“A day when all had begun”, this could
be the language I had during the session of Church history class. I wonder how
I was caught up with the lesson. Commonly, lots of student would have a hard
time participating and listening in a history class. However, this could not be
true this time, because I don’t feel it or struggling to it. Studying how
Christianity was spread throughout the world with the image and works of
prominent personnel were interesting and overwhelming. Every book page I read,
it gave me bits and pieces of information that was needed in completing the
whole puzzle of Christianity’s history.
Every information I gathered gave me
lessons and insights for daily life. I learned that Constantine contributed to
the Christian’s growth and progress through the Edict of Milan in 313. It is
here where toleration or “permission to practice” for all religions exist.
Christians were privileged to have early apologists where specific issues
concerning Christian beliefs and teachings were talked and answered in the
past. Those compiled defenses were important evidences and resources for our
generation today. Although early Christians were persecuted, the persecution
itself gave positive influence to the growing Christianity. As long as Roman
soldiers continue in killing and torturing believers of Christ, they failed to
identify and recognize its publicity for all. Those bloods that shed serves as
seeds of the church. It also affected and resulted to the canonization of
Scriptures. The life of Constantine had so many issues; one of it was
concerning his identity of becoming a Christian emperor. One thing for sure was
that it was God who sees his heart whether he was a genuine believer or not. It
was God who allows Constantine’s leadership to be part in Christianity’s
history. I saw some compromising moments when he was entitled as a Christian
emperor, knowing that he was up to politics not religion. The bottom line is
that God permits evil people to go against evil nations bringing what God
wanted to happen.
After a week of discussion, the life of
Constantine strikes me once for a while. Before, I thought that righteous
people were the one responsible in making changes for the evil ones. I was
wrong, and rebuked, God also used wicked people to bring goodness and salvation
for others. I do believe that Christians should influenced leaders and other
ruling individuals. It does not mean that Christian community is neither
anti-social nor an organization against the state. We can make a difference by
declaring our voice to others as to what should be done. I was once convinced
that we should not be in a political positions, however, that should not be. I
refused at once the opportunity to be an SK –Sangguniang Kabataan before. I
now, realized that it is an important act that there should be Christians in
the government offices. We should not block those believers who would have an
opportunity to lead us through government agencies.
Christians are not against politics,
only the system and programs it matters. As part of the new generation I have
to participate in the community development program. This can be done through
volunteering in the clean and green activities. If opportunity comes, to be a
Barangay captain would be great. Election is fast approaching; I can fulfill
all the learning I had by organizing a seminar or a sermon intended on choosing
leaders. I have to put and register to all my contacts both children, youth,
and adults that it is not about money but what a person may be capable of doing
or his visions for the community. I have to encourage others that participating
in the politics is good; however, motives and philosophies of life should
remain as it is. Temptations are always present in politics that mentor, exhortations,
and communication (God) are primary attitudes to have. Unlike Constantine’s
strategy—compromising and taking advantage to others, this must not be leaders’
motivation. Make a difference in a corrupt surroundings.
I would mainly focus on the life of
Constantine to conclude this article. From his experience, we Christians are
just an instrument where God wants us to follow what He wanted. No matter how
bad and wicked we perceive to other people, yet it is God who ordered us to
reach him—then we have to. God’s work can never be meaningless or useless, in
the proceeding situations and events we would know what he is planning. We are
bounded with leaders who lead us with laws, programs, activities, business,
reforms, as well as beneficial livelihoods; as a person, who knows and believed
Christ, we really need to influence and contribute on those works, we are not
indifferent that whatever happened in our surroundings we don’t care. We are
always be affected on what our leaders decided. “Christian disciplines are
always be in hiring to what politics demanded”. Our country needs leaders who
will really up to the benefits of its citizens and act according to what is
right—and I believe from Constantine’s life, true and genuine Christians are always
be qualified for those position.
Walang komento:
Mag-post ng isang Komento