The 2023 United Nations – Habitat Philippines Country Report has estimated that 3.7 million Filipino families live in informal settlements, with half a million of them living in slums and high risk areas.
The grim picture these numbers paint is heart-wrenching at the very least, given that even their basic needs are not met. Unfortunately, material poverty is not the only thing rampant in our generation. Spiritual poverty is even so, given the lifestyle glorified by this age, the misplaced priorities, and the false sense and source of security.
As genuine followers of Jesus we are to try our best to eliminate spiritual poverty one soul at a time. We are to help others get to know the real source of security and joy in this era of self-glorification, and endless pursuit of worldly treasures.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15
We are to encourage everyone we know to invest in their eternal life. By surrendering their lives to Jesus, and not dedicating their life to accumulating riches, they too can enrich their lives and end their own spiritual poverty.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
If you look at people around you, especially those who have yet to surrender their lives to Christ, their whole existence seems like an endless toil for the trending things of this world. From the latest gadgets, to the most expensive designer and luxury goods, the most powerful car, the next expensive vacation, the most luxurious home. But the more they get their hands on these things, the more they feel empty.
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15
But when we know the true source of our joy, peace, and security, we can be happy even with the simplest of things. We are at peace because our hearts know who is sovereign, who keeps His promises, and who will never abandon us. We know that in Christ, we are secure no matter the inevitable difficult circumstances we will face.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:1-4
And so, let us encourage those whom we care about, who have yet to receive God’s promise of a permanent home in His Kingdom that is beyond this world. Let us not allow our relatives, close friends, and even acquaintances to remain spiritually impoverished and be homeless in eternity. This world is already filled with hardships and so, we all should look forward to great things in our after life. And the good thing is that this is a gift freely given to us by Jesus Christ.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” John 14:2-3
By sharing the good news of our salvation to people we know, and even those we do not know, we get to help eliminate the rampant spiritual poverty of this generation. Let us muster the courage to go against the flow of this spiritually corrupted and morally perverted society, and save those whom we can save.
“Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” Jude 23
Among the practical steps we can take is to share the gospel to people. If we are not confident of doing this yet, then inviting them to church or church activities and bible study groups is also a good starting point. If they will still feel awkward about that then introducing them to someone who can share the gospel with them is the next best thing.
The greatest story ever told should not stop with us. We should funnel the blessing to others, by telling them that they too can be free from the sins that enslave them, and that they can live a new life and start on a clean slate.
All they have to do is to sincerely pray to Jesus, surrender their life to Him, ask for His forgiveness of their sins, step away from their sinful lifestyle, and commit to growing their faith. They can grow their faith by worshipping or attending mass weekly, praying and reading and reflecting on the bible daily, and learning God’s word with fellow believers.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[a] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 91 and John 14:1-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you have friends who are still homeless in heaven? What steps have you taken to share the good news with them?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me new life. Please give me the confidence to share the good news to others, that they too can be redeemed, and restored by you. Please empower me to share the good news of your salvation. Amen.
