As Christians what can we do in this crucial moment of our Philippine history?
First, pray for our country.
Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
In these verses, Paul is reminding us to pray for our leaders. Let us pray that we will choose leaders who can bring about a situation wherein we can live peaceful lives. Let us also pray that we can choose leaders who can bring about godliness and righteousness.
2 Chronicles 7:14 is often quoted about prayer. We must remember that Israel had a Day of Atonement and they would confessed their sins to God, and asked for forgiveness.
We hope that our next leaders will see the value of the whole nation praying to God and asking for forgiveness and healing.
God said, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Second, love our country.
If we believe that we are born with a God-given purpose, then we should believe that we are born in the Philippines for a reason. We are in this country to fulfill the plan of our for our lives. Part of this is to love our country because this is the country that God gave us.
The Israelites love their country so much. God gave it to them as well. That is why even if they were scattered during the first and second diaspora, their love for Israel did not diminish. They planned to bring Israel back to the map. Indeed, God fulfilled the prophecy and now they have a country of their own again.
In Philippians 3:20 Paul said, “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” This means that while we are citizens of heaven, we practice that citizenship in a geographical location on Earth. So, let us practice our heavenly citizenship in our country.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University