In the heart of downtown Hong Kong, in the midst of the most amazing group of skyscrapers that clearly dominate the street shadows, is a church. The building is old, traditional, innocent, pale, and so very short! It would be, and is for many, very easy to ignore and forget about church in one of the major hearts of capitalism. However, the church is there, standing “tall” reminding everyone that some things never go away.
Religions, or at least traditional institutional religious ceremonies, still play a dominant role in Asian society. Holidays, auspicious days, and good omens are a regular part of people’s lives. They worry about them, or at least say and act as if they do. The young try to ignore, confident that their strength and confidence will overcome any possible run of “bad luck.” As time goes on, the age that youth find their confidence waning slides farther and farther back.
In the midst of all of this, Hong Kong offers everything to anyone. Suits custom made in 24 hours. Shops are open around the clock, never willing to miss an opportunity to make a buck. Status and prestige drive behavior. Capitalism never had such a good opportunity!
It is easy to get lost in a city like this. Opportunity abounds at every corner. Whispers and conversations clearly convey a sense that “no one will ever know” (Proverbs 9.16). True values hide in the dark. While ceremonies abound, the heart is quietly wondering where it is going and to whom it belongs.
In Honk Kong, everything exists somewhere. One has the choice to live life out in the open, ready to testify and express the values and priorities that one holds dear. On the other hand, it is easier to remain hidden like the church next to the towers. Metaphorically, quiet, slowly fading into irrelevance, and searching for a role in a society that left years ago.
I wonder where my heart will be today. Will I fall to the tide or stand for what my heart holds precious. Today, God will live!
