3 "TYRANTS"
There are at least 3 "TYRANTS" we subconsciously idolized that create superfluous complexities in our lives which burdens us and keep us in a state of "virtual bondage".
1. TYRANNY OF THE SELF
The self clamors for recognition, applause, attention because this is how the world shapes us. In our minds, "the popular we become, the better or smarter we are". Our selves keep telling to us, "you are the best in the world", "you alone can do it because you are different from the rest". Because we want to please the world, we resort to artful deception to appear more pleasing, more knowledgable, wealthier, or even "saintlier". The self will go to extravagant lengths to impress and to belong.
2. TYRANNY OF THINGS
Out of envy and out of fear that others might discover who we really are, we create an artificial world of ostentatious display, extravagant ornamentation and pretentious lifestyle. We put up expensive "facades" such as expensive cars, expensive houses, expensive jewelries, expensive hi-tech gadgets, expensive accessories, etc. in order to project to the world a respectable and high-profile image of ourselves but which may later on result to huge debts.
3. TYRANNY OF PEOPLE
We do anything and everything just to ensure that others will have a good opinion of us. We protect our reputation so much because our minds were preconditioned to the idea that "a person with good reputation earns respect". In our attempt to preserve our reputation, we sometimes result to dishonesty. It is good to be sensitive to other people and to strive to have a good reputation but this should not be at the expense of the truth.
THE CONCLUSION
The "Fancy" are deceived with the false sense of freedom and success.
If these tyrants are not conquered, they could lead to pride, complex arrogance, envy, selfishness, and fake concern for others. It is needless to mention what effects these tyrants will bring to the world as a whole. Many are unaware that they are being tyrannized by the ambitious self, the demand and competition for recognition through things, and pre-occupations with the opinions of others towards self. These, are the ultimate way of the world we temporarily are living in!
(Biblically speaking, these tyrants and the complexities of the >effects that they bring forth, are among the fruits of the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil" which the Lord God warned mankind not to "eat" but was instead "savorly eaten" by mankind and "proudly shared" with everyone.)
OUR CHALLENGE
The "Simple" are truly free.
Our goal should be freedom. What kind of freedom? Freedom from the bondage of these tyrants which victimized many people of this competitive, modern and high-tech age. Why desire this kind of freedom? When our branches are only growing bad fruits, we need to get pruned and have the junky ones cut off so that only true branches bear good fruits.
SOME GUIDE QUESTIONS TO RESHAPING ONE'S LIFESTYLE
A. Confront and challenge the tyranny of the self with the ff. questions:
1. Am I pretending to be an expert where I am only an amateur?
2. Do I really read the books I quote? Do I apply their truth in my life?
3. Do I use rhetoric as a curtain to conceal my true intentions?
4. Do I give the impression of being more godly (or more profane, whichever will give more status in the group) than I truly am?
5. Do I try to impress people with my degree, titles, or honor?
B. Rebuke the tyranny of things with the following questions:
1. Am I living contentedly within my income?
2. Do I act my age?
3. Am I a compulsive buyer?
4. Do I try to impress people with gadgets?
5. Do I buy what I can afford and what my responsibility to others suggests?
C. "Joyfully attack" the tyranny of people with the following questions:
1. Can I allow an unfavorable comment about myself to stand, without any need to straighten out the matter?
2. In recounting events, do I shift the story every so slightly to make myself appear in a more favorable light?
3. Do I always make excuses for my behavior?
4. Do I aim at excellence in my work without regard for what people >may say or think?
5. Am I able to accept compliments freely without any need to shrug >them off in self-conscious modesty?