2005-04-01 Basis of a Decision
And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, [. . .] Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. [. . .] And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
-- Genesis 13:10-11, 14-15
Abram was the uncle, he had the right to choose. Yet he let Lot choose first. If Lot was a Chinese, he would have refused to choose, for filial piety is a very important trait in the culture. Lot not only chose first, he also chose the more pleasing land, a wise choice by the world's standard; yet we know Lot got into big trouble later on due to this choice. Abram acted out of faith, and the LORD basically said he will give him both lands: everything.
I received a major selection form from the Registrar. From my early years till now, it has always been clear: mathematics. However, this passage made me think: am I simply following my own interest, my own ability? The fact that I AM following my own interest and ability does not answer the question. (The fact that I wrote that proves that I am a natural math major.) Being a natural, however, does not justify in the choice. Due to the fact that I am and have been always very sure of my interest, I have seeked God in this regard less, or shall I say, almost none. Even when there is only one logical choice, we still should yield the decision to Him, since we are human and our logic is inherently human. What is different about deciding on a major? Nothing. I really should go out of my way and pray about this matter. May the Lord gives me the right heart.