Overview:
Are our religious beliefs reflected in the way we live? In this opinion piece, Dudalm Kelulau challenges readers to look beyond religious identity and examine how personal character, cultural values and everyday actions shape Palau’s future.
Dear Editor,
We live in a world increasingly focused on religion, yet we often fall short of practicing the very teachings we claim to believe in. We attend churches, quote scriptures, celebrate traditions, and speak about God. But how often do our daily actions reflect the values of our faith? Too often, we have become a society of “Do as I say, not as I do,” where religious identity matters more than personal character.
There is a story about a young man who asked Mahatma Gandhi, “Gandhi-ji, it seems that you worship sometimes in temples, sometimes in churches, sometimes in mosques. What is your religion?”
Gandhi replied, “Follow me for a few days and watch what I do; how I walk, what I say and how I conduct myself generally, that is my religion.”
This message challenges us to look beyond labels. Whether we follow Christianity, Islam, or another faith, our beliefs should be visible in how we treat others, how we forgive, how we serve, and how we care for the vulnerable. What good is it to preach love while practicing hatred, demand honesty while acting dishonestly, or speak about humility while allowing pride to control us?
We often hear that God is more interested in our character than our comfort, and in making our spirit healthy rather than simply making our lives happy. Life will always bring difficulties and disappointments. We can complain, or we can recognize the blessings that remain. As the saying reminds us: “We are called HUMAN BEINGS, NOT HUMANS JUST DOING.” Our worth is not measured only by what we achieve, but by who we become.
The same principle applies to Palau. If we want a secure and prosperous future, we must do more than talk about our values and traditions. We must live them and teach them to our children. Scripture reminds us: “Train children in the way they should go, and when they grow old, they will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Our children must be grounded in Palauan culture, respect, responsibility, and service, while also equipped with new knowledge and technology to lead our nation forward.
Palau’s future depends on the character we cultivate today. Let us raise leaders who understand where they come from, know what they stand for, and are prepared to build a better tomorrow. And always remember: when you leave Palau, look back at your house before you leave.
Remember your roots, your family, your responsibilities, and the home that shaped you. The future of Palau begins with the values we live and the example we leave behind.
Everything for Everyone and Nothing for Ourselves.
Your Humble Servant
Dudalm Kelulau