Johann Quisumbing

By JQuisumbing

As Christians, we have to be wary of the ways of the world (Romans 12:2). This means that we must always keep our eyes open for traps. And I have known the trappings of the annual celebration of Valentine’s Day lure believers who were unaware into trouble. Christians! Do not be fooled. Many will say that Valentine’s is an old Christian tradition, so where is the harm? Does anyone recall how Jesus Himself treated tradition for tradition’s sake?

Now, a fishing lure¹ is supposed to be deceptively attractive and very appealing to a fish. They never see the hook. You know. My heart really goes out to the youth during this season. For girls, especially those in their early teens, they become bombarded from both commercial and peer pressure to “doll-up!” and put themselves in crisis situations. How about the boys? I know what the boys look forward to, for I too was once a randy teenager². Self-centeredness takes hold of their raging hormones and propels them into the world as eager hunters, though in their hands are not hunting rifles, but flowers, boxes of chocolates, gifts and heart-shaped cards with written romantic promises, rarely kept. By the way, grown ups are not immune to falling into the Valentine’s Day trap.

But knowing this, should we, who are Spirit led, avoid these ‘worldly’ activities? Get ready for this. The Holy Spirit had often pointed His followers toward the lion’s den. Why? Because we are re-built for it… or I should say ‘renewed’ (Romans 12:2) to know of the trap, skirt around it and still fulfill God’s purpose. If we are to be ‘salt & light’ in the world, then we must do this outside the safe confines of our church walls. The work of salvation was meant for you to be outside. Here are some guidelines from Paul.

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.  (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

Allow me to show you how to apply First Corinthians in practical terms especially during the Valentine season. If you are to win the Valentiners then you must become a Valentiner, but don’t get caught up with the Romance fakery. Remember the light you show is TRUTH. The salt that they must taste from you is the LOVE that is beyond Romance. You see, romance is a feeling, an elation of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life. And the truth about it is that romance is always short-lived. So, to those of you Christians seeking partners, be true and genuine, however remember…

Do not be yoked together (mismatched) with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Footnote: [1] A lure is an artificial bait, typically plastic, metal, or wood, designed to mimic real prey (like small fish or insects) to attract and catch predatory fish by imitating their appearance, movement, and vibration in the water, triggering a strike from their instinct to hunt or defend territory; [2] A “randy teenager” means a young person who is sexually excited, lustful, or eager for sexual activity, often used informally to describe someone showing strong, sometimes uncontrolled, sexual desire or being overtly flirtatious/lewd.