Reigning Battle Beyond Greed

Chapter 28

"Why would I give in the first place?" Hindi ko an napigilang itanong nang mapagtanto kung ano ang objective ng preaching para sa Stewardship Sunday.

The church pastor's sermon is all about tithing. 10% of your income? It's the principle of good stewardship based on the book of Malachi chapter 3 verse 10.

As in 10%?  Isn't it too much? Ano bang contribution ng simbahan para bigyan ng ganoong kalaking halaga? I mean, if you're earning a 6 digit profit, then you're complied to give its tenth. 

For example, if I'm earning a hundred K... I am expected to give the ten thousand as the tithes. I find it absurd and unfair. Why should I?

"Sssh..." Altair just motioned me to keep quiet. I tried to take my hand off his hold but still, he did not let it go. Hindi  nakatutulong sa pag-intindi ko sa sinasabi ng pastor ang mahigpit niyang paghawak sa kamay ko.

"Just listen." He whispered.

"Bawal magtanong?" Taas-kilay kong complain. 

"Just wait." Anas niya.

Napabuntong-hininga ako at pinilit ang sariling makinig sa further explanation ni Pastor Ephraim. But why is everyone inside the church agrees with everything that the preacher is talking.

"The heavenly perspective on wealth lies in the book of Psalms chapter 4 verse 1. "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Pagpapatuloy nang speaker. I think it's still a long way to go. Mukhang marami pa siyang sasabihin.

I felt Altair softly squeezing my hand. I almost rolled my eyes. I tried to relax a bit. Alright! Tutal umattend lang din naman ako ng church bakit hindi ko pa lubusin ang pakikinig?

"So technically, brothers and sisters... everything you have is the Lord's. God owns all your money."

Wait a minute. God does not go to work every day. God is not out there sweating. He does not come home tired at night. 

"But I'm the one who's working hard for my income." I murmured, making a point. Kasi ako naman yong napapagod, nagpupuyat, nagtatrabaho. It's me who's...

"You might say it was not God who's working to earn. But think about this! Who created you? Who gave your mind, your body, your abilities? Who do you pray to for healing when your health is gone? And when your life is over, who will be the first person you report to in eternity." Tila sagot nang pastor sa mga tanong sa utak ko.

I heard Altair's soft chuckles beside me. "I told you..." Mahina niyang bulong.

Napalabi ako nang halos lahat ng tanong ko, may katapat na sagot. Nawalan ako ng imik lalo na sa mga sumunod na sinabi ni Pator Ephraim.

"I am not making up excuses to encourage you to give but let us take a look at the book of Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 17-18. I ask the congregation to read it in unison." Request nito.

Nakatingin ang lahat sa screen at nang mag-flash ang BIble verse na binanggit ng pastor, sabay-sabay silang nagbasa. Kaya nakibasa na rin ako. Ang hirap mapanisan ng laway.

"You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me. But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today."

For a while, I process what does it mean. And I can only agree. I just could not say it aloud. Kaya nanatili akong tahimik kahit pa nakita ko sa peripheral vision ko ang pagsulyap ni Altair sa akin.