Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
30 July 2026

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.””
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭

As I prayed for my dear friend Idris Jala, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer, the Holy Spirit gently brought to mind the words of Ephesians 5:14: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Idris’s life has been marked by extraordinary achievement and visionary leadership. As Managing Director of Shell Sri Lanka, he demonstrated exceptional corporate leadership. Later, as CEO of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), he courageously took the helm of what many considered a sinking ship, leading one of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds in the nation’s history. He subsequently served as a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, where he pioneered PEMANDU, transforming Malaysia’s public service delivery through measurable results and accountability. He has also provided strategic leadership as Non-Executive Chairman of Sunway and Heineken Malaysia. Beyond these impressive accomplishments, one of his greatest investments has been mentoring his son, Leon, through their weekly podcast, The Game of Impossible, passing on wisdom that will outlive any corporate success.

As I reflected on his journey, I sensed that God was extending a loving invitation—not merely to overcome illness, but to embrace an even greater calling. The leadership, wisdom, influence, and experience God has entrusted to him can become an even more powerful force for advancing His Kingdom and equipping the next generation. Earthly success, however remarkable, is temporary. A spiritual legacy endures forever.

This truth extends far beyond Idris. Ephesians 5:14 is God’s call to every believer, especially those in the later seasons of life. Retirement is not God’s finish line; it is often His launching pad for our greatest Kingdom impact. Years of experience, lessons learned through trials, and wisdom refined by God’s faithfulness are treasures to be invested, not stored away.

When Christ shines upon us, He renews our vision, revives our purpose, and enables His light to shine through us. Our lives become beacons of hope to those searching for meaning, encouragement to those walking through suffering, and examples of faithful living for the generations that follow.

God’s call has no expiry date. Whether we are at the height of our careers or in our twilight years, His invitation remains the same: “Wake up. Rise up. Let Christ shine through you.” Those who respond will discover that life’s greatest achievements are not measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the eternal lives they touch for the glory of God.

“God does not call us to end well by slowing down, but by shining brighter.”‬‬