In the Biblical sense

I have not (nor have ever been) Roman Catholic, but I must, by force of law, be bound by the long holiday that is Holy Week. While my family and I do not observe it, we use the welcome respite to catch up on reading, sleep and, yes, religious reflection. Why not, it’s as good a time as any.

Since the Philippines is supposed to be a Christian country, I have always been mystified as to why many of our leaders — of all people — do not live the words of the Bible. If only they did, most of the troubles of the country would simply disappear.

I, for instance, do not see any sense in the mad rush to acquire wealth and power for their own sakes, when in the end, they all amount to nothing. Meaningless, everything is meaningless, says Ecclesiastes 1:2. “What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?” (at 2; NIV)

And I can only shake my head when politicians make a big to-do about giving aid, or “ayuda” to their constituents, when the Bible specifically proscribes it. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2-4, ESV)

The Bible also warns against worshipping “false gods.” (I Corinthians 10:14-15, KJV) This pertains not only to graven images but to mortals whom some people think are demigods and follow their commands, regardless of their illegality or immorality, for monetary or political advantage. As the disciple Matthew wrote, “(N)o one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, GNB)

The choice should be clear. Things of the world are temporary. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (Matthew 2:15-16, NASB)

Rather than hoard material wealth, one must strive to leave a good name. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1, NKJV) Don’t get me wrong, though, there’s nothing the matter with becoming prosperous, but in a legal, ethical and moral way. (I Timothy 6:18)

And wealth should be used in a socially responsible manner. “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share xxx.” (I Timothy 17-19, ESV)

The reason is clear: we will not live forever. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalms 90:10, KJV)

Seventy years, perhaps eighty, that’s the average. And then, “the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:4-6, ESV)