvation, wanting them to share in the blessed resurrection and be saved from the condemnation that Christ himself experienced in their place.

Our view of creation itself is transformed. When we see this beautiful yet broken world, we strive to love and take care of it, while having the sure hope of its restoration as "creation itself will be released from the curse at the resurrection" (Romans 8). The crushing that came through sin will give way to flourishing through resurrection.

The promise of resurrection also strengthens us in our fight against sin. It maintains our urgency as we know judgment is coming—the same holy wrath that fell on Christ—while simultaneously reminding us that we will be ultimately delivered from our sins. Even now, we share in the power of the resurrection in our daily struggle against sin.

The resurrection frees us from the cultural pressures around us—"making your dreams come true, finishing your bucket lists, or enjoying a life of ease and pleasure." The resurrection assures us that we will know "an eternal and abundant life so great that it is not worth comparing to the pleasures of this life.".

The Comfort of Resurrection Hope

As powerful as the resurrection is for our future hope, it also provides immediate comfort in our present struggles. "For to this end we toil and strive," wrote Paul, "because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:10).

The most obvious way the resurrection strengthens us is by giving us confidence in the face of death, knowing that it is not the end. Whether we face martyrdom or die peacefully at a good old age, death can be faced without fear and with joy because of the resurrection.

For those who are sick—chronically or terminally—the resurrection promises that even if there is no miracle of healing now, you will rise from the dead imperishable and immortal unto everlasting life and happiness with Christ.

For those who feel crushed by failure—whether in academics, careers, relationships, parenting, or any other arena of life—the resurrection promises a complete transformation. In the resurrection, you will have a perfect mind free from error, a perfect body no longer subject to weakness, and perfect desires that fully align with God's will. Your past failures will be utterly eclipsed by the glory of your new existence in Christ. Yet your scars, like His, will remain not as reminders of defeat but as testimonies of divine restoration—evidence of the journey from brokenness to wholeness through His redemptive power.

The lonely will be welcomed into God's community. The poor will receive an abundant inheritance. Those who are slandered or despised will be vindicated at the judgment. Those who feel their efforts are futile will never labor in vain again.

As we face life's challenges and uncertainties, the resurrection fuels our worship and trust in God's providence. We praise God for His grace in promising and securing our eternal future. We can trust that whatever providence God has for our lives—however seemingly light or difficult—He is working all things for our good for all eternity.

This is not wishful thinking or me trying to wrangle comforting words. This is really going to happen to you, Christian. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in you, guaranteeing that your story—whatever its current chapter holds—will surely end in glory.

Credits and References

• Book: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis

• Sermon: “The End for Which God Created the World” by Jonathan Edwards

• Sermon: “The Resurrection: Our Perfect Hope, Our Great Confidence” by Matthew Haak @ Grace Church Amsterdam

Songs

As Somerset Maugham poignantly states, without belief in a higher power or an afterlife, one is left grappling with the unsettling reality that life may, in fact, lack meaning altogether. This essay will delve into how different religions give us a meaning, allow us to reflect on their interpretations, and finally understand how Christianity presents a unique and full-proof life meaning to go through struggle and uncertainty.

How religion helps us through suffering

The secular view of suffering sees it as a natural part of the human condition, stemming from biological, psychological, economic, and social causes without inherent meaning or divine purpose. It emphasizes that suffering should be alleviated through human action, empathy, and societal efforts. People are seen as responsible for supporting each other and creating policies to reduce pain and inequality. But we see from surveys that people with this view of suffering (that it has no meaning) have a lower proportional representation in doing social work or volunteering for life-risking activities such as health, security or disaster response. They also often borrow ideologies from religion - indicating the importance of a meaning for suffering that is beyond the origination, provision and control of man.

Most religions offer distinct, yet overlapping, frameworks for understanding and finding meaning in suffering:

In Christianity, suffering is viewed as having several potential purposes: as a means of spiritual growth (Rom. 5:3-5), as a way to identify with Christ's own suffering (Phil. 3:10), and sometimes as a consequence of living in a fallen world. The Christian perspective emphasizes that God can redeem suffering and use it for greater good (Rom. 8:28), while also promising its eventual end in the new creation.

Buddhism approaches suffering (dukkha) as a fundamental reality of existence, teaching that suffering arises from attachment and desire. Rather than giving suffering inherent meaning, Buddhism provides a path (the Noble Eightfold Path) to transcend it through enlightenment. The Buddha's Four Noble Truths directly address suffering's nature, cause, and the way to its cessation.

In Judaism, suffering is viewed through multiple lenses: as a test of faith (as with Job), as an opportunity for teshuvah (repentance), or as part of the mysterious ways of God that humans cannot fully comprehend. The concept of "yissurim shel ahavah" says that some suffering can be "afflictions of love" that lead to spiritual elevation.

Hinduism interprets suffering through the lens of karma and dharma. Suffering may be understood as a result of past actions (karma), while adherence to one's duty (dharma) despite suffering is seen as spiritually beneficial. The concept of maya (illusion) suggests that suffering is part of the illusory world that one must transcend to reach moksha (liberation).

Islamic theology presents suffering as a test of faith (part of ibtila) from God, an opportunity for spiritual purification, and a means of expiation for sins. The Quran teaches that "with hardship comes ease", suggesting that suffering has a divine purpose and contains hidden blessings.

These religious and irreligious frameworks share these common themes in giving meaning to suffering:

1. Suffering is transformative: viewing it as a catalyst for spiritual growth

2. Suffering is purposeful: suggesting it serves a higher divine plan

3. Suffering is temporary: pointing to ultimate liberation or salvation

4. Suffering is educational: teaching compassion and empathy

5. Suffering is communal: encouraging solidarity and mutual support

How Christianity’s approach differs

Saint Ignatius of Antioch was one of the most important early Christian church fathers, serving as the third Bishop of Antioch in Syria during the late 1st and early 2nd Centuries AD. He was a student of the Apostle John and succeeded Saint Peter and Evodius in leading the Christian community in Antioch. His influence on early Christian theology was profound, particularly through his letters written while being transported to Rome for execution, which emphasized church unity, the role of bishops, and the real presence of Christ in the Last Supper.

In 107 AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, Ignatius was arrested and condemned to death for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. He was transported from Antioch to Rome in chains. During this journey, which he called his "journey to martyrdom," he wrote seven famous letters to various Christian communities. When he finally reached Rome, he was taken to the Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum), where he was thrown to wild beasts and died as a martyr. Historical accounts suggest he faced his death with remarkable courage and faith, even embracing his martyrdom as a way to imitate Christ's sacrifice.

Through many cases of Christians handling suffering better than other groups, people in the first Century were curious why they would, under the most brutal and painful acts, never renounce their beliefs. Looking into the lives of the early Christians such as Ignatius, we question what they believed and why they did. The biblical narrative presents the relationship between God's anger, human suffering, divine empathy, and redemptive purpose through Christ.

1. God's righteous anger is evident throughout Scripture, particularly toward sin and injustice, as seen in passages like Rom. 1:18, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people," and Psa. 7:11, which describes God as a righteous judge who "expresses his wrath every day."

2. The reality of unjust suffering is acknowledged throughout the Bible, most poignantly in the book of Job, where a righteous man suffers inexplicably, and in Ecc. 8:14, which observes that "righteous people who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked people who get what the righteous deserve."

3. However, God is not detached from human suffering; Scripture reveals His deep empathy, as expressed in Exo. 3:7, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people... I am concerned about their suffering," and in Jesus' response to human pain, as when He wept at Lazarus's tomb (Jn. 11:35) and was "moved with compassion" for the crowds (Matt. 9:36).

4. This divine empathy culminates in the ultimate act of solidarity with human suffering through Jesus Christ, who, as described in Isa. 53:4-5, "took up our pain and bore our suffering... he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities." The redemptive purpose of Christ's death is further explained in 2 Cor. 5:21, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God," and in 1 Pet. 2:24, which declares that "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed," demonstrating how God transforms human suffering into a path for salvation and healing.

On matters of suffering, Christianity differs widely from the other schools of philosophy and religions;

• contrary to stoicism, suffering is seen as painful and God experienced pain and expressed sadness;

• contrary to Hinduism, suffering could be often unfair and that is evident when God also suffered and instructs us to care for others who do;

• contrary to Buddhism, suffering is inherently real, and God gives a reason and a hope to help us go through it;

• contrary to Islam, suffering is not a test from God, but an experience due to the (sinful) nature of the world - and God assures us that we could trust Him and come out of it as better people;

• contrary to secularism, suffering is meaningful.

There is a true and objective meaning in suffering, and if you understand and let it, it will drive you deeper into the love of God and develop you into a fuller human being - more faithful, hopeful and loving.

How the Bible addresses FAQs on suffering

Where does our conscience or sense of evil come from?

The Bible teaches that our conscience is a gift from God, instilled in humanity at creation. In Rom. 2:14-15, Paul explains that even those who do not have the law are “a law unto themselves”, as they demonstrate the work of the law written on their hearts. This internal moral compass allows us to discern right from wrong and is a reflection of God’s character. Our sense of evil, therefore, stems from being created in God's image, which includes an inherent understanding of morality.

If God is a good God, why is there suffering?

The Bible explains that suffering is a consequence of human free will and the fallen state of the world due to sin (Gen. 3). In Rom. 8:28, Paul writes that God works all things for good for those who love Him, suggesting that while suffering is not part of God's original design, He can use it for greater purposes, such as building character and drawing people closer to Him (Jam. 1:2-4).

Why do bad things happen to good people?

The Bible acknowledges the reality of suffering, even among the righteous. In numerous verses in the Book of Psalms (Psa. 13:1-2, 69:4, 42:9-11) and the story of Job, we see examples of faithful individuals enduring hardship without clear explanations. In addition to these “innocent people”, we also see Jesus undergo suffering that He did not deserve for the sake of others. When asked about a man born blind in Jn. 9:1-3, Jesus says it wasn't due to sin but "that the works of God might be displayed in him". In Jn. 16:33, Jesus states that in this world, we will have trouble, but we are to take heart because He has overcome the world. The overarching message is that our understanding of justice and goodness is often limited, but trust in God’s ultimate plan and His goodness can provide comfort amid life's injustices. He also underwent unjust pain; He understands.

Does God answer our prayers during seasons of suffering?

Scripture presents a complex view of God's response to prayers during suffering, showing that while God always hears prayers, His answers may not align with our expectations or timing. Jesus Himself demonstrated this in Matt. 26:39, when He prayed "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will," showing that even the Son of God's prayers were answered according to divine wisdom rather than immediate relief. Paul's experience in 2 Cor. 12:7-9 is particularly instructive, where he prayed three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed, but God's answer was "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness". The Bible assures us that God hears all prayers (1 Jn. 5:14-15), but His responses can take different forms: sometimes immediate relief (Ja. 5:14-15), sometimes strength to endure (Isa. 41:10), sometimes wisdom to understand (James 1:5), and sometimes simply His presence in the midst of continuing trials (Psa. 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me"). Jesus's teaching in Lk. 18:1-8 through the parable of the persistent widow encourages continual prayer even when answers seem delayed, while Rom. 8:26-27 comforts us that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness" when we don't even know how to pray properly, interceding for us according to God's will.

In addition, unanswered prayers do not mean God has left us (Heb. 13:5-6). Unanswered prayers can be because of lack of faith (Ja. 1:6-7), wrong motives (Ja. 4:3), unconfessed sin (Psa. 66:18), unforgiveness (Mk. 11:25), lack of persistence (Lk. 18:1), time for a new season (Ecc. 3:1-8), and/or misalignment with God’s will (1 Jn. 5:14-15). There are situations where it’s not clear what God’s will is. At these times, we should pray in line with the general principles of the Scriptures, asking God to work on our behalf and telling Him the requests that seem best to us as far as we understand them. (Jn. 15:7).

Source texts

• [Book] The Emotional Life of Our Lord by B. B. Warfield

• [Book] Making Sense of God by Timothy Keller

• [Book] Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

• [Book] The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis

• [Book] Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

Although I am a Christian today, some years ago, I read broadly on topics of man’s origins, morality, purpose and satisfaction, which led to periods of doubt in what I believed as a Christian. I questioned my faith and the truth of what I believed, which led me to two questions:

1. Is the only reason I am Christian one by chance that I had Christian parents?

2. If I am saved because I am a Christian, then what happens to others who will never become Christian? Doesn’t this make my god, a tyrant who doesn’t think things through?”

Long story short, after some searching, to a reasonable degree, I was able to sufficient articulate why I could believe and continue in my faith.

Lately, I have found myself in positions where there had been need to explain a bit more about Christianity, so I have decided to begin publishing a series of essays concerning the Christian faith, starting with the Bible, which is the single book and basis for life for all true Christians.

In this essay, I hope to answer a few core questions, foster internal dialogue in readers and fortify the belief system of my fellow Christian brethren. So:

• Is the Bible historically legitimate?

• Is the Bible cohesive?

• Is the Bible divine?

An overview of the Bible

Historical backdrop

For starters, the Bible is a collection of 66 books that range from short letters to historical accounts and (family) journals written over the span of 1,500 years. The Bible is split in 2 main sections; the Old Testament comprised of 39 books and New Testament with 27 books. The Bible is written by 40 authors, some of which never knew or met personally, neither lived in the same community and time. These authors include famous kings, prophets, priests, shepherds and fishermen. The Bible is written in three (Ancient) languages, namely, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The earliest (official) canonized version of the Bible was by the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), held in North Africa.

Self claims

Since all Christians believe in the Bible, it is important to understand 4 major claims made within the Bible about itself that majority of theologians agree with. By understanding these, then we can have a basis to question its truth.

1. Authority: All of the Bible is considered to be the direct (or inspired) words of God [2 Timothy 3:16]. If God claims that all words of Scripture are his own, then there is ultimately no higher authority one can appeal to for proof of this claim than Scripture itself when it stands the test of cohesion. Hence, this means we can conclude (after questioning) the Bible should not contradict itself if this is true.

2. Clarity: Although there may be things hard to understand [admitted in 2 Peter 3:16], the Bible is generally clear and given to be understood by everyday people during that time. The Bible claims that people who lack “sound judgement” can understand it [Psalms 119:130, Psalms 19:7] and can also be taught to children [Deuteronomy 6:7]. It is also important to note that truly understanding the Bible does not come solely through one’s effort, but through the help of God [Luke 24:45, 1 Corinthians 2:14, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:12], hence seeking to make sense of the Bible without positive or objective intent, or for mockery, should render the Bible (in some cases) nonsense to the reader unless God wills it not to be so. The Bible may also need to be explained through (reliable) teachers [2 Timothy 2:2]. Hence, we can to a good extent, say (after questioning) the Bible is not as mysterious as we think it to be and should communicate thoughts clearly.

3. Necessity: The Bible claims to be a (and the definite) source for statements about God’s will and why it is the ultimate purpose of man. The Christian life starts and thrives through the Bible [Matthew 4:4] just as our physical lives are maintained daily by nourishment with physical food. The Bible provides guidance for everyday life whether or not people (including those who are not Christians) have followed it because God has given all men a “general revelation” of the existence of God, his character and moral law, which is seen through nature, historical works and an inner sense [Romans 2:14-15]. Hence, we can say (after questioning) that the Bible should provide enough guidance on living a fulfilling life without contradicting itself, not even once, provided we understand it clearly.

4. Sufficiency: Due to the Bible written over 1,500 years, people at different points had and lived from the understanding of different portions of it. Jesus himself (the Savior and main character of the Bible) had just the Old Testament (the first 39 books) and most of the early churches had the Old Testament, the Gospels and one or more letters by an apostle. While the Bible might not directly answer every question we can think of [Deuteronomy 29:29], God has made its words to provide us with all we need for our daily life and every good work [2 Timothy 3:16-17]. Hence, we can conclude (after questioning) that it is divine in nature and always relevant when understood (sufficiently), and proven to be historically accurate and cohesive over multiple millenia.

Theological differences

As early as the first century, also seen in the Bible (1 Corinthians 1:10) , many Christian groups (called “denominations”) have developed based on disagreements of what is written in the Bible or practices of such. These disagreements commonly cover areas such as church governance, the nature of Christ’s presence (the Holy Spirit), the order of events relating to the return of Christ, etc. All of these areas are often things the Bible is either not explicit about, lays little emphasis on or is not core to the general story and message of the Bible (that God loved the world and sent His only Son to die for the sins of the world. Those who believe in this will live be saved, sanctified and live in hope and joy forever [Romans 15:13, John 3:16]).

Additionally, because there are theological or interpretational differences existing in the world today does not directly disqualify the Bible. These differences are as a result of misinterpretation or misrepresentation of what (truth) is in it. These misinterpretations are in most cases, due to limited information or inadequate understanding of information presented by the Bible. Just as people previously disqualified the possibility of steel ships prior to the 19th Century based on Archimede’s Principle (“objects lighter than water will float”) due to their limited understanding of object density and water displacement, so do people agree on the “wrong” things due to a limited understanding of Biblical (and scientific) laws at that point.

Questioning Biblical reliability

If the Bible is a collection of 66 “random” books, written over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, by 40 people who rarely knew or met each other personally, and were of different social or literacy status, what are the chances that this book is reliable? How possible can the theme and message be coherent? Why should I trust it and the claims made in it?

Historical accuracy

The Bible is majority (~70%) story narrative and prose, which mentions real historic cities, people and events. So methodically, 70% of the Bible can be questioned for physical (preserved) evidence for their setting or source documents.

Within the last couple of Centuries, many archaeological discoveries have supported the existence of people, places, and events mentioned in the Bible that were once questionable. For example, the discovery of the ancient city Jericho was once questioned but later confirmed through archaeology. Although there are disagreements by historians on the exact date of the fall of the city walls or the method, it is still unclear to historians what could’ve led to the collapse of such great walls, which the Biblical account is that it fell after a marching around by the Israelites.

The Bible, especially the New Testament, has a vast number of ancient manuscripts—over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts, far surpassing majority of ancient texts. Prior to the 1940s, there had been several groups of people that believed the Bible had been fabricated much later than when it was presumed to be written. Not until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in late 1940s and early 1950s, which included very early copies of biblical manuscripts dating between 200 BCE and 50 BCE. The scrolls included the large portions of the Old Testament as well as other religious and cultural books during that era. Upon translation to modern English and compared to recent Bible versions, the Dead Sea Scrolls affirm that the content of scriptures had been preserved over centuries with minimal alterations, supporting the idea that the biblical texts have not been modified over time, let alone fabricated more recently.

Translation consistency

The scribes who copied the Bible (especially in ancient times) had strict methods for ensuring the accuracy of the text. These careful practices preserved the original meanings even though the Bible was copied by hand multiple times for many centuries. The Bible is often translated in 3 methods (word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase), with the most circulated word-for-word translations still considered to have as much as 95% fidelity with the original author texts despite multiple iterations. Many modern translations today are still regarded to be highly accurate when compared to very early sources such as The Septuagint, Codex Alexandrinus and Bodmer Papyri that are from the 2nd to 4th CE and written in Ancient Greek.

Cross references

Despite being written over 1,500 years by different authors across different locations, the Bible is remarkably consistent in its central themes. The teachings about God, human nature, and salvation maintain coherence from Genesis to Revelation. It is estimated that there are at least 340,000 cross referenced themes, events and people within the Bible - which is among, if not, the highest of any existing literary or research work ever published.

In addition to this, what makes the Bible more unique are sections of “prophecy” where a future event or person was described (or referenced) centuries earlier. Among these include the life of Jesus where different portions of it where narrated in detail by different people who never knew each other; such as his birthplace [Micah 5:2], entry to Jerusalem [Zechariah 9:9], and his last moments before death [Psalms 22].

Philosophical and theological coherence

The Bible offers coherent answers to fundamental questions about existence, morality, purpose, and the nature of God. Many scholars argue that its worldview provides a consistent and logical framework for understanding life and reality. Asides the most obvious question of man’s origin, the Bible offers sufficient answers and direction to guide people through philosophical individual and cultural questions around purpose, justice, meaning, human rights, and satisfaction.

The Bible is also considered to be theologically coherent in its portrayal of the nature of God, humanity, sin, and salvation. Its presentation of God’s character (just, loving, omniscient) remains consistent across both the Old and New Testaments. Notwithstanding, God exercises His character with man’s free will in mind [Revelation 3:20].

In addition, the Bible introduces the concept of progressive revelation, suggesting that God’s message and plans unfold gradually throughout the Bible. Earlier writings set the stage for later ones, allowing for more nuanced understandings of theological concepts as the text progresses. For example, prophecies and instructions in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament and are offered to guide the people in that time, creating a sense of continuity; and prophecies and instruction in the New Testament are more relevant to today’s world and offer guidance and meaning to what goes on in the world and how to live a fulfilling and joyous life in it.

Impact and influence

The Bible’s influence on history, culture, ethics, and law is unmatched. Its teachings have shaped societies, legal systems, and moral frameworks worldwide. The transformative impact of its message on individuals and societies is often cited as evidence of its divine origin (which could still be argued by most).

When it comes to the arts, the Bible has influenced countless works of literature, from classical authors like Dante and Milton to modern writers such as William Faulkner and T.S. Eliot. Biblical themes, stories, and imagery are deeply embedded in Western literary tradition. Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael created works based on biblical themes. Composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and contemporary musicians have drawn the majority of inspiration for their work from the Bible. The Bible has provided the foundation for many of the timeless masterpieces in painting, sculpture, and music.

Today’s most “just” legal systems, particularly in the Western world, are rooted in Judeo-Christian principles derived from the Bible. Concepts like justice, human dignity, and human rights trace their origins to biblical commandments and teachings. Ideas of equality, freedom, and justice promoted by movements such as the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage and civil rights were supported by biblical interpretations and Bible-believers.

Challenging our unbelief

Now going back to the 3 questions I began with;

1. Is the Bible historically legitimate?

2. Is the Bible cohesive?

3. Is the Bible divine?

At this point, I believe I could conclude with an answer to questions (1) and (2) with good probability due to sufficient evidence and / or thought. As for question (3), I would further ask myself: What else do I need to prove that the Bible is divine? How do I do this? And finally, doesn’t the remarkable nature of its penmanship and content somewhat indicate this to some extent? I would say yes, but do you?

While on my retreat this week, I stayed in an Airbnb hosted by an old Dutch couple in their late 60s (they are superhosts with 9 years XP). He’s an English teacher at a local school and she’s a nurse. In addition to their hospitality and breadth of knowledge covering botany, theology, culinary, and cultures, I was fascinated with the routine(s) they have built together.

Every night, there was a routine that kicked off with a prayer at the dining table by 18:30 sharp. During the meal, we talked about our experiences during the day and immediately after, we would have dessert, which was usually yoghurt and berries. Following this, everyone took something back to the kitchen for the dishwasher. Next, they proceed to the living room where they read their Bible with a study guide. After that, they would sit and do some home admin like updating the shopping list, planning their itinerary for the next day, and then updating the calendar hanging on a kitchen cabinet with upcoming events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. They would then lay the table with cutlery and the cereal + fruit options available for breakfast. After this, they are back in the living room, reading the news or watching funny reels on social media.

Two things I noticed the routine did was; (1) it helped them have a “more efficient” home and reduced their stress, and (2) it created milestones for appreciating each other or just being joyful in the moment.

In our fast-paced world, establishing and maintaining daily routines has become more than just a helpful habit but can also be a crucial strategy for personal growth and overall well-being. If you have ever read James Clear's book "Atomic Habits", some of these ideas may not be new to you.

The importance of routines

In my life, I have seen the benefits of routines in various areas.

• Boost of energy: One of the habits I have, my morning shower, helps make me more alert and ready for the day. Coupled with an oat cappuccino, I feel ready to take on any task!

• Productivity: Preparing my next-day to-do and reflecting on my week helps increase my productivity as I know exactly what to focus on, and can accomplish more with less effort. I also plan to try a “anti to-do list” soon that inspired by pmarca. Overall, this minimizes distractions in my day, allowing for deeper concentration on specific tasks.

• Better time management: Outside the energy boost from routines, our brains make thousands of decisions daily, and the more you can “automate” in your head, the less time you spend weighing options. By designating specific time slots for various activities, important things are not overlooked. This structured approach reduces the feeling of getting overwhelmed when there’s too much you are trying to not forget in your head.

• Long-term goal achievement: While trying to lose weight last year, all I did was add cooking meals, 3x weekly workouts and taking walks every evening to my weekly schedule, and voila! Results! By incorporating goal-oriented activities into my day, the likelihood of achieving my long-term goal was greatly increased.

Building routines effectively

Creating sustainable routines require thoughtful planning by assessing your obligations, goals and areas you want to grow or improve at.

• Start small: Begin with tiny, manageable habits that are easy to maintain. For instance, if your goal is to read more, start with just one or two page(s) a day. The key is to make the habit so small that it's almost impossible to fail.

• Habit stacking: Attach new habits to existing ones to leverage established routines. This strategy uses the connectedness of behavior to make new habits stick. For example, if you already have a habit of making coffee each morning, use this as a cue to do a quick stretching routine while the coffee brews.

• Make it obvious and easy: Use visual cues to remind yourself of the habits you want to form. The more visible and obvious the cue, the more likely you are to follow through with the habit. In order to get myself to weigh myself and drink water every morning, I have my scale just beside my bed for when I get up and then proceed to drinking water that was put in a bottle on my table the night before.

• Make it attractive: Associate your habits with positive emotions or rewards. This can be done by linking an action you want to do with an action you need to do. An example is when I catch up with my podcasts while doing my laundry or tidying up my room. My room is not always tidy these days, so I am looking for where to hook this with.

• Make it satisfying: Celebrate small wins to reinforce positive behavior. The feeling of success, no matter how small, can be a powerful motivator. I have a habit tracker where I look at my scores for each day and week in my morning and night-time routines.

• Focus on systems, not just goals: While goals are important, the systems you put in place to achieve those goals are crucial. Your routine is your system. Instead of focusing on losing 20 kgs, concentrate on creating a sustainable routine of healthy eating and regular exercise.

The transformation from routines

Incorporating well-designed routines into both personal and professional life can lead to significant improvements in well-being and growth. The key to this lies in starting small, being consistent, and continuously refining your routines based on what works best for you. Remember that the power of routines is not in their perfection, but in your consistent application over time. As you build and maintain your routines, you'll likely find that they become the foundation upon which you can build a more balanced and fulfilling life—both personally and professionally.

Ultimately, the goal is not just to have routines for the sake of having them, but to create a framework that easily supports your growth through the pace and complexities of modern life.

One of the characteristics of my job is that I deal primarily with incidents and crises. These often come with high levels of pressure and stress. In some cases, you are often informed about an issue without the necessary information to know what to communicate or do, in other cases, you may be swamped with too much information that you have to inquire again, as slowly as possible, to put all the pieces together in your head. But in all cases, you are forced to work in an environment where everything is urgent [as minutes could be worth millions] and your actions are consequential [because your mistakes lead to reputational damage]. Usually at the end of the day, I recall my brain feeling totally fried.

A few weeks ago, I was speaking with a mentor about my energy levels and about some days when I had “free time”, but didn’t have the energy or motivation to plow through the checklist of the day or week. This led us to discussing Stephen Covey’s 4 quadrants of activities below:

As you can see from the table above, when we only do work that is Urgent and Important, we have increased chances of stress, burn-out, crisis and a sense that there’s always fires to be put out. In addition, when we spend a lot of time performing activities in the other less ideal areas in the table, Urgent and Not Important, and Not Urgent and Not Important, we may have more work pile in the Urgent and Important category, asides other negative consequences that may be a direct result of these activities. Hence, poor time management can lead to mid- to long-term bad energy management.

Important, but not Urgent

The benefits

The benefits of getting to spend time on Important, but not Urgent tasks has multiple direct benefits for the mind and body, as well as indirect benefits that reflect on our relationships, work and long-term well-being.

1. Improved focus on priorities and time management: Activities in this category are often related to personal growth, planning, and relationship building. This helps in proactive management of responsibilities rather than reactive. Spending time to organize tasks so that you can allocate appropriate time to the most important activities leads to a more structured and productive schedule.

2. Enhanced decision making: Having a clear framework for deciding which tasks deserve attention and which can be delegated, deferred, or eliminated allows you to be more efficient and leave the rest to the actual experts. As a consequence, you also develop a clearer mind when you have less things to remember or need you to act on in the short-term.

3. Better use of resources: Ensuring that the most of your time, energy, and resources are invested in tasks that yield the highest return on investment, both professionally and personally, leads to … (you guessed it) the highest return of your time, energy and resources.

4. Enhanced self-discipline: When we spend time thinking, planning and acting for the long-term, a higher sense of self-discipline is developed through the process, reducing the tendency to procrastinate in the short-term.

The process

Developing a lifestyle that is primarily a lot on Quadrant II (Important, but not Urgent tasks) activities is indeed a process because you can’t just drop everything you do today and suddenly start working on less urgent work. In the past few weeks, I started developing a framework, also from Stephen Covey, on how to make this gradual transition.

1. Identify Quadrant II activities: Clearly define your long-term goals and objectives, both personal and professional. Additionally, identify activities that contribute to these goals, such as planning, relationship building, skill development, and self-care.

2. Schedule dedicated time: allocate specific times in your daily or weekly schedule for Quadrant II activities. Treat these appointments with the same level of importance as meetings or deadlines. Use time-blocking techniques to ensure you set aside uninterrupted time for important tasks. Review your progress, reflect on what worked and what didn’t, and adjust your plan accordingly.

3. Prioritize, delegate, ask for help: Use a task management system to prioritize important activities over urgent but less important ones. Delegate tasks that others can do and eliminate non-essential tasks that fall into Quadrants III (Urgent but Not Important) and IV (Not Urgent and Not Important).

4. Set clear boundaries: Minimize distractions and interruptions by setting clear boundaries, such as designated work hours or a “do not disturb” sign during focused work periods. Reduce time spent on low-value activities such as excessive meetings, social media, or trivial tasks.

5. Develop habits and routines: Start your day with a morning routine that includes planning, goal-setting, and focusing on your most important tasks. Regularly review and adjust your schedule and priorities to ensure you are staying aligned with your goals.

6. Enhance self-discipline: Break down long-term goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make them less overwhelming and more achievable. Use accountability partners or tools to stay committed to your Quadrant II activities.

7. Utilize resources and seek support:  Invest in training, tools and resources that help you develop better time management and productivity skills. Seek guidance from mentors or coaches who can provide insights and support in prioritizing important tasks. Be open to learning from your experiences and making necessary adjustments to improve your focus on Quadrant II activities.

By consciously implementing these strategies, you can gradually shift your focus towards Quadrant II activities, leading to more proactive, goal-oriented, and fulfilling personal and professional life.

In a quiet forest, a wise old owl watched over a group of blind mice. The mice, despite their inability to see, navigated the forest floor with remarkable dexterity. One day, the owl overheard them debating the nature of an elephant they had encountered. Each mouse had touched a different part of the elephant and was convinced of its own perspective: one said the elephant was like a wall, another like a tree trunk, another like a rope, and yet another like a fan. The wise owl, understanding the full picture, smiled knowingly, recognizing that each mouse’s perspective was both right and incomplete.

Life is often portrayed as a series of binary choices—right or wrong, good or bad, black or white. However, the reality is far more complex and nuanced than these simplistic dichotomies. Like the mice’s experience with the elephant, our decisions and experiences are influenced by countless factors, all of which are only a part of our perspective or what we sought after.

One of the most significant realizations in understanding life’s complexity is recognizing that there is seldom a single correct answer or path to success. What seems like an obvious choice for one person might be entirely different for another, particularly when viewed in hindsight.

A setback can often lead to unexpected opportunities, and what seems like a failure can turn out to be a valuable lesson. These twists and turns shape our journey, requiring us to adapt, learn, and grow. Embracing these contradictions means accepting uncertainty and ambiguity, recognizing that multiple perspectives and truths can coexist.

Understanding and navigation

To navigate life’s complexity, it’s crucial to remain open-minded and empathetic. Challenging our assumptions and being willing to see things from different perspectives enriches our understanding of the world. Instead of seeking definitive answers or rigidly adhering to predefined beliefs, we should celebrate the diversity and richness of different viewpoints. This openness allows us to appreciate the intricate details and variations that make life vibrant and fulfilling.

Viewing life as a series of black and white choices limits our perspective. We miss out on the beauty that lies in the in-between—the shades of gray that add depth and diversity to our experiences. Life becomes more exciting and fulfilling when we embrace its complexity and the countless possibilities it offers. It is in the gray areas that growth, exploration, and personal development occur. These moments of uncertainty and ambiguity challenge us to discover our true selves and our capabilities.

Beauty in complexity

When facing decisions or challenges, it’s essential to trust our intuition and judgment. Embracing the gray areas and the unpredictability of life allows us to learn and grow. Each experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to our personal development and resilience. By accepting life’s uncertainty, we open ourselves up to the lessons it has to offer.

Life’s complexity is its true beauty. The shades of gray we encounter make our journey rich and multifaceted. By celebrating diversity, embracing uncertainty, and appreciating the nuances of life, we can fully experience the dynamics of life and make better, more fulfilling decisions. Letting go of the need for absolutes and rigid definitions allows us to grow and discover new possibilities.

So, like the blind mice who each grasped a part of the elephant, we should acknowledge that our perspectives are limited and shaped through our individual experiences.

It is only through keeping an open mind and embracing the shades of gray can we see the fuller picture and appreciate the true complexity of life, as well as understand the perspectives and experiences of others.

Michael Jordan is a dude who fails well. One of the most significant periods of failure and growth in Jordan's career came during the late 1980s. Despite his individual brilliance, the Chicago Bulls struggled to achieve playoff success. They were repeatedly defeated by the Detroit Pistons, a team known for its physical and aggressive "Bad Boys" style of play. The Pistons' strategy, often referred to as the "Jordan Rules," focused on limiting Jordan's effectiveness through double-teaming and physical play.

These repeated playoff failures were frustrating for Jordan and the Bulls, but they served as a catalyst for change. Jordan recognized that to overcome the Pistons and succeed in the playoffs, he needed to become physically stronger and mentally tougher. He embarked on a rigorous training regimen, adding muscle and improving his endurance. This transformation was not just physical; Jordan also developed a greater understanding of teamwork and leadership, recognizing that he needed to elevate the performance of his teammates to achieve championship success.

Jordan's ability to learn from failure and use it as motivation is evident throughout his life. Each setback, whether it was a playoff defeat or a personal challenge, was met with a renewed commitment to improvement. His competitive spirit and refusal to accept defeat became legendary both in and outside the court.

Michael Jordan's career is a profound example of how failure can be a crucial ingredient in the recipe for success. Everything he faced all contributed to his development as a legendary player and leader. His journey reminds us that failure is not something to be feared but embraced as a stepping stone to achieving greatness.

Dealing with failure

In today’s age, the pressure to succeed, amplified by social media and cultural norms, often leads to fear of failure. This fear can be paralyzing, discouraging us from taking risks or trying new things, thereby stifling our personal and professional growth.

Dealing positively with failure presents opportunities for self-improvement and resilience is built by understanding failure, learning from mistakes, and persevering despite setbacks.

Practically, I have employed a number structured frameworks and methodologies in my personal and professional life.

Inculcating a growth mindset: To do this, I focus on embracing the belief that abilities and intelligence can only be developed through dedication and hard work. I acknowledge failures, accept responsibility, and concentrate on what can be improved. I try to persist through setback by maintaining my energy over the long term. This method is especially effective when hitting the gym or learning a new skill.

Performing post-mortem analysis: I learned this first from software development and later incorporated it into personal areas of my life such as relationships, finances and learning. A postmortem analysis is an evaluation conducted after an incident, failure event or loss to understand what went well, what didn't, and why. This process aims to identify successes and failures, enabling me to learn from experience and improve future performance. Usually after this, I may make updates to my goals, activities, decision frameworks, and sometimes, values. An example is when I experience a major financial loss after an investment.

Continuous improvement: This is a philosophy that focuses on making small, incremental improvements regularly. Once you identify an area of improvement, you quickly make changes to it and review for success shortly after. I primarily employ this method for situations where there is no major loss, but I struggle to be consistent in something, such as trying to include more reading into my daily routine. In this case, I would move things around in my schedule so I have more energy for what I prioritize.

In addition to using these methods, I actively seek advice from loved ones and mentors to gain diverse perspectives, emotional support, and access to their valuable experience and wisdom. Loved ones offer comfort and encouragement, helping to build confidence and maintain motivation, while mentors bring practical insights drawn from their experience. This guidance fosters accountability, a problem-solving mindset, and a focus on the long-term picture. Additionally, trusted individuals have also helped me validate my feelings and navigate ethical dilemmas.

Living with failure

Envisioning a society or life devoid of failure is indeed impossible. Failure is deeply intertwined with the human experience and serves critical functions for our personal development and collective progress.

And in a society where success is often the ultimate goal, the idea of embracing failure may seem counterintuitive. However, let us not overlook how much of past lessons came from failing in academics, career, relationships and our faith.

Failure should never be seen as something to be dodged, but as a fundamental component in the recipe for success.

Last Sunday, I was chatting with friends about Nicolai Tangen’s statement in the FT that Europe (that is, Europeans) are less ambitious than others. In his words, “Europe is less hard-working, less ambitious, more regulated and more risk-averse than the US”. He also added with a statement on AI: “I’m not saying it’s good but in America you have a lot of AI and no regulation, in Europe you have no AI and a lot of regulation. It’s interesting”. About 2 weeks ago, I was also listening to his interview with Elon Musk. In this interview, Elon shares how hard he works and how deep he went into details, because you can’t do great work without going hardcore and being ambitious.

So what do I define as ambition? In the simplest terms, ambition is the desire to achieve something, often of great importance, often bigger than one’s self. However, it is far more than just a desire - it is a burning fire, a relentless drive that compels us to push beyond limits, to continually and ruthlessly strive for success, and to reach for the stars, and to continually strive for success. We refuse to acknowledge impossibilities and dare to dream bigger, risk more, to go further, to do more, and to become more.

Having lived in the city of Amsterdam for the past 2 years, I can say that I rarely smell ambition in Europe’s air. Little to no ambition equals little to negative progress. Objectively speaking, this has been evident in the national GDP growth in Europe when contrasted with other continents. Sometimes I try to predict what economies would look like in Europe in the coming decades, but I couldn’t bother more at this moment and that is a subject for another day.

Advancing

The landscape of human history is replete with grandeur, filled with stories of extraordinary endeavors, audacious discoveries, and remarkable innovations. A quintessential human trait, ambition has been the driving force behind many of mankind's greatest achievements. It has sparked progress, ignited revolutions, and stitched together the intricate fabric of our societies.

When Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, it was not a mere chance; it was his ambition, his desire to find a cure for bacterial infections that drove his relentless research. When the Wright Brothers took their first flight, it was their ambition to be like birds, their dream to conquer the skies that propelled them forward. When Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights, it was his ambition, his vision for equality that guided his mission. And when Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile, it was relentlessness and refusal to accept what people called impossible that made it a reality. Similarly, ambition drove the US to win the space race by landing the first man on the moon.

So when next you are (or feel) discouraged for your spirit of ambition, think about the outcomes that would never be if you were to give up. Every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth and learning, regardless of if it seems like you may not be inching closer to your dreams. The path to success is typically lengthy and laden with difficulties, and you alone have the power to conquer anything and turn your dreams into reality. Advancing in progress also comes with advanced challenges.

Redefining

Without doubt, ambition and hunger have been the twin engines of mankind's progress. They have fueled our journey from ignorance to understanding, from isolation to interconnectedness, from mortality to health, and from the caves to the stars. They are the qualities that define us as a species, that set us apart from other creatures.

And before we begin this journey of ambition, we must clearly define what we want to achieve and our reason for why we do it ought to be crystal clear. This clarity shall help us see further as we weather tough times while in pursuit of that we desire.

As we look forward to the future, it is clear that ambition will continue to drive us forward, forging new paths, setting new milestones, and redefining the boundaries of what is possible - not just as individuals, but also collectively as a race.

A few Sundays ago, I was having breakfast with a mentor and he was sharing with me the different projects he is working on. He told me about a business that took nearly 10 years before finding a sustainable business model. I also shared with him some opportunities in the Nigerian timber market and how waiting 30 years for trees to grow was an unignorable risk. He responded and said, “Of course, everything good and worth doing takes time. The goal of a Christian is to always go with the hard, difficult, and long road; and to never look for comfort and shortcuts when pursuing the goal.”

He went on to tell me about Folorunsho Alakija, the richest African woman. She’s a seasoned entrepreneur but what she is most known for is her oil exploration company, Famfa Oil. Initially only trying to offer professional catering and transportation services to the Nigerian oil industry, the Nigerian petroleum minister, Jubril Aminu, told her that an opportunity in the market was oil exploration - and she was overwhelmed by how difficult it was to operate in this part of the value chain, but she decided to give it a shot. In May 1993, Mrs Alakija applied for an oil prospecting license. The petroleum minister would be replaced again and again within the next 3 years, and each time, she would re-apply for the license to the new administration. 3 years later, her application was accepted. This would only be her first major challenge. It was only 14 years later, after numerous legal battles, acquisitions, failed JVs, did they finally strike oil in the Agbami field. And the rest they say is history.

True patience

Through my life, I have learned and seen numerous moments where patience is a characteristic that yields rewarding returns. This profound notion is succinctly encapsulated in the timeless adage "good things come to those who wait." This saying holds a deep-seated truth that resonates with countless facets of our existence, encompassing everything from personal development and the acquisition of knowledge, to the relentless pursuit of success and accomplishments. If only you keep sowing through the process.

Take for instance the process of mastering a new skill. In our rapidly evolving world, where everything is seemingly at our fingertips, the allure to expedite the learning process to reach the zenith of mastery can be enticing. However, the journey of learning is far from a straightforward path. It's an expedition that necessitates traversing the convoluted routes of trial and error, encountering failures, and most importantly, deriving invaluable lessons from these setbacks. This journey is not a headlong sprint, but rather, a long-drawn-out marathon. It demands time, tenacity, and unwavering dedication, but the payoff is a profound, comprehensive, and resilient understanding of the skill, a level of expertise that simply cannot be attained through any shortcuts or quick fixes.

The principle of patience and its subsequent reward is also mirrored in the natural world. From the moment a minuscule seed or young plant is nestled into the soil, it takes several years of nurturing and growth for it to transform into a fruit-bearing tree. The tree doesn't sprout to its full height overnight. It grows at a measured, unhurried pace, drawing vital nutrients from the soil, harnessing life-sustaining sunlight, and absorbing water from the ground. It withstands storms and survives droughts, persistently growing against all adversities, blossoming into a majestic entity that provides shade to the weary and fruit to the hungry. This process, too, bears testament to the undeniable fact that the best things in life require time.

In the sphere of our personal relationships as well, the axiom of patience is true. Building trust, nurturing understanding, and fostering love in a relationship is not an instantaneous process. It demands an investment of time, the exercise of patience, the establishment and use of open lines of communication, and the ability to navigate through conflicts, differences, and misunderstandings. It's a continuous endeavor that grows in depth and strengthens over time, eventually culminating in relationships that are strong, enduring, and deeply satisfying.

Keep Going

In summation, the finer things in life, the experiences that are truly rewarding and fulfilling, demand patience and time. Be it the voyage of acquiring a new skill, the slow and steady growth of a tree, or the intricate process of building a relationship, the path can often be slow, arduous, and fraught with challenges. However, the end result, the crowning achievement, is often well worth the wait and the hardships endured.

The journey, with all its highs and lows, trials and triumphs, is as meaningful and enriching as the eventual destination. In its truest sense, patience is a valuable investment that yields the richest dividends in life.

Earlier this year, I was at a party with folks from church and a game of Musical Chairs was being played. Musical Chairs is a game where a set of players dance around a smaller number of chairs arranged in a circle and facing outwards. Each round, the music is stopped at a random interval and players last to be seated and without seats are eliminated. Although I wasn’t in the game, I noticed the strategy a friend of mine, Mr. Bean, was using.

Starting with 12 players, 7 rounds later and down to 5 players, I observed Mr Bean only moved (danced) to the next seat when it was already empty, which guaranteed he always had somewhere to sit when the music went off at a good enough angle - letting him stay in the game and survive to this point. As expected, he made it to the last round where he went head to head with one final opponent. At this point, he had moved from the A to the B stage of gameplay. In the final round, when the music stopped, Mr Bean’s opponent went dirty by grabbing the chair and pulling it out from underneath Mr Bean and consequentially, Mr Bean fell to the ground while trying to sit down, and the opponent won. Just as Mr Bean figured out a successful strategy to win at all hands cast between point A to B, the last stage of the game required a different strategy.

Life’s journey

Navigating through life's journey is marked by complexity and non-linearity, a concept that I will encapsulate by the saying, "What took you from point A to point B can often not take you from point B to point C." This metaphorical expression reflects the dynamic of growth and development in various aspects of life, from everyday activities like games and personal evolution, to educational progression and professional advancement.

In the nascent stages of any journey, the methods and strategies we employ can often be developed through rudimentary logic (common sense). They serve a singular purpose; to guide us from a state of unknowing, or point A, to a state of elementary understanding or consistent basic accomplishment, known as point B. These tools could range from initial research and basic skills training to rudimentary tactics in games we play with other people. At this stage, the focus is on establishing a solid foundation to be in a comfortable place, and ideally, a foundation upon which further development can be built.

However, a common pitfall many of us encounter is the temptation to rely on these initial strategies for continued growth and success. Once we achieve point B, we may erroneously believe that the same strategies and tools that helped us initially will continue to serve us well. This is where many of us stumble. The skills and strategies that brought us to point B may not be sophisticated or nuanced enough to counter the new or unforeseen challenges that emerge as we strive to reach point C.

For example, as a student I discovered that the study habits that facilitated my success in high school, leading them from point A to point B, were inadequate to meet the demands of university-level coursework, the journey from point B to point C. In college, I was unable to grasp all concepts delivered in the classroom and needed to study outside what was available in lecture notes. In the same vein, when I became a professional, the technical skills that secured my first job, a transition from point A to point B, were not sufficient for higher-level roles that necessitate strategic thinking, people management, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. In continually building everyday relationships, I find that I am required to communicate more clearly, carve out time to spend on relationships, and also understand individual needs, over just performing lower effort acts of kindness. These scenarios illustrate the necessity for continuous growth and adaptation I have observed in my personal life.

As we transition from one stage to the next, we must be open to developing new strategies, acquiring different skills, and expanding our knowledge base. This could involve actively seeking out learning opportunities (especially from failures), finding mentorship, or demanding to necessitate a complete shift in mindset or approach.

Our flexibility

Furthermore, it is not just about acquiring new skills and models for life, but also about discarding or modifying old ones that no longer serve us (well). It is about recognizing that what worked once may not work again, and the importance of being open to new ways of thinking and doing. As we evolve, so should our models, strategies and our skillset.

The journey of life is a continuous process of learning, growth, and adaptation. The strategies that take us from point A to point B serve their purpose for that segment of the journey. When we aspire to move from point B to point C, we must be ready to be flexible enough to meet new challenges and opportunities head-on.

Life is not a straight line, but a winding path that requires adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to learn and change who we are.

In 2017, I saw a romantic comedy-drama movie titled The Big Sick. The movie follows the relationship between Kumail, a Pakistani Uber-driver who is also a stand-up comedian, and Emily, an American graduate student. They both met after a comedy show and eventually start a relationship. Meanwhile, Kumail’s mother tries to set him up for an arranged marriage, which he is not interested in but still tries to play along. Once Emily finds out that Kumail has been seeing other ladies, she breaks up with him.

One night, he is informed that Emily has been admitted to the hospital. He goes to drive her home, but is pressured by doctors into giving permission to place Emily into an induced coma for treatment. Kumail signs the medical release, then informs Emily's parents. Distracted with Emily's condition, Kumail ignores his parents' continued demands about marriage. He tells them about Emily and they refuse to speak with him any longer. Meanwhile, Emily's infection grows unchecked and he learns that she could die, causing him to fail his big comedy audition.

Emily's health improves and at the party celebrating her recovery, Kumail asks Emily to get back together, but she refuses. Emily later watches a video of Kumail's audition. She realizes the extent of his efforts to keep seeing her despite family pressure, and visits him at the local theater. Kumail informs her that he is moving to New York City to pursue stand-up. Emily is disappointed but wishes him luck. Kumail eventually patches his relationship with his family.

In NYC, he performs at a local club and is heckled, albeit encouragingly, by a female audience member. He turns to see that it is Emily, and she hints that she is there to meet him. In the end, Kumail gets married to Emily and they are both reconciled with his parents.

The relationship

Just as is depicted in Kumail and Emily’s story, courage and love are deeply intertwined in a symbiotic relationship that permeates every aspect of our lives.

At its core, love requires courage. Love beckons us to open our hearts, to expose ourselves to vulnerability, and to take risks. It is through acts of courage that we are able to truly love someone or something. Whether it is expressing our feelings to a loved one, standing up for what we believe in, or making sacrifices for the well-being of others, love demands that we summon the strength to overcome our fears and embrace the unknown. Without courage, love may remain superficial and stagnant, unable to reach its full potential.

Conversely, love has the transformative power to inspire and cultivate courage within us. When we deeply love someone or something, we find ourselves propelled to face our fears head-on, to conquer obstacles, and to fight for the things we hold dear. Love ignites a fire within us, fueling our motivation to step outside of our comfort zones and take bold or risky actions.

Love emboldens us to challenge the status quo, to defy societal expectations, and to pursue our passions with unwavering determination. Love gives us the courage to become the best versions of ourselves, be better friends (and lovers), and to make a positive impact on the world.

The challenges

However, the relationship between courage and love is not without its challenges. Both courage and love require perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It is during times of uncertainty or hardship that the true strength of our love and courage is tested. When faced with multiple variables, obstacles, setbacks, or heartbreak, it is our unwavering love and courage that sustain us and propel us forward. They empower us to confront our fears, to stand up for what we believe in, and to make selfless sacrifices for others or what we believe is the greater good. It is through these trials and tribulations that our love and courage are honed, refined, and strengthened, allowing us to grow and evolve as individuals.

It is only by practicing empathy, showing kindness, gratitude and forgiveness, especially in times when we fear the unknown can we cultivate habits of love and being more loveable people ourselves. Similarly as we may go to wars or grand expeditions for love, we also do small things for ourselves and others because of it.

In conclusion, the relationship between courage and love is a beautiful dance of intertwined energies. They are inseparable companions that empower and uplift us, enabling us to transcend our limitations and embrace the fullness of our existence.

Together, courage and love have the potential to transform not only our own lives but also the world around us. They are the driving forces behind our greatest triumphs and most profound relationships. So let us embrace both courage and love with open hearts and unwavering resolve, allowing them to guide us towards a life filled with endless possibilities.

An inner scorecard is by definition, a set of ideals created for you by you in which you think, act and judge your success based on. When you live by your inner scorecard, you prioritize self-reflection and self-improvement. You define your own measures of success and happiness, rather than relying on external markers like wealth, status, or other people's opinions.

Living by your inner scorecard requires self-awareness, courage, and willingness to make choices that align with your values, even if they may be unconventional or unpopular. It means being true to yourself and not compromising your integrity for external validation.

For instance, you might decline a promotion at work that goes against your values of work-life balance and choose to spend more time pursuing your passion for playing chess. It may raise a few eyebrows, but your inner scorecard is beaming with pride. In other cases, you may take on more responsibilities at work that cause you to spend less time with family because you want to prioritize earning more money or inspire others in areas of career growth.

Whatever it may be, as long as it brings joy and fulfillment to your life, it's a win in your book!

Creating an inner scorecard

Your inner scorecard should be different from your short to long-term goals, and be measures of qualitative traits of your life. You will like to have areas you want to grow or sustain that stem from your values or lead you closer to things you hold important.

Making your inner scorecard is simply [1] determining what is important to you. After you have done this, you can [2] find a way to measure them and [3] appraise on your status regularly.

I know people who set goals and keep track of the number of hours they work, gym sessions, books read, net worth and amount of money given away. These are good places to start if work-life balance, quality of life or contribution to society are sources of happiness for you. But indeed, we are all different and have different motivations and drivers for our happiness.

Sometimes your inner scorecard will also require changes made to it based on important or consistent feedback from the people around you. This is also important to take into consideration because your scorecard also directly affects the well-being of the people around you.

Although your inner scorecard is centered on you, it should not promote self-centeredness.

Pursuing happiness

Off-course, writing down your inner scorecard or putting a piece of cardboard on your bedroom wall does not guarantee a life of happiness. Happiness must be pursued, and an inner scorecard adequately evaluates if you are in pursuit and how it is going.

A man who has devised an inner scorecard for himself must actively shun nearly all external judgement not aligned with his scorecard or values. And with an inner scorecard, responding “Yes” or “No” to people, situations, opportunities and habits is done without second thought.

In a world that often emphasizes external achievements and societal expectations, living by your inner scorecard enables you to lead a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. It allows you to define your own path and find true satisfaction in living authentically, guided by your own principles and values, and under zero pressure.

I hope when our time is up on the surface of the Earth, we do not think so much about what the world thought of us, but if we lived by the goals and values we (claimed to) hold important.

Highlights and learnings

• Push harder

• Risk when returns are asymmetric

• Be accountable to building stronger character

The “wins”

Favorite reads

Concluding

Highlights and learnings

I believe hindsight is a gift humans have, and when used properly, simple moments become a learning experience.

Push harder

On October 1st, 2022, I luxated my shoulder at the Amsterdam Zuid skate park. I spent 6 months gaining back my range of motion from a frozen shoulder.

In May 2023, I decided to gain back my strength by working with a professional trainer, Miquel. The training and change was so hard, but considering how much I paid before the program, backing out wasn’t an option.

Since then, I have had only 2 weeks when I didn’t work out a minimum of 3 times a week. I have also been mindful of what I eat and how much I sleep.

The result? I ran a caloric deficit of nearly 160,000 kcal, lost 20kgs and dropped below 10% of body fat. In 6 months!

Following my struggles of discipline within and outside the gym, I learned:

• If you struggle to build a habit (or kill an old one), consider increasing your costs (pay more, relinquish control, increase accountability, etc)

• Getting better (or losing weight) is easier done 1% more (or less) every week

• The biggest difference between one who can do a 2-minute plank and one who does a 1-minute plank (other things being equal) is a positive mental attitude

You may already know, but these apply to building a better regimen in other areas other than directly related to the human body.

Like a race horse at the scent of the finish line, we can only sprint faster!

Risk when returns are asymmetric

At the end of last year, I purchased assets belonging to a struggling business. Through the year, we made a few changes and injected new capital. We also work on changing the staff culture and are currently developing a new revenue source.

It was some sleepless nights and sweat. But I think the long-term returns are not just for myself, but also for the families that rely on this income and the impact that will be made in society.

Asymmetry can be found in the difference between your (personal) risk and expected payoff in everyday things.

A few things I believe also fall into this category are what you believe, who you marry, where you live and what you work on. It is a no-brainer to tell someone you like how you feel (if you are serious) or work on the big idea in your head. You may miss life’s happiest and biggest learning moments by not doing any of those.

I think payoffs are often hidden and not obvious too. For example, our small donations to non-profits are things we never benefit from, but could be the reason someone has hope for tomorrow.

Perhaps only two things should almost never be risked - your life and your reputation. If the stakes are high, then definitely payoffs may be worth it.

What’s needed before taking some risk is the end in mind and a little faith in God.

Be accountable to building stronger character

One of my friends is a great guy named Emmanuel. Earlier this year, we were having a chat about ourselves and realized how we make similar mistakes and have the flaws that we complain about our parents.

The outcome of this conversation was to resolve that we would hold ourselves and our friends accountable when we spot these things surfacing. Since then, I believe we are becoming much better and our relationships have grown stronger, as we can see an honest perspective different from ours.

I don’t think society can be any better if our families are not better. And neither can families be better if the constituent members don’t strive to build stronger character.

Strong character begins with the willingness and action to grow, and accountability.

The “wins”

I learned, took bold bets, spent time in solitude, fixed broken things, built new and improved on existing stuff, gave more, served more, and helped people more than I have ever done in a single year.

I am grateful to God for His grace and the following blessings:

• I served God to the near limit of my physical capacity

• I spent the most time mentoring people

• I made the most money in a single year

• I gave the highest percentage of my income in a single year

• I became more responsible for my health

Goals and room for improvement

As always, I still aim to improve next year in [1] spending time studying and living by God’s Word, [2] mentoring, [3] making more money, and [4] contributing to the advancement of God’s kingdom.

More specifically, I will spend more energy learning and working on [5] entrepreneurial activities, [6] non-profit work, and [7] family building.

Success

I always think about what quality and quantity metrics to use in measuring "success", and they remain the same this year:

• How many people have I been a blessing to?

• How kindly have I lived?

• How much glory did my actions bring to God?

Favorite reads

My top 10 books this year:

1. Enough. by John C. Bogle

2. The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

3. The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas

4. Soul in the Game by Vitaliy Katsenelson

5. The Intentional Father by John Tyson

6. The Joys of Compounding by Gautam Baid

7. Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do! by Robert Schuller

8. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen

9. Killjoys by DesiringGod

10. Every Good Endeavour by Timothy Keller

Others noteworthy:

• Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond

• The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

• Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge

• Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

If I have to pick a favorite for this year, it will be The Joys of Compounding, which I read for the second time for the love of it - it is now in my current, all-time top 5.

And now you wonder what my current 5 favorite books are:

• Meditations by Marcus Aerelius

• Principles by Ray Dalio

• Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham

• Titan by Ron Chernow

• The Joys of Compounding by Gautam Baid

Concluding

I do not believe the Earth needs a complete revolution to make an inflection in our lives.

But in the 2024 year, we will definitely continue to:

• be brave and intentional,

• work on our dreams,

• love, listen and give more, and

• pursue happiness much harder

I go to bed tonight feeling that God and every bright star above tonight’s pale sky seems to say: "Well done, Luke!”.