Making sense of PACMAN’s loss
Posted: December 11th, 2012 | Filed under: Blog | 23 Comments »Manny Pacquiao has ascended to the very top of athleticism holding records that hold the world in envy. Last Sunday he did not just lose but he lost in bad way. Naturally the nation is saddened. Understandably so, in recent years Manny has not only been the pride of the nation, he has brought hope and joy specially to the “rankless” who associate so much with Manny. As they say, “he is our idol.”
I too was saddened by the news. I am a big Manny fan even though I rarely get to see his fights because my services are on Sunday morning and end just after the fights are over. My sadness was so overwhelming I pulled out my PACMAN cap from my collection of white caps and wore it all day yesterday in honor of Manny. (BTW: PACMAN, salamat ulit for my cap)
Filipinos everywhere were under a somber cloud since Sunday afternoon till yesterday. You could not go anywhere without people talking about Manny’s loss. Tweets went out cheering Manny and encouraging him that we are all for you, we love you etc.
And then there were the tweets and interviews that were questioning Manny’s new found faith in Christ. Basically what they were saying was that Manny’s faith in Jesus is the reason why he lost the fight. Whether its because he has lost his fighting spirit, he’s become too kind or he has turned away from his religion, essentially what they are saying is “drop Jesus so you can win again for us.”
Two thoughts ring true when I read and heard what people said:
The first is the world is on cue. What could you expect from a world that does not know Christ. They are selfish. Never mind that Manny is no longer an adulterer but a faithful husband to his wife. That his children now have a daily role model and not a fake image that is just a lie to please the crowds. No longer the gambler who needs his passions fed by risks but is at peace with his Maker. The crowds declare, “Forget all of that Manny and just keep winning for us, you are our idol.”
This leads me to my next thought. God does not like idols. Including Manny. When a person or thing becomes the main source of our joy, hope. adulation and sense of being that has become an idol. An idol is simply anything we put in our lives before God. Thank God that while Manny did get knocked out his faith did not because it wasn’t based on an idol.
So Manny, thank you for being an amazing athlete, for being a model citizen and for being a disciple of Jesus. For all that Congrats! Our nation will always be proud of you. The example of your allegiance to HIM could yet be the greatest Christmas gift you could give our countrymen.
As a Filipino-American Christian, this brings joy to my heart to read. It’s amazing what the true Gospel can do. We don’t have to work to prove our worth to the world. When Christ died, he said, “It is finished.” He didn’t say, “do this, pray this, recite this, attend this– and you can enter my Kingdom.” He just wants our hearts. Manny is a phenomenal athlete, and is now playing for an Audience of One- Christ.
It pains me to see people, especially my filipino brothers and sisters making Manny into an idol. Yes, he is an icon for our nation. Yes, he is a national hero. Yes, he is all of this– but you see, he also is broken. We all are, and Christ died to heal us.
Praising Jesus, that He opened Manny’s eyes to the truth and that Manny is now using his platform as an outward appearance of the Gospel. The old Manny is gone- and the new one is here to stay. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Manny has changed- and for the better. From a cheating gambler to a loving, devout father.
There’s always a second chance — and even a third and a forth. God doesn’t turn His back on you no matter how many times you do to Him. That’s why He is God.
Love you all.
PS. I am beyond excited to be able to spend Christmas in the Philippines for the first time this year- seeing as I was born and raised in the States.
Ken
I have been praying for this, the reason why Pacquiao lost. It bothered me because, why would a person, who changed his life for Christ, lose in such a way. The message you have said here is an eye opener for me.
Thank you!
What I pray for Pacquiao is that, I hope he continues to worship Jesus and never give up despite the loss. and I pray that after his next fight, people would see and know that God is behind all of his.. Victory
-Gheeno,
Calgary
great thoughts, great words, for a great man from a great man serving the Greatest!
Thanks for writing this. I think the Lord has perfectly orchestrated this event. Now everyone will know who our Idol should be. Pacman couldn’t be happier!
nice nice!
Thanks for writing something that would continuously inspire our “champ”. I salute Manny Pacquiao for his humility.
thank u so much pastor for this. couldn’t be better said. Manny, the new Paul. he counts everything as loss compared to finding Christ. uhm-mazing! hehe
Thank you, Ptr. Joey, for this succinct, accurate insight into our champion’s stunning defeat. Once again, God has given our good congressman’s faith a dark backdrop against which his now-tested and once-more-proven faith can shine brightly for His glory. Even in defeat he has brought honor to our people and to our God.
God bless your, your family and your ministry, Pastor Joey!
Merry Christmas!
Great article.
“drop Jesus so you can win again for us.” – a natural human tendency (focuses only on physical / tangible things) neglecting what are the unseen (spiritual side which Manny has found).
Its like wanting “Good Fruit ” but focuses only on the tree’s trunk, bark, branches, leaves, and the fruit itself – neglecting the ROOTS.
Thank you for posting this P.Joey, and thank you Manny for gracefully accepting the result of that boxing match.
I totally agree with P. Joey article and support Manny Pacquiao in his life’s journey.
Great attitude and perspective!
Amen!
I saw Jesus last Sunday.
He was wearing boxing gloves and an boxing short.
He was in television; He was being interviewed by the reporter.
For just a minute he looked a little like one of our country men;
But it was Jesus … I could tell by his smile.
Well said, Ptr. Joey! Regards to David, as well.
Hi Pastor,
Thank you for the enlightenment, may I share this to my friends, I might translate this to Tagalog para mas maintindihan ng mga katoto ku.
BR,
In my opinion, Manny’s defeat inspired more people than all the other times he won. His faith is truly inspiring. Mabuhay ka PACMAN! I salute him more than ever…
thank you Manny for acknowledging who your real IDOL is…you may have lost in the eyes of the viewing public, but you won in HIS eyes…
i hope manny realizes that if he continues to fight, he makes others gamble and bet.
very nicely written ps joey!!!
all the pacTARDS are suddenly quiet.
Personally speaking, manny’s loss and how he displayed his behavior towards this is just a powerful and moving lesson of humility and great courage. I became more proud of the Christ who lives in HIM. Seeinf that smile on his face brought tears in my eyes becos he made his creator more proud of him than the people aRound him who placed bets to win gazillions…. Thanks to the beauty of humility, manny! May God continue to live in ur heart!!!
very well said pastor.