“Rural or Urban”

Text: John 10:10

I. Greetings

Introduction: July celebration of rural life and health month. 45.3% of the
Philippines land area is urban. That is 41.9million populations. On the other hand,
54.7% of the total population in the Philippines lived in urban places. This covers
50.5 million people. (Philippine Statistics Authority)

II. Experience Rural Life again

A. Source of livelihood
1. Farm land – rice fields, cornfields, vegetable gardens, piggery,
chickens, etc.
2. Farm water – rivers, seas
B. Culture
1. Songs – Harana, Kundiman, Dongdong-ay
2. Dances – Folk dances, balsi, tango, tadek
3. Sports/games – Patintero, kandarin, kadang-kadang, tumbang
preso, taguan
4. . Leisure – cooking, eating, dancing
C. Values
1. Respect- respective address to the elderly (mano po)
2. Giving authority – ma, pa, ate, kuya, uncle, auntie
3. Courtship – done at home
4. Discipline – work eating time, lay, school, church
III. Impact
A. Relationship – close ties (family, relatives, neighbors)
1. Sharing and giving of food
2. Free labor (bayanihan)
B. Work / time/ food
1. One focus – one task at a time
2. Food – natural, pick and cook, just enough for the day
IV. Effect: Leaving rural life behind
A. Global competence
 1. Materials
Kalesa vs. tricycle, jeep
Pumpwell vs. Faucet
Mailed letter vs. e-mails
2. Influence of multi-media
Food, gadget, fashion, beauty
B. Priorities
More on wants
More on physical aspect
The result: Work, work work

V. Projection of life
A. Rural or Urban?
Rural-simple, natural, manual, exert more effort
Urban – Quick and easy, computerized
Both have their advantages anddisadvantages
Have your choice
B. Jesus offers
Read John 10:10
1. Life to the fullest – healthy (physical, emotional, spiritual)
2. Peace of mind
3. Contentment
4. Happiness
5. Genuine relationship (with God, family, others)

VI. Enjoy Life

A. With God – Read your bible,pray everyday, attend church
worships/activities
B. With Others – Family gatherings, outing, tours, community
services/celebration
C. Words of Inspiration (Roy B. Zuck)

SUPERLATIVES (BY: ROY B. ZUCK)

The most destructive habit: worry

 The greatest joy: giving
The greatest loss: lost of respect
The most satisfying work: helping others
The ugliest personality trait: selfishness
The most endangered species: dedicated leaders
Out greatest natural resources: our youth
The greatest “shot in the arm”: encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome: fear
The most effective sleeping pill: peace of mind
The most crippling disease: excuses
The most powerful force in life: love
The most dangerous enemy: a gossip
The world’s most incredible computer: the brain
The worst thing to be without: hope
The deadliest weapon: tongue
The two most-power-filled words: “i can”
The greatest asset: faith
The most worthless emotion: slef-pity
The most prized possession: integrity
The most powerful channel of communication: prayer
The most contagious spirit: enthusiasm

CONCLUSION

Life is full, Life is meaningful, hopeful With God the owner and creator of both
rural and urban. God bless us all. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy spirit. Amen.