In June last year, one of my mentors who pastor’s a very large congregation in Lagos asked me to suggest to him one prominent Christian politician of northern extraction who could be invited to speak at a program organized by his church. The proposed speaker must be someone that does not need introduction, a person of proven integrity and character. Our search returned no name. All the names that were considered had question marks hanging over their heads. Not a single person appeared on our radial.
This is clearly an indictment against the body of Christ in Nigeria. Right now in our political and business space, we have people that are labelled Christians; the only thing Christian about them is their name. They are like water in 7Up bottle. That your name is James does not make you a Christian, just as being named Toyota does not make you a car. The so-called Christian politicians are Christians before elections. You see them running from one congress to another convention. In office the wolf in the sheep becomes visible for all to see.
Nigeria today is very religious nation. We have more churches and pastors per capital than any nation in the world. Sunday in Sunday out we see millions congregate to learn of God and pray to God. The Church is supposed to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The light of the Nigerian church does not shine in political and business spaces. The salt in our political and business pots have lost its flavour.
As lights we are to shine. As the light we are to push back all the works of darkness. As light we are supposed to expose all sharp and shady practices in public and private sector. The reverse seems to be the case.
The level of corruption in Nigeria should be impossible with our level of religiosity. Corruption walks freely on our streets because of the level of darkness due to the absence of light. The fact that we don’t generate enough power to light up Nigeria is in itself a parable of sorts that points to this darkness. The darkness allowed within our political and business space is responsible for the darkness that has enveloped our land. The darkness in recent times is assuming a more dangerous and frightening dimension. For until we start shining the light of righteousness upon the activities of government and businesses, the darkness continues in our homes, communities and the nation.
We are to let our light shine so that men can see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. We are to arise and shine once we receive the light of Christ into our soul. Like a candle is not hidden under the bed but placed strategically to give light to a room in darkness, Christians everywhere are to shine their light everywhere they are. Truth is you are not a Christian if you don’t shine. Christians are lights and lights shine.
Shinning is not by words but in deed. As Christians we are like trees. As trees we are suppose to bear fruits and fruits when they are ripe cannot be hidden. Our fruits are our works. Our works are a product of the principles upon which our life is built.
The greatness of this nation is tied squarely on the emergence of Apostles in the market place. These Apostles are a new breed without greed. Men and women, who would be a radical opposition to all form of corruption. Men and women, who would translate the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus to integrity in the marketplace. Apostles that are not greedy for filthy lucre. Men and women, who would give an eloquent expression to the wisdom of God. Politicians and executives, who would give voice to spiritual endowments in socio-political dimensions. Special messengers that would see public service as being to God and man. These Apostles of integrity we want, these Apostles we need.
Sunday is the Lead Pastor @Holyhill Church, Abuja. He can be reached via psun@holyhillcurch.org.
