These are indeed troubling times in our nation. Tempers are flared and various actions are being taken to address the issues. But as I reflect on all that is happening including the fuel subsidy issue, read and listen to various accounts, I have come to the conclusion that we do not seem to be giving attention to the real issues and therefore proffer the solutions that will give a lasting effect and not palliatives measures that will lead to an unending circle of protests. Let me state that I am neither on the side of government nor Occupy Nigeria but on the side of THE WORD.
The scriptures tell us that anger does not lead to the righteousness of God. This means that no matter how angry you may feel about a situation, it will not give the right results. While the removal of fuel ‘subsidy’ may have led to the present situation of protest, in sincerity, it does not address the more important challenges that this nation faces – a lack of personal integrity that collectively has created the mess that we suffer as a nation. In other words, we share joint responsibility FOR THE WOES OF THIS NATION NEITHER GOVERNMENT NOR ANY CABAL.
IT is overly simplistic to think that dealing with official corruption and restoration of fuel subsidy will magically transform our nation. That is a VERY HUGE LIE. In my years on this earth, I have in the course of my life and career interacted with government officials, private sector personnel and even the self employed, the rot is EVERYWHERE AND THE SAME. Same for individuals in a personal capacity, there is a HUGE GAP BETWEEN WHAT WE SAY AND DO IN PERSONAL INTEGRITY.
As for the Body of Christ, much has been said about the silence on the part of spiritual leaders but what about ourselves? The Church has been influenced so much by the world, it has lost its savour and its light at the moment is dim. And we all must take collective responsibility for that. Have we not in many ways set our spiritual leaders on pedestals that God didn’t ordain? Did we not encourage them when they were on the path of error rather than pray for them?
Did we not uphold denominations and doctrines rather than The Body of Christ thereby dividing the unity and power we have as a voice in national issues? Have we in our various places of influence not undermined the Body of Christ when we align with ungodliness rather than stand up for righteousness? Thus it is again seeking to point fingers at a few when indeed more of those fingers are directed towards us if we want to lay the blame at the doorstep of spiritual leaders alone.
As Christians, we must not be carried away by emotions when we should be guided in our utterances and actions by the Holy Spirit and The Word. I have found very interesting the way everyone is going about the present impasse in their own motives. Some are subtle while others are obvious. Some right while others are just simply hypocritical. But the scriptures are the DEFINITIVE WAY to resolve all matters if indeed we claim to be members of the Body of Christ. While we cannot speak for non Christians but it is sad when we speak as many confusing voices.
So what does THE WORD teach us to do in times such as we are in for indeed others like our brethren in the nation of Israel have gone through the same? The Book of Proverbs is indeed instructive.
“Godliness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs 14.34. Living Bible.
Therefore the first question we must INDIVIDUALLY ASK is whether as Christians we are indeed living a godly life in our work and non work activities? Because the difference is clear. If in our various activities, we are acting in ungodliness, then the ripple effect will cause our nation to SUFFER. How can that be you say? Well look again at the Word
“He who covers his sin will not prosper but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” Proverbs 28.13. NKJV
Can you see that the mercy of God as we often pray for is not given to those who remain rebellious to His Word but to the repentant. The next question is IN OUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY have we repented of those ungodly acts which the Holy Spirit has been asking of us? Because collective rebellion causes a nation to SUFFER.
What is the antidote to the many problems we experience as a nation? Turn to 2 Chronicles 7.14. This is a scripture well known and used yet we may not be acting in the spirit of it in our personal lives.
“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn away from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” NKJV
There is nothing wrong with our continuous acts of prayer but can we take time to reflect on what impact it has had on our nation. I would say there is a disconnection between our actions and Heaven because we have not followed the protocol of divine intervention. What is that? Simply, that we have not humbled ourselves to turn from our wicked ways. Therefore there is no healing in the land.
God is NOT MOCKED. If we have a reverence for Him, we will know that mere words and activities do not MOVE GOD but the sincerity of our HEART. And HE ALONE knows how genuine our hearts are. Have we IN OUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY been sincere as the Holy Spirit directs us? All of these questions taken together will collectively determine which way our nation will go and not protests and prayers without actions of righteousness.
Perhaps, we can learn from others. Ezra and Daniel were men who walked with God in faithfulness and we can learn from them how they addressed the same issues such as we face today. Israel at various times was in turmoil and the people suffered. But Ezra and Daniel understood what to do to save their people. Please take time to read chapter 9 in the Books of Ezra and Daniel. However certain key verses will give insight into the manner of heart and prayer
Daniel acknowledged his sin and those of his people before God. He was not in walking in self righteousness and pointing fingers.
“And I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession and said” O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and with those who keep His commandments. We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled even departing from Your precepts and Your judgements”
“To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws which He set before us by His servants the prophets” Daniel 9.54-5, 9-10.NKJV
To know the state of heart of Daniel which produced outstanding results in and through him, we look at verse 20 of chapter 9
“Now while I was speaking, praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the Holy mountain of my God” NKJV
Humility to admit his personal sin and stand in intercession for others were the hallmarks of Daniel’s exemplary life and we will be wise to follow in the same pattern of productive righteousness. At this time, God is seeking people like Daniel and Ezra who though not perfect in conduct BUT ARE WILLING TO MAKE THAT PERSONAL CHANGE THAT WILL LEAD TO A NATION BEING TRANSFORMED.
Daniel thrived in captivity because of his personal integrity and walk with God. Those that choose to remain impervious to sin despite the mercy of God in bringing His word to them will experience the consequences. However, those who humble themselves and repent from their specific sinful acts as the Holy Spirit will reveal (and we already know some of these actions) shall experience salvation even in the midst of captivity.
Everyone that is a Christian should sign up but in the end, where you stand will be known by God alone. This nation shall experience salvation but how sad if you are not regarded IN HEAVEN as being a CHANGE AGENT. The destiny of this nation lies with Christians rising up not physically but FIRST SPIRITUALLY as Ezra and Daniel did to produce the results we truly DESIRE.
May you take this step and pray for others to do the same TODAY!! This teaching is also applicable to Christians in other nations as we are all facing the same challenges and the solution is the same. THE WORD NEVER FAILS!!
