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05 Metadidomi
Boaz is an individual who exemplifies the analytical type; he consistently maintains a high level of consistency in both his actions and thoughts. He meticulously arranges everything and demonstrates immense discipline in his mind. Most notably, he is extremely responsible. This is the kind of person who was the class monitor, the teacher’s pet during his younger years. The true genius in a redeemed situation is characterized by the ability to make room for a greater impact, utilizing his skills to maximize the potential for positive outcomes.
There is a scripture in Haggai 1:8 that says, “Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified.” That perfectly describes this genius who is capable of edifying—in fact, the English word ‘edify’ can be used in two ways: one is to build up someone, to encourage and uplift someone; but we also use ‘edifice’ to refer to an actual physical building, like a skyscraper, a hotel, or a hospital. It’s an edifice. So, this is really at the heart of the Metadidomic genius: a person who loves to maximize and optimize things to their fullest potential.
If you have the chance to come to Singapore—and I hope you will after all the restrictions are lifted—and visit our center in Geylang, you will see that Geylang is very different from the rest of Singapore. It is quite unlike the other parts, especially at night, and you wouldn’t be able to tell if you are in Bangkok or Singapore. It’s the real Chinatown. Chinatown in Singapore is a plastic, artificially molded, commercialized place; it’s not the real Chinatown. The real Chinatown is Geylang, where populations of mainland Chinese stay. It’s entirely different from the concrete jungles you find in Toa Payoh, Woodlands, Pasir Ris, or other parts of Singapore.
By and large, many of our founding fathers were, for some reason, blessed with this particular Metadidomic genius, including Goh Keng Swee and the team that surrounded our first Prime Minister. They were all optimizers; they were all looking at the long term. Many decisions that LKY took were unpopular and seemingly foolish at the time—for instance, the radical idea of cheap local HDB housing, “pigeonholes in the sky,” but there was no other way to manage the growing population of predominantly Asians crammed into something like 8.5 thousand people per square kilometer or something like that.
The thinking of the MET is very consistent with that of the master builder; this is the economist who detests wastage. Boaz in the Bible is a good example of this, as he could see the value of Ruth, and his eyes were opened on the threshing floor during the harvest festival. When he was propositioned by Ruth under orders from Naomi, he did what was necessary—to redeem the situation and “spread a corner of his prayer shawl,” not the whole blanket but the corner of his blanket. That's how rich and wealthy this man was; these are wealth creators, natural wealth creators.
And God uses them too in various church settings; you’ll find that the Metadidomi is generally very quiet and unassuming until they spring to life when they discover a better mouse trap or an innovative solution. They might speak only four times a year, but when they do, you had better listen attentively. For pastors like me, it is crucial to know who the Metadidomi in your congregation are; they’re the big givers, and they form a significant part of the behind-the-scenes support crew, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
They are the invisible “rainmakers” or, “kingmakers.” The neck is the only part of the body that has seven bones that control the head's movement. It’s the neck that turns the head, not the other way around. This is also the role of the housewife; you’re the queen, you’re the monarch in the two-person realm called monogamy. These individuals are essential in their roles, often working quietly behind the scenes to influence and drive success.
Footnotes
John Samuel and Skip Moen: “The drive and urge to manage, impart, bestow or use resources equitably and develop what is available to its optimal potential or value. Individuals will seek to apportion, manage and care for resources (including people, time, talents, opportunities, etc) and ensure what is available is carefully used, invested or deployed for the best returns.”
