Let Us Act on Our Conviction

​The current pandemic situation has tremendously affected everyone in varying degree and has brought a deep sense of uncertainty, confusion and even despair. It has challenged our abilities individually, as a family, an organization, a nation, and even as a global community. We witness various responses. Some managed to rise again after a major blow to their employment, livelihood or businesses. Many are trying to cope one day at a time.

However, there are those who took advantage of the situation. Transparency International reports that there is widespread corruption related to COVID-19 aid in different parts of the world. Some humanitarian aid did not fully reach the target vulnerable population. In the same report, it noted that the weak transparency and accountability mechanism led to enriching the corrupt officials and their allies as the COVID-19 assistance landed in their pockets.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”. Indeed, in this time of adversity and transition to a better new normal, how we respond to the situation reflects who we are and the principles we uphold. It is time for us to act on our convictions lest we become callous, be taken over by apathy and passivity, and live self-centeredly with seared conscience.

Acting on our convictions requires fortitude and commitment to remain grounded on our moral compass so we can never be swayed to simply follow the crowd nor take the easy way out. We stay true to the principles and the non-negotiable standards we strongly hold vital. We remain motivated to stand strong for what is right all the time even when faced with intimidation or persecution. This is what our nation needs now – people who act on their conviction, reject every form of corruption and decline, and advance the agenda of righteousness, peace and justice in the land.

With the pressing concerns at hand,we may choose to look the other way but we can never say again that we did not know. We need not look too far. Just simply turn to our left and right and see the plight of the people, our neighborhood, our respective offices as well as the local government where we belong. Are there areas of concern where our conviction is calling for action to make things right and better? The choice to act on our conviction is in our hands. Act now.

As we continue to reflect on the value of spirituality (being the 4th public service values espoused by the Civil Service Commission), let us implore the aid of the Almighty God in strengthening our conviction. Having a deep reverence for Him will make us heed to our conviction without delay. Let us act now for there is no other way that will exalt our nation other than the path of righteousness. Righteousness exalts a nation. (AOS, CRFV)

It is time for us to act on our convictions lest we become callous, be taken over by apathy and passivity, and live self-centeredly with seared conscience.