“Be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own

stability”

I have been following the developments of the political situation back home in Malaysia, right
from the run-up to the elections till the implementation of reforms by the current government.
Equivalent to a modern Shakespearean drama, the unfolding of events has also given rise to
scenes of “he says, she says”, with politicians and media trying to ensnare one another in a game
of words.

I saw one such interview of a young politician (whom I shall not name) whom the interviewer
was clearly trying to corner in her line of questioning. The said politician deftly manoeuvered the
situation with a series of comebacks and responses which were very admirable.

Experience in the media spotlight has, no doubt, given this politician a trump card; however from
the conviction in the responses given, it also seemed clear that a strong set of principles has
given this politician a firm foundation from which to fire off these responses without getting
caught with one’s foot in one’s mouth.

The Gospel reading today isn’t much different from the politics of present-time. The Pharisees
and Herodians were sent to corner Jesus, hoping that he would trip up over his words. But Jesus
knew what they were about, and not only deftly answered the question, but point-blank asked
them “Why are you testing me?” Life will always be peppered with people and situations meant
to trap us and test us, people who want to shake us and expose to the world our weaknesses and
vulnerabilities, and thus shame us. That could ruin us. It could bring down our morale and ruin
our reputation. It could cause us to hide in anger and embarrassment. Or we could maneuver it
into a positive experience instead, should we have a firm set of principles to fall back on.

How strong our faith is, and how unshakeable our moral compass is, will determine how well we
navigate through the storms of life. One false step and we could smash into the rocks, one wrong
turn and we could end up miles off our route. A single moment of giving in to fear could mean
the sinking of our lives as we know it, and those who depend on us will go down as well. We do
not know when this time will come, when tests will be laid at our feet. But every day is a new
day to train our minds and hearts to be ready for when it happens. Every day, we have to learn to
don the armour of God through prayer and reconciliation, by living an upright life with the fear
of God within us. When that day comes, may we be found blameless and ready to steer safely
through the storm.

(Today’s Oxygen by Annette Soo)

Prayer: Lord, many are out there trying to trap us with their words and wiliness. We pray
that we may hold steadfast in our faith so as not to fall into their trap.

Thanksgiving: Lord, we give you thanks for guiding us through the rough times in our lives
and always being for us a beacon of hope and salvation.