MAKING YOUR LIFE COUNT
Reflections on living in South Africa

Throughout human history, men and women who have achieved greatness, who have risen above mediocrity or even changed the course of history have done so, motivated by a cause. Whether it was noble or ignoble, righteous or evil, their cause inspired ordinary people to live extraordinary lives that affected the lives of countless others. What is your cause?

Nelson Mandela, in his defense at the historic "treason" trial of the Rivonia Four, said that he had found a cause worth living for and it was a cause for which he was prepared to die. His cause was to rid his country of oppression and destroy a system that robbed both oppressor and oppressed of their dignity, indeed their very humanity. It is what made 27 years of incarceration a significant contribution, and was instrumental in changing the course of history.

South Africa is extraordinary in that it has vast potential to succeed and yet an equally enormous potential for disaster. The difference will be determined by the impact of ordinary South Africans who choose to live extraordinary lives. As a young educated white South African male I choose not to buy the lie that I am better off building a life for my family overseas. The future of my son, who is seven, and daughter, who is four, does not depend on my ability to predict the favorable socio-economic conditions that might prevail in 15 to 20 years time, in the country I would choose to relocate to. Their future and security, and ours, is entirely in the hands of the Almighty God we serve. We are not called to seek out a life of comfort. We are called to be light and salt. A light is meaningless if not to repel darkness, salt worthless unless it enhances flavor.

For years I have watched talented, resourceful people emigrate, which always left me with a nagging pain I could not define. I have since come to recognize this as a feeling of desertion and sadness. Desertion because the enormous task of transforming this country is left to fewer still. Sadness for the sacrifice of precious relationships, as families are ripped apart and friends left behind. Perhaps I'm sadder still for those that stay who are paralyzed by their fear into a state of apathy, unable to realize their potential, and the potential of millions of other people their changed lives might touch or change. If you are a businessman, turn your God given talent to make money, into an instrument of change. Factor into your new business plan job creation, so that many others will benefit from your skill to turn a profit. It may mean a smaller financial gain, but consider the return! If you make a living from selling a skill or a service, give some of your time to those unable to afford it, not as a handout but in such a way that their lives are edified and transformed.

My cause is Christ and His Kingdom. Being a veterinarian is not in essence spiritual, but Christ's Kingdom does not begin and end with Salvation. A heart overwhelmed by God's goodness compels one to a live a life dedicated to showing that love to the world. That love finds it's expression in serving others, whichever form that service takes. South Africa is a place rich with opportunity for service in every sphere of life. What a privilege to serve God right here in the beautiful land of our birth, surrounded by those whom we love, doing that which we are equipped to do, despite the perils we may face. Simply by living in South Africa, I can fulfill the Christian mandate. For me, in the words of a great man who helped shape the course of history, "To live is Christ, to die is gain."

As Mary of Bethany gave her best when she poured expensive perfume on His feet, so each of us must give in our own way the best we have to our Lord. Our efforts may not seem significant, but God is able to use our small light, our little talent to help accomplish His purpose on this earth, and thus bring glory to our Savior. What a joy it will be when the Master looks into our eyes on that awesome day when we meet Him face to face and He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant&ldots;..Enter into the joy of Your Lord"

Dean Sim ..... (Posted 27 April 2001)

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