What Christian Pinoy “fighting the government” should rethink
When the Taal volcano erupted, Pinoys were united on all fronts but when the Chinese allegedly caused coronavirus to the world, it was hatred that spewed. Hate is one of Satan’s tools to destroy. He fuels political discords, and Christians are falling into his smokescreen.
As priests condemn the Duterte government, some evangelical Pastors joined the bandwagon of protest. As the Catholic Church faces an ominous decline, some Believers felt the need to identify themselves with a political color, inspired by church leaders.
These added to a list of Christian “turning offs” among young people who’d prefer religious leaders to stay out of politics. Still, priests and pastors encouraged Christian protests and rallies.
In the USA, despite the efforts of religious leaders to put down a government or change policies towards Christian values, it did not work. Prayers were banned and a demonic liberal ideology now reigns in the country.
If it was God’s will to stop evil in the government, we don’t really have to try hard. He can use Christians or non-Christians to accomplish His purpose in the government. But we should be doing our best, is to disciple others, which the command of Jesus.
Chinese Christians were like that of the early church
Being a Christian is extremely difficult in China. Sermons are preapproved, and since 2015, the government has been removing the cross from church buildings; they want the national flag to take precedent. It’s just unfair!
They even want Ji Xing Ping’s photo to replace that of Jesus while plans are underway to “retranslate and annotate” Scriptures with socialism as a fundamental tenet.
Imagine if this happened in the Philippines? Yet like the persecuted Jews, the Chinese did things quietly and peaceably, as the apostles commanded. (1 Timothy 2:2; Romans 12:18)
Chinese did things quietly and peaceably, as the apostles commanded.
→ Why Christian leaders should avoid politics.
What Christians can learn from Chinese Believers uninvolved politically
54 Million Chinese believers have every right to be angry, rally, and fight the government. In Hong Kong, their leader is depicted by unbelievers as a “devil with a horn.” But Christians resist differently – they fast and pray.
As a parishioner in this video puts it, “I need to support them (government), not just be against her (HK leader Carrie Lam) but think (keep in mind) she is weak mentally, spiritually, as a Christian, we need to support her also.“
Despite relentless persecution, China could be a nation with the highest population of Believers while Catholic members decrease in the Philippines.
Replace government aggression with these examples from the Chinese
- Chinese Christians submit to authority, despite persecution.
- They do not malign or shame leaders, despite brutality.
- They use 100% resources on evangelism.
Instead of wasting time retaliating, they focus on sharing the Gospel.
China in Darkness: Wuhan’s coronavirus prediction.
Do you mock your leaders?
The Bible has clear examples of Christians submitting to authority and avoiding politics. The constitution mandates it (Article II, Section 6). If you want “change in the government,” there are better ways. Your job is to share the Gospel, not to change the government.
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Fight the real political enemy of every Filipino home.