Values Integration in Power (Humility and Stewardship)

Jacky Lyn Mendoza

In the discussion of the third lesson for our subject Philippine Politics and
Governance, it has come to my understanding that power is the influence of the behavior of
the other. It is seen in any social interaction which may latent (discreet) or manifest (visible).

In light of this, we are reminded of the significance of humility. Power, in the wrong
hands, can be destructive. We must be humbled before the Lord and exercise this action in
pursuit of humanistic objectives. Since obtaining power and authority increases the
possibility of exploiting it for selfish ways, one must be humble enough to be guided by the
teachings of the Lord to execute power in a holistic, wholesome approach. To illustrate, the
shutting down of ABS-CBN due to personal wishes that could have helped people to receive
news especially in the areas that are hard to reach and with low signal during the Typhoon
Rolly. Additionally, we are reminded of the significance of Stewardship as one of the factors
that is affected in a certain power relation is the environment. We must accord our intentions
and behaviour in the service of our neighbors and the creation that God has appointed us to
look after instead of self-interest. To illustrate, the excessive mining of mountains in the
Philippines. It has contributed greatly to global warming and other harsh ecological impacts.
With that regard, one must practice responsible management of resources.

We should not be distracted by our selfish intentions but accord our ways in pursuit
of the common good. We have to look after our neighbors as God specifically commanded
us to do. We have to learn how to peacefully coexist with each other and take the welfare
and well-being of others into consideration because the world is not only made for us, but for
them as well.