The Christian walk is not easy as Oyo Sotto can attest. More often than not, the path to Christ is paved with trials and sacrifices. But it’s the only way to live for those whose steadfast faith in God is much stronger than the alluring enchantment of the world we live in.
Oyo Sotto is undeniably born to privilege. He is, after all, the son of affluent and prominent personalities in the entertainment industry.
Nonetheless, being a Christian himself has enabled him to become not the spoiled son you expect him to be but a man of conviction who stands by his Christian beliefs despite the criticisms of not just unbelievers but liberal Christians as well.
“I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than stand with the world and be judged by God.” –Grace Wesley
The Christian Walk Amidst the Accelerating Decline of Christianity
In an era of declining clout of Christian influence on modern society, it is incumbent upon Christians to be a beacon of light in this increasingly dark world that we live in. Aberrant behaviors that used to be unacceptable are now being championed and glorified in mainstream media.
Should Christians stand idly by and not take a stand on what they believe in, Christian values and principles will be swept downstream to oblivion sooner than you can ever imagine.
The Christian Walk Requires Us to Be a Beacon of Light
It is then refreshing to see a family that embodies the obedience of faith, the uncompromising submission to God’s will despite the spellbinding allure of the entertainment industry to which they belong.
And for this, they inspire many of their followers to take the road less traveled. The path to Christ may be paved with thorns but ultimately leads to life.
The Christian Walk Is Not Easy
In their candid and equally inspiring interview with CBN Asia, the couple revealed their financial struggles, which caught many off guard as he happens to be the son of one of the wealthiest producers in the entertainment industry.
The couple’s dream house was left unfinished for more than 2 years as the pace of construction was hampered due to budgetary constraints.
Oyo could have just asked his father for help to have the house constructed in no time, but he opted to take the challenging route. When asked if his father, Vic Sotto, had offered financial help, he replied that he would never ask and accept monetary assistance unless his father voluntarily made an offer. But it would still be something he wanted to repay once he’s no longer in a financial bind.
In our society where many children from well-off families have this heightened sense of entitlement, making brazen demands from their parents to satiate their capricious appetite for material things, Oyo Sotto is one of the few who would go against the norm.
Photo Credit: Oyo Sotto
The couple could have also accepted a myriad of lucrative offers from the entertainment industry to enable them to secure sufficient funds for their dream home. But as expected, they refused to succumb to the enticing glitz of wealth as the job offers run counter to their Christian values and beliefs.
Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the holy One is understanding.”
John 14:21
“Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.”
Oyo Sotto as a Father to His Children
Oyo believes that the love of God is the best legacy he can pass on to his children. That is why he would often read to them scripture passages using Bible storybooks for kids.
By doing so, God’s words will be etched in his kids’ young hearts, which will eventually deepen their relationship with God and prevent them from deviating from the teachings of Christ once they become adults.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
Oyo As a Husband
He attributes the success of their marriage to God’s grace. The couple believes that keeping God at the center of their marriage is key to a happy, fulfilling, and lasting relationship.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Oyo is the first to admit that he is not perfect, but men of God are not perfect. They are men with flaws and imperfections who strive relentlessly to be the kind of men God wants them to be.
The Lonely Walk With Christ
He is a man who has no qualms in expressing his stance to defend his Christian beliefs. His convictions may be offensive to others, even to his friends, but he is brave enough to take the brunt of criticisms and insults from people who don’t advocate the same views.
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” — Proverbs 27:6
A Christian stands by God’s words and is not cherry-picking verses from the Bible. God’s commandments are carved in stone; they cannot be changed or altered to suit our ungodly lifestyles. Instead, they are meant to offend us and correct us whenever we veer away from the path.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
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Special thanks to Oyo Sotto for being so gracious in granting our request.
