Friday, September 25, 2009

What is a Bro. Eddie vote? (First Part of a Series)

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There may not be enough money in the world to buy enough airtime and advertising to counter the lies and deception that a vote for righteousness is not going to win even for second try. But this is not a reason to quit.

And since those other candidates possess overflowing logistics support and charisma in aid of winning the presidential race, it is not far from happening that some previous supporters of purpose-driven candidacy of Bangon Pilipinas standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva may decide to throw away their confidence and rather jump or climb on the bandwagon, joining another camp only because it is popular. Moreover, those who opposed him last 2004 elections may be on the loose again to discredit him.

With this scenario, the battle is not just a replica of David and Goliath but David and Goliaths. There are so many giants to fight against if Bro. Eddie must finally win. The irony is that, harsh opposition also comes from separatist-brothers in the faith.

The resistance from outside of the flock is understandable, yet there might be a sudden change of mind and that will be a big surprise. But this spirit of scorn and contempt coming from churches is saddening. And therefore requires attention.

Why should every genuine Christian and nation-loving Filipino vote and campaign for Bro. Eddie Villanueva? Here is one reason.

A vote for Bro. Eddie is a vote in favour of righteousness.

The Philippines, known as the only Christian nation in the far east of Asia, failed to live up to its name. The people go to church while the nation slowly goes down to its lowest moral state. Today, it is adjudged second most corrupt country in the world. What a negative reverse from being second to Japan in terms of economic prosperity in 1972! Onwards until now, the nation suffered spiral downturn and deterioration because of ingrained graft and corruption and insatiable greed for power, from the highest officials of the land down to the lowest. Its rotten fruits are so sticky they cleave to the branches no matter how strong the wind shakes the whole tree.

This pitiable condition caused millions of Filipinos – professionals, domestic helpers, caregivers and skilled workers alike – to seek jobs abroad – almost being ejected from own country as thousands leave each day. Scattered to different parts of the world, battling homesickness, these kababayans are working hard like slaves to be able to send money and help their families survive at least.

The country is in turmoil; left and right are protest rallies, injustices abound, killings and other horrible crimes became so ordinary, institutional thievery of highest kind is committed without guilt or shame, social unrest is felt in the entire land, poverty level is almost at the bottom, and the list goes on. Evidently, the Philippines is at the brim of corruption awaiting divine judgment because it closed its eyes to the rule of justice, mercy, and faith.

Why is righteousness needed in this sad plight? God’s Word gives profound answers. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2). “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

This 2010 Election offers hope because it has one candidate among several who is not just an alternative, and neither a lesser evil. He fits the need. He courageously responds to the challenge of dark times in the Philippines. He has a clear grasp of what it means “to act justly... to love mercy... to walk humbly with ... God.” (Micah 6:8)

Critics say he should not enter politics because he might be corrupted by the system. But that is too presumptive. Before anybody assumes he will be eaten up by the corrupt system, remember the work of salt or light that preserves and illuminates. This country needs to see the path towards light and be preserved from further judgment. We need a leader who will lead us there.

Civil servants or politicians are in the first place ought to be good citizens of their country, able to raise the moral standard of the people and their living conditions. But many of them presently holding office or aspiring to get into higher one have disappointed people’s hope. Come on, the Filipinos are like orphans badly in need of real guardians. Don’t take chances again just like what was done in the past. Filipinos now have a better candidate right before their very eyes.

And Christians, or those who believe it is a Christian act to genuinely care for the needy and oppressed, for the marginalized in the society, are faced with the decision to vote for and rally behind the cause of righteousness.

The church is still the most powerful transformation agent and that needs to be pointed out. It is never true that church and state are separate. If that were true, this country could have moved forward even long ago.. Have you not known, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12)? But the state had made money its god. It’s time to bring back God in the State through a righteous leader.

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