Freedom from Prodigality

June 12 is Philippines' Independence. On this day we commemorate our 114th year of freedom. Freedom is a beautiful word. It connotes dignity, choice, self-identity, and expression. But with freedom comes responsibility and stewardship.

The story of the prodigal son is a good reflection on freedom and independence. The youngest son wanted his share... he wanted some freedom. It was granted and finally he was "free" to do what he pleased. But we all know the story and what happened next. He squandered everything on worldly pleasures until he found himself eating with the pigs. So he went back to his father, who from a distance, ran to welcome him and prepared a feast for his return.

Lessons on freedom:
1. Freedom is meant to give us dignity. The moment we abuse freedom by choosing sin and evil, shame will be upon us.

2. We strive to be fully dependent on God and independent of sin. By our natural strength, we cannot avoid the lures of sin. But by God's supernatural power, we shall overcome.

3. When we falter, let us not forget our Father. God who gave us the most precious gift of free will is ready to accept us back in His arms. God does not like the concept of puppeteering. He is all powerful, but he did make us his puppets. In exchange for our dignity, he risks breaking His own heart by seeing us falter from time to time. But as soon as we realize our sins, he is ever ready and eager to welcome us back.

Responsibility, the ability to response to God's goodness, will help us realize true freedom. Also being good stewards will make us acknowledge that everything belongs to God, and we have to be grateful by using His belongings for His purpose.

The corruption, greed, and poverty that we see today is a result of remaining prodigal. Let us be free from wasting our freedom and liberate ourselves from our prodigality. Let us embrace genuine freedom by loving this country that our Father God has entrusted us.
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Mobile Evangelization

The mobile lifestlye is changing the world and our behavior. Now, you don't really have to sit down and open your laptop to get online or to submit your report. It will just be a matter of preference. Once you get used to type comfortably on the touch screen or qwerty keypads, then you are an "office to go." You can post your facebook and twitter status via mobile phone, even post blogs and send/receive emails through your phone.

This mobile concept truly is changing things. I noticed three highlight elements to it:
1. Handy
2. Free
3. Internet ready

Handy, since it fits in a pocket and can do all our communication needs.  The idea of being able to reach in your pocket and get things done is very empowering.

Free. I'm referring to the reverting migration from text messaging which costs a peso, to the free chats and emails. As soon as people are on board in the free messaging platforms like BBM, Vibr, gchat, skype, and the like, things will be practically free. This spells a lot.

Being Internet ready.  Knowledge in our hands and the capability to connect and share your thoughts and needs...as it happens, real time.  The reality and relevance of being internet ready, is changing much of our behavior. We want fresh news, from the horse's mouth. Thus, the twitter phenom.

What does this mean for Christians?  I can think of three

1. Pocket Gospel
2. Low cost mission
3. Real-time evangelization

Pocket Gospel. This means you can be spreading God's message for you, by reaching in your pocket and sharing it. Yes, it's convenient and fast. But the challenge is how many people can you think of and reach?  Books can also be uploaded in the phone, so we can have a mobile bible or a daily gospel alert.

Low-cost mission. As I said, the free communication platform is set. We need only explore and connect.  We can promote as much material, as graphically creative as we can get and as video savvy as possible...for free. You will be surprised how much evangelization work you can accomplish without spending a cent.

Real-time evangelization. I have experienced how some twits and fb statuses inspired me.  Here's one that I just saw in my friend's fb status. "When I worship, I would rather my heart be without words than my words be without heart." Lamar Boschman. In real time he was able to share what inspired him that might inspire others to be closer to God, and that is evangelization.

The world is fast changing. And sometimes we think that we have already reached the advanced phase of technology. But we "ain't seen nothin' yet."  The Internet is only 43 years old (reference).  There is still much to see. Every year we get blown away by companies like Apple, revolutionizing technology and our lifestlye. We have to get into the pace, and be quick to adapt in a constantly changing world.  Amidst all the technological advances and social changes, one thing remains constant, we are to "Go...and make disciples of all nations...(Matthew 28:19)."  The world has become smaller because of our interconnectivity. It's a grand time to evangelize.