Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Which is More Important?

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—

36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[c]

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10: 34-37


Filipino tradition revolves around one main theme: family.

Above all else, whether be it the nation, our laws, and even truth itself must yield to the all important bonds of blood-relations. Indeed, each family member is expected to act in a manner beneficial to the family, even if it means treason to his country, blatant disregard of the laws, and concealing the truth.

But as Christians, do we put our family first before Jesus Christ? Do we have the right to call ourselves Christians if we do such thing? If one of our family members steals from the Body of Christ, should we hide it and not rebuke it openly?

I say NO.

But if we put our family first, WHERE DOES GOD FIT IN? As the years pass by, I witnessed how an uncle of mine have toiled, in the prime of his life, for the sake of spreading the Gospel, even at the cost of losing potential material gain for his family.

Regardless of what others think as his predisposition to unfair application of standards, and his strict and unapproachable demeanor, he did not, without permission from the owners, withdrew funds entrusted to his care and give such money as church contributions for the sake of God's glory.

For indeed, taking what is not ours is stealing. What is its difference to offerings coming from bank robberies?

The interior of the church building where his fellow church members gather and where he led as pastor does not show vanity of material elegance and grandeur, but of simplicity: a sign that God's glory is not found in a Church building's stained glasses.

I was a witness as to how he patiently dealt with affluent benefactors close to him. Careful in not offending, he meticulously navigated questions regarding traditional faith healers and the use of their craft in order to extend the life of one so dear to us all. Indeed, he consoled those whose faith cannot sustain their own and for that, I give him credit.

He once asked me if I can contribute to the Lord's work among his fellow church members. At that time, I must admit I was rather apprehensive of making contributions; differences in and concerns of making contributions towards, what I believe, unorthodox Christian beliefs hovered over my mind. I asked myself why he did not toe the line and follow our family's methodistic heritage.

Although I do not know his reason which lead to his faithful decision, his untiring dedication to what he believes as the "right thing to do," despite the material consequences to his family, earned him my respect, and taught me not to measure a Christian by his religious affiliation (i.e., as to how recognized and established the Christian church one is a member of) but by the example of how a Christian leads his life.

The life each of us walk, that is, living in a society where the preeminent position of the family creates political dynasties, where traditions compel us to turn a blind eye on justice for family's sake, where family allegiance is above the nation and our laws (Ampatuan family), and where past achievements of our ancestors tower the humility that Christ had shown in the cross, testifies to the strength and continuing influence of the Filipino tradition, at the expense other more important things, such as our Christian beliefs.

Too many instances have we put our family above all other considerations, even His. The question now is, which is more important?