HAND TO MOUTH June 17, 2020

Because Cebu City is once again under Enhanced Community Quarantine, some colleagues from another department were discussing their apprehensions of another lockdown in the future, and the possibility of breaking the pig once again, when it has just recently been started to get filled in.

This is both sad and comforting, to realize that for the working class like us, life is simple.  When we earn something, we try to set aside a little for the rainy day and for emergencies.  When they do come, we spend in a much faster rate than when we saved.  But it is also satisfying because even if we do incur debt, it is usually for living expenses, less for luxuries.  And what makes us content is we do get to live by the sweat of our brows, in honest and diligent labor.  One superior said it this way (in Cebuano), “pobre’ng hamugaway, datu’ng nagkalisud-lisud”, or in English, “poor yet comfortable, rich yet in great difficulties.”

It is true that because we belong to the working class, we really do not have much under our name compared to the rich and famous in our society.  But because of that, we do not fear getting robbed or held up, or kidnapped for ransom, or either becoming victims of or complicit to financial crimes.  We get by, we feed and support our families, we realize our dreams by working hard for them, and for inspiration and completeness, we are full of faith and hope in our Maker.

The Word today in Proverbs chapter 16 verse 8 says, “better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right,” or in other translations, “better a little with righteousness, than much gain with injustice.”  This truly, is the secret to being happy and content.  We really do not need much, because indeed, “the best things in life are free”.  As long as our basic needs are met with honest faithful effort, and we have good relationships with loved ones and friends, too much wealth is meaningless. 

The apostle Paul has warned Timothy and us in 1 Timothy 6:10 that, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  Therefore we must be careful about being greedy with material things, for he also said in his epistle to the Philippians chapter 4 verses 11-12, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

So too as believers, our Lord cautioned us in the gospel of Matthew chapter 6 verses 3-32, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, What shall we wear? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.”

What great confidence this is which we should follow, when our GOD Himself said that which became a universal hymn, in the gospel of Matthew chapter 6 verse 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

All it takes to live a secure and confident life is not that we accumulate wealth, build our own dynasties and kingdoms, but to seek the greatest kingdom, and we would do well if we follow and take to heart what the great apostle said in Philippines chapter 4 verse 13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  It is hand to mouth, but it is full of faith and eternal security.