I called our internet provider and asked for a repair. The contractor came and said it was the "box" that had the problem. I asked who is responsible to fix that. They said not them.
It's been a month now waiting for a delivery of a car part. I asked the service center what the delay is about. They said they were waiting for Manila's delivery. I asked who is responsible to provide the delivery date. They said they will ask because they too are not sure.
Sometimes I wonder how we function as a society when there seems to be no clear accountability. No one seems to be responsible for anything. The German national who decided to leave the country is right: In the Philippines when a child is killed in a traffic accident, the driver at fault isn't really at fault. Rather, we say, it is the will of God that the child should die.
I remember sitting in a shareholder's meeting in a big Singaporean company. After a long time of preparation, the Chairman stepped into the hotel venue and took his seat. He felt hot and realized that the place was not cool enough. The first thing he asked was not "Is the aircon broken?" or "Can we do something about the aircon?". No, it was clearer and more direct: "Who is responsible for the aircon?"
The Singaporeans understand it well: Personal responsibility and accountability is the key to make a society function.
What is the antidote to the Filipino's abhorrence to responsibility? Where do we even begin to repair this extremely fundamental flaw in our social contract with each other?
This week, we discussed in Church about giving. Contemplating on 2 Corinthians 9:7 with a few men, it struck me. The Bible - as always - describes the human condition correctly and this time prescribes the remedy exactly. The Filipino must learn to be giving.
In fact giving is the exact opposite of irresponsibility. When we see a neighbor in need and help them, we are saying thus: I am not obligated to help, I am not compelled to give, but I am voluntarily giving a part of my resources to another person. In other words, I see that my neighbor is in trouble, and even though I have no idea who is responsible for their plight, I see their suffering and I am voluntarily taking responsibility to help ease their pains.
What an absolutely revolutionary way to live! What a clear demonstration of love! Not the love that says many words but entails no personal sacrifices. But a true radical way of loving. One where societies can be built on.
I know of some Christian business that has taken this to heart. You can always tell. They are the ones with the most excellent customer service. But I also know many Christians who have taken this to heart. You can also tell. They are the ones who are the most loving.
The Bible says where your treasure is there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). Something profound happens when you begin to give to another. As you transfer your resources from yourself to them, a cosmic event happens - one that has existed from the very beginning of time. A part of your heart remains with them.
You begin to care more for them. You are invested in their life. You think of them occasionally and wonder how they are doing. The invisible social fabric between yourself and them is reinforced. They too know this, having been recipients of your generosity. They know instinctively that your heart is with them also.
Volunteering and giving to causes that uplift our neighbors is the antidote to the Filipino's lack of responsibility. This is the modern-day application of a truth from the Bible. God should know. After all, He gave His only Son so we can all have a chance at life.
He knows whereof He speaks.
