Biblical Guidelines In Addressing Current Crisis

BIBLICAL GUIDELINES IN ADDRESSING THE PRESENT POLITICAL CRISIS (By Bp Reuben Abante)

The real challenge before us is not how to bring the Arroyo administration down or how to silence the opposition. The real challenge is how each and everyone of us may be consistent with the Scriptures in whatever we do and say; how not to be led by bursts of emotions but by our deep commitment both to the Law of God and the law of our land; how we all can uphold a rule of righteousness, decency and law. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov 14:34). This righteousness must not just be seen in the executive branch but in the legislative and judicial branches, as well; not just in people in government but in all sectors of society, including business, military, police, media and those in the streets. May what we all say and do come from hearts free from ill motives, political ambitions, personal gains, hunger for wealth and power and a conscience that is clean before God (His Word) and man. Ps 106:3 3 Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times! (NKJ) A) NEGATIVELY • Do not be led by those who are "given to change." Prov 24:21-22 21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: 22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both? KJV • Do not be hasty in your approach Eccl 8:5b 5 …and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. KJV

Prov 14:29 29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. KJV Prov 14:17 17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. KJV • Do not be disrespectful to those who are in authority Eccl 10:20 20 Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. KJV • Do not be misled by people power Prov 30:12-13 12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. (KJV) Prov 16:32 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. KJV B) POSITIVELY • Be prayerful in attitude 1 Tim 2:1-2 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all , supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. KJV • Be lawful. Work within the bounds of the law. Eccl 8:2 2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. KJV

1 Peter 2:13 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: KJV • Be peacemakers; not just peace lovers. Ps 34:14 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. KJV Jer 29:7 7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. KJV Matt 5:9 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. KJV • Be resolved in putting away wickedness from governance Prov 25:5 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. KJV Prov 16:12 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. (KJV) Prov 29:4 4 The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. KJV • Be open to counsel Prov 11:14 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. KJV Prov 15:22 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. KJV • Be aware that the issue is not personal. Eph 6:12

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. KJV • Be guided by the Word of God. Prov 14:34 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. KJV 2 Tim 3:16 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable...for instruction in righteousness. KJV WE PRAY TO THE LORD AND ASK ALL OUR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN AUTHORITY, TO BE GUIDED BY THE WORD OF GOD IN ALL UNDERTAKINGS. MAY BOTH THE ADMINISTRATION AND ALL OPPOSING SECTORS AND GROUPS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO DO INVESTIGATIONS, MANIFEST HUMILITY AND FEAR OF GOD KNOWING THAT "BY HUMILITY AND FEAR OF THE LORD ARE RICHES, AND HONOUR, AND LIFE" (Prov 22:4). LET US ALL KEEP IN MIND THAT "WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, BUT AGAINST PRINCIPALITIES, AGAINST POWERS, AGAINST THE RULERS OF THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, AGAINST SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES" (Eph 6:12).