Ask Kuya Kevin: Betrayed

Here’s an email I got from a young woman who thought she’d found a godly man:

Kuya Kevin,

I’ve had a boyfriend for one year and nine months. We were together all the time for the first year because he is my neighbor. He seemed to have a good attitude and good character, and he also seemed to be a God-centered person. He was the kind of guy I was looking for, even though we come from different religions. He regularly attended mass with me on Sundays.

He left to work on a ship after the first year of our relationship. He did not tell me immediately when he returned–other people told me he was back. He finally met me at home after he had been back for three days. I wondered what happened while he was off at see. One day I found a text message on his phone. It was from his ex girlfriend, and went something like this: “thanks for calling me, I enjoyed talking with you.” We argued about it and I walked out on him.

The next day we went on a date and talked about it again. He told me that he had to accompany his sister to the province. I was suspicious, and asked him to tell me if he has found someone else. He told me that he fears God and would not want to cause a breakup–I appreciated this answer.

He did not text me or return my calls for three days while he was in the province. He finally sent a text message after six days, saying, “Sorry, I got my ex-girlfriend back.” I was shocked, but I figured it was better to let go. Why should I fight for someone who does not deserve my love?

My question is this: Why did God take him away from me? This guy was the one I had been praying for. I really learned a lot from him, and he even helped me get closer to God. I trusted God, so why did this happen to me? I’m really hurt.

My Response:

I’m very sorry to hear about what happened to you.

First, it is important to understand that this guy is not as “God-centered” as you thought. He lied about his ex-girlfriend, then he broke up with you through a text message. What he did was dishonest and cowardly, and these are obviously not godly qualities. Maybe he knows a lot of things about the Bible, but it looks like there are still some major character problems he needs to correct. It seems like he actually used religion/faith to manipulate you and cover up his lies. I think you are better off without him.

Please don’t blame God for what happened. It is natural for us to be angry with God when something bad happens to us. The Bible actually mentions this in several places (especially in the Psalms). You need to understand, however, that this was your ex-boyfriend’s fault. He chose to lie–God certainly did not force him to do this.

We all have to live and learn. Hopefully this bad experience willhelp you to be a little wiser in your next choice of a boyfriend. Take some time to heal, forgive him, and don’t rush your next relationship, and I bet you’ll find someone better next time.

Jesus vs. Oprah: How Do We Respond?

I started watching Oprah back in the 80’s. I was only a teenager, but I quickly recognized that she had abandoned Christianity. She has fully embraced New Age beliefs, and seems to be getting more vocal about it as time goes on. New Age ideology basically states that there are no absolute truths and that all religions are essentially the same.

“. . . I am a Christian who believes that there are certainly many more paths to God other than Christianity . . .”
-Oprah

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
-Jesus (John 14:6; a passage that Oprah and her author buddy conveniently ignore)

As you can see, we have a problem here–someone claiming to be a Christian, yet denying the teachings of Christ. Jesus never claimed that he was coming to “show us the way to spirituality.” I could write all day about the contradictions in this one short video clip.

Oprah’s media empire reaches millions every week (her show is on TV here in the Philippines). Christians are rightfully concerned about her propagation of these false doctrines.

How should we respond to this? Allow me to share a few thoughts.

Christians should not panic.

*We should not panic because Jesus’ kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Consider Jesus’ words to Peter:

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
-Matthew 16:18

From the Book of Acts until now, God’s Kingdom has always been under attack. Some of the world’s mightiest governments have attempted to destroy the Bible and Christianity. Guess what–we’re still here! God’s kingdom will still be around long after Oprah is “off the air” permanently.

*We should not panic because the Bible predicted the coming of false teaching/doctrine.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
-2nd Timothy 4:3-4

The Apostle Paul told us that we would have to battle for the truth. Oprah is only one (albeit highly visible) symbol of this war of ideas. As long as we live in a fallen world, we will have to contend with false teachers.

Second, Christians should be equipped to deal with New Age teaching.

Let’s consider something else Paul told Timothy in the preceding verse:

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

-2nd Timothy 4:2

During my teenage years, I heard several taped seminars on the New Age Movement from First Baptist Atlanta. This information helped me to recognize false teaching and defend my faith.

Now we have virtually unlimited resources (via internet) to help us debunk false teaching and defend the gospel. Find some good materials and study! If you are a pastor, teach your congregation the difference between New Age teachings and sound doctrine. If you are a parent, teach your children.

Finally, Christians should use Oprah’s show as an opportunity to share the Gospel.

I’ve mentioned that Oprah’s show is extremely popular. I imagine that it is discussed at water coolers, cubicles, and coffee shops all over the world. We should see this as an opportunity to share our faith. Just as Paul preached among pagan idols (Acts 17), we can share the Gospel among those who are discussing spiritual things. Let’s be bold and vocal about our faith!

Oprah is one of the many voices competing for hearts and souls. Let’s make sure she isn’t the only voice they hear.