Expose the Works of Darkness

“Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them...” Ephesians 5:10-11

I want to look at the bright side of things as much as anybody, but as Christians, we also have the responsibility to “expose the fruitless works of darkness.” In Proverbs 31:8-9, we read this injunction: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” 

Some people would prefer we do not say anything critical about the way things are done, about how our government does things, how our political leaders do not do a good job. If more of us do not speak out, how will things change? Many in our society are voiceless, and do not feel they count for anything. We who have a voice, need to speak for them. We also need to act for them. 

At the start of the quarantine, it was glaringly apparent that our leaders had no plans in place for the urban poor. How would they eat during a time they could not go to work, when they only got paid when they appeared for work? One said “walang namamatay sa gutom” (no one dies from hunger) when he defended the quarantine for one month. There were also no funds to provide our hospitals, doctors and frontliners with equipment to fight the epidemic. The private sector had to step in scrounging around for protective equipment, even making diy face shields. One doctor even had to make do with water bottles to protect his staff! 

Yes, we should always have a thankful and grateful heart but we should also be vigilant, ever on the watch for the work of the enemy, for injustice, dishonesty, evil intentions, arrogance or just plain ineptness. Critical feedback is crucial especially during times of crises when lives are at stake. We can see that the government listens when there are enough of us who shout out.