Kakampi Mo Ang Batas
Atty. Batas Mauricio
“…Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will…” –Romans 12:2
If Malacañang Palace pushes through with plans to release a ‘narco list’ of barangay officials allegedly involved with the illegal drug trade, in an effort to guide voters in the upcoming May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, would the public agree to it? For me, there is nothing good that could come from such a public disclosure.
Most Filipino voters do not make their decision on the basis of character, they vote for whom their family chooses, or they pick the “popular” candidate. Money, or offering some kind of material benefit, also factors into their vote. This is why so many scalawags get elected into office, those lacking a platform on good governance, plans for advancing the economy, and plans for peace and order.
How do we change voting patterns?
If we truly desire a change to the way Filipinos pick candidates, reforms for the mind and way of thinking must be the first. Only by changing hearts and minds will there be true electoral reform, which would give rise to economic success; a more meaningful peace and order situation; and certain victory against crime, vices, and syndicates.
With the current way of thinking, basing a decision on personal or family interests, we can never expect officials to serve honestly and with sincerity. How do we change? By refusing to conform to sinful patterns of the world.
Change via understanding and obeying God
A change towards a healthy fear and sincere love of God is the type of change and transformation necessary. This can be accomplished by obeying two commands: “Love God above all else, with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength” and “Love others as we love ourselves.”
We should strive to know these commands (whether they be from the Bible or the Quran) and we must persevere in obeying them. In the end, both books teach only two things: Loving and having fear of God, and loving our fellow human beings.
The transformation begins within ourselves, by embarking on a personal familiarization of the commands and obeying them – even if no one is looking. Try not to involve others just yet.
Once we start with ourselves, others will see the change, which will result in our loved ones, friends, and acquaintances to follow.
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If anyone would like to ask me questions about the burning issues of the day, what we have discussed here, or to consult on a problem, please call 0917-984-2468, email at batasmauricio@yahoo.com, or post your concerns at facebook.com/attybatas. Promise, I will answer right away. Thank God in the Name of Jesus, Amen!/WDJ