Christianity since it's introduction to Africa and particularly Nigeria has spread like wildfire. The number of churches that have sprung up in the last fifty years in Nigeria is alarming; different churches with their separate, albeit converging traditions. In fact, churches seem to grow faster than maize seeds in Nigeria today. Howbeit, there's an interesting new trend that seems to have eaten deep into Christian clerics which I really am not comfortable with.
Let me begin by casting your minds back to a scene in the Bible were Christ the head of Christianity was urged by the Jews to be their King. In as much as you would have thought it a wonderful opportunity for Him to get across to thousand of Jews and ease his course on earth, Christ did not see it in that light. In his wisdom, he refuted the demand of the Jews and as a matter of fact, fled!
Christians are supposed followers of Christ and pastors are set to preside over the earthly church. This implies that whatever Christ did on earth should be replicated in the church. But what have you? Pastors who have left the kingdom of Christ and are gone after the earthly Kingdom. You look at every level of politics in Nigeria and a pastor is found. What then? Has the scriptures changed or have these men of God received a heavenly vision to support their action?
Well, I think Christ's position on politicking is clear. "My Kingdom is not of this world." That says it all. No adulteration, no complications, simply simple. Sometimes I wonder how less busy pastors have become with overseeing their flocks, to have got enough time to think and even implement plans of venturing into politics. The Bible urges Christians to be separated from the world and also to set their affection on heavenly things; not on things of the earth. But hey, pastors have now found an eventful venture in hustling, struggling, muscling and justling over political positions.
The Bible was not stupid when it said "You cannot serve two masters." You either lead the flock of Christ or lead the flock of the world (of which Satan is head). The basic truth is that here is no way one would survive in the black waters of politics and still be a true Christian. Pastors must begin to face their primary focus and leave governance to those who own it. "Give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser; and to God, what belongs to God." I rest my case.
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