Proverbs 14:16-17

¹⁶ The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure. ¹⁷A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

Oplan Tokhang

         If you were curious of Philippine politics, you may have heard the term “Oplan Tokhang.”“Oplan Tokhang” is a term used for anti-drug operations in the Philippines.  “Oplan” is abbreviation for “Operation Plan” while “Tokhang” is abbreviation for two Visayan words “Toktok” (knock) and “Hangyo” (plead).

         Supposedly, “Oplan Tokhang” involves police officers knock at houses where suspects in the illegal drug trade live and plead with them to stop illegal activities and submit themselves to authority for potential rehabilitation. Sadly, “Oplan Tokhang” has attracted negative results when it was taken advantaged by wicked police officers to eliminate individuals they don’t personally agree with.

         Here and abroad, the image of police officers had been damaged and tainted because of illegal activities of some dishonest police officers who had no integrity. Arrogant and conceited police officers without shame caught on camera performing unlawful arrest or police operation are easily viewed on videos online.

         Corruption among law enforcers should remind us to be more diligent in praying for authorities regularly. We are reminded in 1 Timothy 2:1-3, ¹I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³This is good, and pleases God.

         It is pleasant to live where government officials are very responsible. We are encouraged to remember them in our prayers. If they come to know the Lord personally, it would be favorable to us. So, let us keep praying for law enforcers, legislators, judiciary and administrators in our city. What better place would you rather live than in a community where our family and belongings are secured?

1.  Secure

¹⁶The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.

         Groups of foolish individuals may feel secure while doing illegal activities. They may assume that the laws of the land are very lenient to them. There are unverified reports of bad elements in the society; intentionally they commit minor crimes like theft or robbery, in broad day light and let themselves to be caught and imprisoned, especially during winter. Why do they prefer to be imprisoned?

         If they are imprisoned, they are assured of warm place to stay, instead of sleeping outside in cold winter. What else? Prisoners are provided with food and other benefits. Some detention centers have recreation hall. What else? Many prisoners in Canada don’t worry about safety. They have 24 hours security.

          In comparison, smart individuals are very careful to stay out of trouble.

To fear the Lord is practically manifested in being cautious and avoid evil. The Lord is attentive to the honest and righteous person. King David shared his experience in Psalm 34:11-16, ¹¹Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. ¹²Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, ¹³keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. ¹⁴Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. ¹⁵The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; ¹⁶but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth.

His personal experiences with the Lord inspired King David to teach them. Do you believe that the Lord is also concerned about our physical health and not just spiritual needs? Do you hope to live longer years but still concerned that pandemic might catch up with you?  Do you have lingering health issue?

You might want to read and be inspired by the life story of George Muller.

George Muller

George Muller was known for establishing orphanages without solicitation. He visualized orphans to be trained for practical trades. How did he establish the orphanage? He never solicited or directly asked for money; he just prayed, and finances came when he needed them. “God will provide,” he said. And he lived by faith and depended on God to provide for his needs. Interestingly, George had very poor health that spared him from military service. He died at the age of 92.

         When you find your time, you may wish to read the rest of the life story of George Muller. How in the world a sickly person lived to 92? We believe that God is in control of how long he wants us to live our life on earth. One may live short like John the Baptist who died at about 30 years old accordingly, or live long like George Muller. One thing that we need to understand: As long as the mission purposes of God for us are not accomplished yet, he will let us stay alive.

It declared in Romans 8:28, ²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

         Now, reflect on your mission purposes in life and ask yourself if God lets you have longer life span than you expected. Do what medical experts advise you, but continue to store up for yourselves eternal treasures. There is no better system, method or scheme than to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

2.  Scheme

¹⁷A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

         Any scheme that may hurt or harm other people is never appreciated for sure. In comparison, schemes or plans that may benefit others are welcomed.

As Christians, how do we interpret our mission purposes on earth? What plan or scheme should we devise to fulfill our part in the kingdom of God?

         It advises in James 4:13-17, ¹³Listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

         It is arrogant scheme to be over confident of personal dream. Why? There are several factors that may happen. We cannot control the economy, natural calamities or man-made disasters. So, how do we evaluate if decisions are smart or not? Is it smart move to decide randomly without thinking the consequence?

         Have you ever bought some groceries that you were not able to consume? Have you ever bought groceries that you plan to cook but you forget about them?

         Someone advised, “If you’re going to buy groceries, make sure that you’re not hungry. When you’re hungry, everything will look delicious in your eyes.”

         Have you proven that to be true? Many consumers buy more than they can consume and throw away expired goods. Have you ever regretted your decisions when you were affected emotionally, when you’re over excited, hungry or angry?

Some decisions may seem foolish to other people, but if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you sense joy and peace, you decide with gladness anyway.

         Nevertheless, we are also warned in Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, ²Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. ³A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.

         Anybody may regret their quick decision when results are not favorable. So, we should be quick to acknowledge that we need guidance of the Holy Spirit always. When we commit our lives, plans and future to the Lord, people who are quick to spot faults may think what they want to think. But our concern should be to please the Lord. How do you interpret what it declares in John 1:16?

   ¹⁶ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

         If we regularly count blessings after blessings we receive from the Lord, we won’t be bothered by what fault-finding people may say behind our backs. Some anxious people focus on the failures of others to hide their own failure.

But with inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we have confidence that God allows anything to happen, including both successes and failures, just to accomplish his divine plan for us. Our part is to shun evil, and trust the Lord to accomplish his mission purpose for us as the light of this dark and confused world. Amen!

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