Concern for the family and future generations
AS the family goes, so goes the society. As the society goes, so goes the nation. As far back as the Philippines was founded in 1898, family ties,shown in genuine concern and selfless love for each other, has been one of the strongest in the Filipino culture. It has remained to be so for centuries, from one generation to the next, the Filipino family was the hub of values. These values were vital in building this nation.
As time goes by, these values deteriorated, and substitutes became acceptable. What was unrighteous became the social norm. The self and its own counsel seeks to be always in the spotlight, and concern for the family and future generations, on the sidelines. Wisdom is disregarded, the great future is altered. No one has taken into consideration the truth that poor decisions today mean poor consequences in the future.
As wise as a proverb from a king: “Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I will live it to the man after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.”
As absurd as it may seem, what our forefathers has invested all their lives into was wasted. It has gone to naught because of lack of concern for the next generations.
As good manners and right conduct is forgotten, godly values are also destroyed. Nowadays, taking pictures of the food set on the table is prioritized instead of giving thanks for it. Instead of helping a lowly person,he or she becomes the object of mockery. Sometimes, people would even take selfies using this lowly person as the background in the photograph. A bowl of food is usually shared with one's neighbor, but today, nobody is even interested in knowing the family next door. Greed and covetousness gave birth to entitlement mentality. Some legislators support same-sex marriage, an insult to God's intended purpose for marriage. Godly marriages become godly families. Godly families make up a godly nation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!
Now is the time of restoration. Now is the time to take back our families. Now is the time to win this nation back. Now is the time for wholesomeness. The old and new generations has to come together for redemption. No one must be left behind. Our obedience to the godly values unlocks blessings to those who are close to us. So then, will we choose to live accurately and honorably? If our answer is yes, then we have concern for them. To pursue to be better each time, and to set the standard high by exemplifying a godly life is a pattern for our children to follow. Remember, the best strategy to influence our families is our transformed lives. With our transformed lives, our families are restored, our land is redeemed, and our future is secured.