The Filipino has been described as " segurista, " i.e., he wants to be sure of a favorable outcome before attempting to do anything. God is "segurista." He tells us for sure what will come as a result of our obedience to Him. But He also tells us what will be the ultimate outcome of persecution - joy, glory, and crown in the eternal kingdom of Christ.
A Christian is one who is willing to suffer for Christ's sake. When unbelievers persecute us because we don't speak and act as they do, we should not be concerned. However, we should be concerned when unbelievers see nothing about us that is significant or Christ-like.
St.Paul's life and ministry are a loving demonstration of the five elements of productive Christian living: Christ the Center, Word,Prayer,Obedience and Witnessing. In 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13, we can almost feel the intensity of his dependence on prayer to establish the young Christians in Thessalonica in their growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Go betweens or mediators are part of Filipino relationships. Children go through mother when they want something from father; but they go through father when they want something from mother! In courtship, a young man asks a mutual friend to deliver his message of love; the young girl's answer will come through the same mediator. An office employee has to go through another employee to make request known to the boss.God must have been thinking of Filipinos when He gave His only begotten Son to serve as Mediator. God wants us to freely approach Him in prayer by going through His Son. And in Matthew 11:28 Jesus continues to give us His invitation to come to Him directly and without hesitation.Let us not look for nor allow any more mediators to come between us and Christ is who is the only Mediator. 1 Tim. 2:5
