HALLELUYAH! HALLELUYAH!! HALLELUYAH!!!
Topic: The Christian’s Responsibility for National Transformation
WEEK 40: (Oct 4 – Oct 10)
Release Date: October 5th
WEEKLY BIBLE READING:
Proverbs 14:34 KJV
[34] Righteousness exalteth a nation: But sin is a reproach to any people.
INTERPRETATION
Proverbs 14:34 reminds us that the condition of a nation is not determined only by its government, economy or political leaders. It is also shaped by the character of its people. As Christians, we cannot desire a better nation while refusing to examine the kind of people we are becoming. God has called us to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” in Matthew 5:13 to 14. Therefore, our Christianity must influence not only what happens in church but also what happens in our workplaces, businesses, communities and nation.
National transformation begins with personal righteousness. It is easy to condemn corruption in government while participating in dishonesty at our own level. A Christian cannot complain about leaders who steal public funds while cheating customers, falsifying documents, bribing officials, manipulating prices or misusing money entrusted to them. Jesus said, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye” in Matthew 7:5. Transformation therefore begins with asking ourselves what needs to change about us. A student who refuses examination malpractice, a trader who refuses to deceive customers, an employee who works honestly and a businessman who keeps his word may appear insignificant, but each person is contributing to a culture of righteousness. We must not wait for the nation to become righteous before deciding to live righteously.
Christians must also stand for justice and the welfare of others. Proverbs 31:8 to 9 says, “Open thy mouth for the dumb and judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” National transformation requires people who will not remain silent when others are being oppressed, cheated or neglected. Sometimes we are more concerned about what benefits us than what is right. But Christlike character asks a deeper question. Is this just? In our families, workplaces, businesses and communities, we should use our influence to protect the vulnerable and speak against wrongdoing with wisdom and courage. Sometimes transformation begins when one person refuses to participate in an injustice that everyone else has accepted.
We must also use authority as an opportunity to serve. Whether a person is a father, employer, teacher, political office holder, church leader or community leader, leadership should not become an opportunity for domination. Jesus said, “Whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister” in Mark 10:43. Christlike leadership lifts people rather than humiliating them. Therefore, every man should ask himself whether people are becoming better because he leads them or whether they are simply becoming afraid of him. The higher God takes us, the more people our lives should be able to lift.
Another responsibility is to seek the welfare of the nation. Jeremiah 29:7 instructs God’s people to “seek the peace of the city and pray unto the LORD for it.” Christians should care about education, employment, security, healthcare, infrastructure, poverty and the future of the next generation. An entrepreneur can create opportunities. A teacher can shape responsible citizens. A professional can serve with excellence. A farmer can contribute to food security. A young person can use knowledge and skills to solve problems. Instead of asking only what Nigeria can give us, we should also ask what God can use us to contribute to Nigeria.
Finally, prayer must be joined with responsible participation. Scripture commands believers to pray “for kings and for all that are in authority” in 1 Timothy 2:1 to 2. However, prayer should never become an excuse for passivity. Nehemiah prayed for Jerusalem but he also became part of its rebuilding. Likewise, we should pray for Nigeria while being willing to contribute to her transformation through honest work, education, business, agriculture, technology, service, leadership and mentoring.
A transformed nation begins with transformed people. As Christians, we must be willing to let that transformation begin with us.
PRAYER
Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Holy Michael.
Heavenly Father, transform our hearts and make us instruments of righteousness, justice and peace. Help us to lead with humility, serve with integrity and contribute positively to our nation. Give our leaders wisdom and the fear of God, and let righteousness exalt our nation. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.