National Consciousness Part 2: a Holy Nation
There has never been a more interesting time in history than now to reflect on the importance of a national culture and identity. As the world continues to the second year of a Pandemic, it is painfully clear that the security and safety of our families and communities rest almost entirely upon the nations that we belong to.
Our access to vaccines depend on which nation we belong to. Amidst the recent appeal by WHO for vaccines to be distributed to the poorer countries; the NY Times reported a few days ago, that at 61% of her population fully vaccinated, Singapore is in within the top ten countries of the world in terms of speed of vaccination. This is a matter of at least financial power, medical expertise, global network and leadership foresight.
As the neighbouring countries are still struggling with large numbers of infections; and the death toll has mounted; even as Australia is struggling to contain the spread of virus; debating if citizens should be vaccinated or not, Singapore has successfully navigated a painful outbreak; and is now already moving towards the new normal. The economy and society is preparing to get on with our lives. We are not only safe, but ready to move forward…
We have much to be grateful for; and to thank God for in our government. But this is not just a matter of a good government but also the fact that as a nation, we have cultivated a national culture and way of life that allows us to work well with our government. We all know that Hong Kongers are much more entrepreneurial and risk-taking than us. And yet, at this point - it is precisely our low-risk appetite and compliance as a people that has allowed us to navigate through this Pandemic well. We all know that Australians are much more relaxed and treasure their individual freedoms - whether it comes to their choice of gender identity or their working hours. And yet, today, it is precisely because of our capacity to give up our personal freedoms for the societal good, that has allowed Singapore to move through this time well. We complain about our schooling culture. We complain about our way of life… but in this time, we might say - it is precisely our way of life, our national culture and our way of being Singaporean that has allowed us the possibility of navigating through this Pandemic.
But I write this not just to make a point about how blessed we are to be Singaporean, but to point to a more fundamental truth - there something about being a “nation” that matters for the good life. Being a citizen of a nation has direct impact not only on whether we and our families do well; but also whether we are enabled to be a blessing to other families beyond our nation.
This is precisely the Creator’s plan since the Tower of Babel. When he called Abraham to Himself, he promised that that the people of Abraham would be a great nation - a nation of people that would not only be blessed but be a blessing to all the families of the earth. This particular people, with their law and their culture - with a certain way of life, would not only experience life, but would also disciple the nations of the earth, in a good and wise way of life.
Today, on the eve of Singapore’s National Day, as we remember our blessed status this weekend as Singaporeans. Let us also be reminded of our identity made possible by the Spirit of Jesus. Let us reflect also on our true identity - as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, God’s holy nation in Christ (1 Peter 2:9-10).