Blurry LinesThese are complex times. Things are no longer black and white with regards to our behaviour and our actions. There is equanimity in our everyday acts as we justify it due to our inclination to permit what the mass dictates is supposedly acceptable. Should I be able to complete my course in the future and graduate as a doctor, how will I balance my personal ethics along with the demands of my patients? Even something once thought as abhorrent as abortion is now being thought of by pockets of people as something necessary ; an extension of the much-heralded modern day conviction of the importance of freedom of choice. This self-indulgent individualisation has made us arrogant in a sense; subtly causing us to frequently , and tacitly, take the path which benefits us best whenever we reach a forked road. While it’s important that we realise our rights and place as an individual, it doesn’t give us a free pass to be , essentially, jerks. We hide within the constraints of the norm and take solace in the fact that it’s alright to do something just because everyone else is doing it. “Video games are too expensive in Malaysia! It’s not our fault the government has placed a high tax on it. Aiyoh, it’s better to just download the game la! It’s free! Maybe then the government will learn and somehow get the price to be lowered. Don’t worry, it’s not like the police is going to raid your house and jail you for it.” I don’t deny that I myself have amassed a collection of movies, music and games via such means and I’ll admit ; it doesn’t feel wrong though we all know it is. We can say it’s part of being Malaysian as we cower behind the crowd whom themselves feel not the injustice of their actions because everyone (or at least, close to everyone ) is doing it. Do we then gauge the virtue of our actions solely based on the number of people endorsing it? Is it okay to get drunk and drink constantly just because it’s ‘a harmless social activity’ and all your friends are doing it? For my part, I can’t draw a table ; clearly differentiating the good and the bad. I’ll just keep on basing my acts based on The Bible. I disappoint myself constantly for not living up to the standards I have set for myself but I’ll still strive to be more Christ like in my words and actions. It’s not easy, what with the times being complex and all. It’s ironic how clear it is that ethics aren’t so clear anymore. Romans 12:2 ~ Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Kuhanesh | 
True
