WHAT THESE TIMES DEMAND

by Deji Yesufu

The scriptures give credit to the children of Issachar because it was said of them that they had understanding of the times. They knew what Israel ought to do regardless of the situation their nation might be encountering (1Chronicle12:32). We have this recorded in scripture to show us that the wisdom for the times is vested in God’s covenant people: the Church. We are told that God saved us and made us his people in a world of darkness and sin so that we can make a difference. Jesus calls it being the salt of the earth. We see this as a duty to propagate the gospel of Christ, while at the same benefiting society and helping society get better – through scientific and political innovations. I mention political innovations because politics is today studied as a science where people learn how men are governed. While democracy remains the most accepted system of government in most nations today, the world did not always practice democracy. On the other hand, most nations were ruled by monarchs. In the middle ages some countries revolted against the monarchy system they ran and began experimenting with democracy. For example the Magna Carta was enacted in 1215 by the English people to limit the powers of King John of England. That document set the pace for the democratic election of a United Kingdom Prime Minister and making the monarchy a ceremonial head with very limited constitutional powers. This is an example of a people deciding how and who was to rule them – this would never have happened if they were apolitical.

Whether we like it or not we are all affected by good or bad governance. Thus these times demand that Christians be less apolitical and more interested in who and how they are governed. It  would be political suicidal for Christians to think that politics is dirty and refuse to be associated with political movements, especially as we venture towards the 2015 general elections. We must thank God for some few and bold believers who picked up the gauntlet and got involved in politics and are today helping to influence political decisions in the polity, but they are still very few. When political big-wigs of prominent political parties are mentioned, Christians can hardly be found in the first twenty. When presidential candidates are suggested, they turn out to be Muslims. Then to court the votes of Christians, a Christian is tagged along with him. Such an individual, who prior to that time did not occupy a significant position in the party, too many times turns out to be a political neophyte. Sometimes the Christian that is brought along in this position is not even a born-again Christian and so if he eventually gets into office he behaves just like the others, because his nominal profession of the faith cannot affect governance in any godly manner – this is outside the fact that the position of deputy is very much ceremonial in the Nigerian constitution.

Christians must pray for the political state of our nation. We must call upon God the Father to give us men and women who fear God, who are skilled and equipped for leadership positions. Then we must pray that God gives them wisdom to lead. However, we must not limit ourselves to prayer alone, because when we pray God speaks and in the process some of us may begin to realize our calling to be involved in politics. Those who feel called into politics must venture into it with boldness, knowing that they represent the King of kings and the host of heaven has their backing. They must also trust God for favour with men. These are the things that causes for God to turn the hearts of the electorate in their favour. Christians must be ready to work with Christians and non-Christians alike for political advantage. I do not believe this is being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Politics should be seen as service to humanity and if the motive of the Christian politician is to bring good to the people of a nation, he need not fear associating with so called unbelievers for the good of all. On the other hand it would be a veritable platform to show the world what Christianity really is and to influence many to the Christian faith. If a Christian does not see anything wrong with working with other non-Christians in the civil service, so that the society is properly run, then a Christian should not be condemned for associating with non-Christians in political organizations. When elected into office, the Christian must then bring his Christian character to bear in the execution of his political promises to the electorate. Nothing taints the gospel more than those who profess Christianity and claim even to be born-again, but whose actions deny this fact. When violence and corruption is the hallmark of a “Christian” and a non-Christian’s time in office, anyone can make whatever unpleasant deductions they want of them. And nothing blasphemes the name of the Lord more than when so called believers behave worse than unbelievers in public office.

Nigeria is in desperate times and it is in need of good men to save her. The wisdom to navigate the nation through these difficult times is in the church. Over the years Christian men and women have dominated and excelled in every sphere of our national life but unfortunately we have been found wanting in the political sphere. The good news is that it is not too late. Christian folks can still rise up and re-define the political atmosphere of Nigeria by being actively involved in it. When national problems are discussed, Christians must be found positing the best solutions. We must cease to think politics is dirty and refuse to be involved in it. If not we will allow the dregs of the society to rule the nation and we then have no right to complain. If at this time a Christian does not have a voter’s card and sees no qualms with not voting, such an individual should be called out for a resounding rebuke. It is preposterous and very unbecoming of such an individual. Unfortunately a great number of Christians are like this – they careless who rules them and they make no conscience about voting talk less of being voted for. This attitude must change or some day we will wake up to find a failed state on our hands. We owe it to our children and generations un-born that this nation works.