really?

“But the more mainstream Christians, the bigger portion... in my experience talking to them, they give me the impression that they are more concerned with the afterworld than they are of what is happening today,” said Professor Jayum Anak Jawan.

"I tell them sometimes... what are you people telling your congregation? If the state government is ignoring people in the rural areas, you have no access to basic amenities, what are you telling them?

“Exercise your rights and make demands as it is your right but the standard reply is... we are concerned with the afterworld and we respect the separation of state and religion,” he said.

Excerpt of an article source from here

I find this very interesting. Can we really take that stand?

I know I've been taught that there is no such thing as a perfect system on this side of eternity and that we are living in a fallen world. But to know that somehow your involvement in this earthly matters or shall we say stately matter; matters because it is effecting so many lives and to say that we're only concern of the afterworld gives an air of apathy. And apathy somehow does not sit well with me.

It does not sit well with me when people are prolonged in their trouble whilst you might just hold the key to helping them but you didn't.

It does not sit well with me when we are so concern of a person's spiritual health and especially where they are going after they die but do not show the same tenacity on making their lives better while we are still alive and kicking.

It does not sit well with me when we are already placed in a position of choice and we didn't choose just because it's merely earthly system with little or no hint of spirituality it seemed.

As much as I anticipate my heavenly dwellings (home sick even); I am here now. I am here today. And with everything I have read in the scriptures about Jesus (who is the very core of our faith) - He too showed concerned for people and yes He wasn't all lovey-dovey as i recall in dealing with people (e.g. whipping the traders out of the temple court, spitting into mud and rubbing it on the blind man's eyes); He stood for truth in all matters. He spoke in parables and even straight forward when needed but He spoke truth. Whatever truth may cost and however it hurts; He spoke of it and He lived it.

And the truth of the matter is in this case; when people are left with tremendous unchallenged power - it is so easy to be the evil we thought we were fighting. That's the state of human nature. And today; my stand is - let's remind one another of the virtue we are to uphold as a family; as a nation. If we CAN do the good that is needed then isn't it cruel to withold that?

And I think it's about time we give out the good that we ought to; not in the hope of rewards or recognition but just because it is the right thing to do. There is a higher way; and it does not seek recognition nor praise; its harsh but kind and it challenges not to destroy but to build.

So I believe in Jesus and His words and promises. And I too believe I have a part to play on where my nation and people are heading. So I choose to truly understand the situation and choose with the wisdom and discernment that God has planted in us - the choice to do the right thing and all because I can. And this 'can' I believe is God-ordained and I'm going to use it.

Ending with this

'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good people do nothing.'
-attributed to Edmund Burke