Value

The world we live in is determined by value. It is formed by value. It is shaped by value. How come?

Aware or not, we move, act, and do things because we are triggered by the value we place on things. For example, why are there buildings in the world? Because people think that buildings are good for them, or, in other words, their value is high. People gets protection from buildings. In buildings they are safe from dangerous animals—and humans too. People don't get wet in buildings because the rain can't reach them. Buildings provide shelter; they live in buildings. And so on and so forth. Why do people eat and drink? Because eating and drinking are good for them. Again, their value is high. If people don't eat or drink, they will die soon. There are a lot more examples: education, spouses, books, God, etc.

Value differs between one and another. For instance, paleontologists are people who are passionate about ancient creatures. They are keen on fossils. They place a high value on them. However, there are other people who really don't care about what ancient creatures and fossils are. These people place a low value—or even no value—on them. Here is another example. I don't mind soccer. I don't think that it is worth watching. However, most Indonesians, as far as I know, are soccer lovers. They talk about soccer matches, players, and so on and so forth. My value on soccer is different from theirs. People have different interests and I think it's okay. It doesn't cause trouble, generally.

It seems that everything is all right. But problems turn up everywhere and every time.

I'm writing this article because of a moment.I had a task and I wanted finish it off as soon as possible. However, my motivation was not to learn and improve my knowledge and skills but to get a high score so that I could get a certificate. That was so dangerous. Why? Because I was not focusing on the true value. Tasks are given so that people can learn and do something well. So that we can contribute to the world. So that we can build a better world. If we learn a lot, in earnest, and with the motivation to improve ourselves, we will certainly get a good score, right? So people should place a high value on learning, not on getting a high score. Scores are just signs that show that we have learned well. Placing a high value on something wrong can lead to bad things. For example, people might find "the shortest path" to get a high grade on exams or tests. Cheating and bribing are two examples I can think of. They might pass the exams; nevertheless, they have no capabilities, which is no use.

Do you do your job only to stay alive or to dedicate yourself to serving God?  Do you want to be in a relationship because you don't want to be mocked by your friends or because you really love him/her and want to build a happy family together with him/her? Do you buy things for prestige or to benefit humanity? Be careful! Your value determines your future!