Lasting Legacy?

Recently, I was curious to learn about the leading businesses in Africa. My search took me to Forbes.com where I found ten leading businesses in Africa. Interestingly, only two of these businesses are established in Nigeria. One common attribute of all these businesses, however, is their sustainability through generations. The writer of the article cited the example of a late Nigerian business mogul turned politician who had lots of successful enterprises but upon his demise, the lifespan of his many industries expired. The cause of this failure? The next generation lacked the enthusiasm to continue what the renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist labored for.

As children of God, we are to ensure that the next generation understands the importance of continuing in the faith. The Israelites in the bible understood very well that their existence and success as a people depended on the ancient path (Jeremiah 6:16). It is quite disheartening to find professed Christians whose children freely choose a path of life they desire. Consequently, their parents’ principles and ultimately, faith die with them without any impact on the next generation. How remarkable would it had been if Eli’s children had become priests after he passed on? (1 Samuel 2:12)Nowadays, many parents avail themselves for the kingdom’s business while they allow their children to bask in worldly pleasures.  Leading our children in the way of the Lord should be non-negotiable. They should know that the business of serving the Lord is a serious business and it should never die even when we have departed this sinful world. That way, we can be sure that our legacies will last.

Five Reasons Why Your Pastor is More Popular than You!

Don't freak out! This is not a controversial piece. It's a challenge to re-examine your Christian profession (profession not as in job). Well, your pastor is a star, at least in your local assembly. People visit him a lot. They pay him homage, shower him with gifts, seek his counsel and of course, he freely lays hands on both young and old. Jealous? You shouldn't be. “He is anointed to do these things”, you claim. Your pastor is not a superhuman. There are things he does that you just don't do!

Here are five reasons your pastor is more popular than you.

1.      He studies the scriptures a lot: People these days are so lazy. They prefer to listen to what God has to say through a medium. In as much as your pastor can take the study of the Word more seriously by consulting bible commentaries and bible dictionaries in addition to studying the Bible, he will remain a star!(Ezra 7:10)

2.      He fasts often: I bet the last time you fasted was when a general fast was declared in church. Usually, you don't even take your fast beyond noon. Most pastors are ‘fastors’. They can avoid food easily. (Psalm 35:13-14)

3.      He prays a lot: To remain relevant to his generation, your pastor prays often and consistently too. Most pastors have specific times in a day when they communicate with God. Your prayer times hardly exceed 5-10minutes in a day with no consistency. (1 Chronicles 16:11)

4.      He invests in spiritual resources: Check out your pastor’s library. You will probably find at least a book on a spiritual subject. When last did you buy or borrow a book on a spiritual topic? You can learn a lot from people who are ahead in this spiritual race. (Philippians 4:9)

5.      He is available: While you complain about having little or no time for the things of God, your pastor is always ready for God’s assignments. Quit giving excuses and see if you will not be more popular. (Isaiah 6:8)

      

      Photo: Google Images

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Distracted?

Pilgrim's Progress will forever remain a classic. The allegory which was written by John Bunyan in 1678 highlights the journey of a certain believer named Christian. Apart from been translated into about 200 languages, Pilgrim's Progress has been adapted into different genres of drama, music and film. The story focuses on the pilgrimage of Christian from his hometown, City of Destruction, to Celestial City. During the course of this schlep, he meets one Mr. Worldly Wiseman who is crafty enough to dissuade him from his heavenly goal. Throughout the book, Christian faces one form of distraction or the other. But for the help of Evangelist, Christian wouldn’t have been restored. He eventually conquers and arrives safely at his final destination.

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       It is quite amazing how John Bunyan is able to capture the travails of a believer on a heavenly sojourn, even more dynamic is how this book remains relevant in our day. Today's Christian indeed faces so many distractions. These distractions come in form of fashion, money, media/social media, relationships, hobbies, even religion and so much more. All these blur our vision of the celestial city. Jesus encourages us not to store up our treasures on earth but instead keep our focus on eternal treasures. (Matthew 6: 19-21). So, in our daily walk with God, the question should not just be “Are you distracted?”, it should also be “What are your distractions?” and “How do you stay focused?"

Mrs. Do Good

There are so many fascinating stories in the bible. Stories of great men and women that keep one wondering how God in His mercies could use mere mortals to accomplish such great deeds. Some of these stories are extremely amazing and we find ourselves as Christians making constant reference to them over and over again. Take the story of Moses for instance. I got to know about Moses even before I could read and write. I remember a certain Evangelist preach so enthusiastically about Moses in one of the crusades I attended as a kid. On the other hand, some other bible stories do not get so much prominence.  The story of Dorcas (Tabitha) is a perfect example (Acts 9:36-43). I knew her name because my maternal grandmother was named Dorcas but apart from that, I didn’t get to learn much about her magnanimous acts until I became a conscious Christian.

The bible did not mention that Dorcas is a wealthy woman but yet, she makes the poor a priority. It was not stated either that Dorcas is selective in whom she shows her acts of compassion. As far as Dorcas is concerned, anyone who needed help got it. Whether the recipient had the power to return such favour is not important. Can’t stop wondering how this woman stands out among a group of loving disciples who are dedicated to extending the love of Christ through sharing. One of the commentaries on the life of Dorcas outlines that Peter did not just raise her from the dead so that the people of Joppa would believe in the Lord but that Dorcas might continue to help her beneficiaries.

As Christians, we are admonished to always remember the poor (Galatians 2:16). After all, what is Christianity without looking after orphans and widows (James 1:27). Now, it doesn’t matter if you have been discouraged a couple times from helping people, the story of Dorcas teaches that it pays to do good always. Do good always and your story might just have a happy ending just like Tabitha’s.

Photo credit: John Hinde Collection

Not Just for Gains

Some people say that marriage is not a bed of roses. The truth is that marriage is like a rose plant comprising of the beautiful flower that attracts passersby, the lovely green leaves and of course, the not-so-obvious but ever

present thorns. Usually what most singles see in marriages are the roses – gorgeous, pretty and scented. Unfortunately, these overrated roses also come with thorns which can prick and cause pain.

The Christian journey just like the rose plant and of course, marriage, is very attractive from afar. The testimonies that people present about a great and miracle working God is enough to convince a sinner to opt for the ‘winning‘ side. Realistically, the winning side does not win all the time but only wins eventually. Awkwardly, exaggerated testimonies in church may not present a holistic view of what the Christian journey really entails. Christ reminded his disciples of this very important aspect of Christianity in these words: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, KJV). Now, that is an unbiased perspective of Christianity! 

The bottom line is to remind us that Christianity is not a bed of roses. That is not to say that all we should expect are trials and temptations but to remind us that even when we encounter such, it is meant to make us better Christians and not just ‘bread and butter’ believers.

Apostle Paul presents this in a subtle manner:

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little” (Phill. 4:12, NLT)

The essence of this portion of the scripture is to jog our memory that Christianity is not all about the gains; it is also about the victories after the many battles.

The Tale of the Traffic Light

It was a hazy Sunday Morning. Martin had a very important Sunday service to attend. It was his parents’ wedding anniversary and a highly revered tradition in the family too, one that must be honoured by every child in that home. By 6:30am, Martin was already out of the house and by 6:45am, he was at the first traffic light closest to his house. As he approached the traffic light, the green light disappeared, leaving the existence of the bright yellow light. Although Martin hoped that he would be smart enough to avoid the red light, the traffic light turned red just as he crossed the white line. His smartness did not play out well this time. There and then, there were no vehicles behind him, none in the opposite direction, none in the adjacent road; it was just him, stuck and controlled by that inanimate object- a supposed symbol of the law!

Not that Martin didn’t have an option, in fact, he had two options. One: to wait till the green light appeared. Two: to damn the consequence and go along on his important journey. After all, it was just him at that point and there was no likelihood of an accident. For the next 60 seconds, Martin fought the urge to break the law. Every second that passed seem to him like he was playing the ‘mumu’. Eventually, the traffic light turned green and it was time to go.

Like the case of the traffic light, temptations are unpredictable. They come to you when you least expect. Often times, we are sandwiched between choosing what’s right and what’s wrong. We may decide to opt for the wrong choice just because we think nobody is watching and there may be no immediate consequence but standing up for what is right is still the best option. The satisfaction that comes with the sinful nature may not last beyond 60 seconds but the guilt that comes with sin can last a lifetime. May God help us to always stand for what is just even when no one is watching (1 Corinthians 10:13).