Truths and Transformations: Navigating Faith in a Dynamic World
Brace yourself for the read of a lifetime — this article is unparalleled!
You might think I’m aiming a bit high?
Well, I do enjoy a good challenge.
This article, though, is more than just ambitious. It's set to tackle a pressing issue for Christians in today's world—the dramatic cultural shifts we're experiencing.
We might not be the most eloquent, intelligent, or brave, but we are bearers of truth. This truth is inescapable, echoing the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:16,
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” and Jeremiah’s compelling statement in Jeremiah 20:9 about the irresistible urge to speak God’s word.
While it’s comforting to hold the truth, there’s a danger in the arrogance and division it can breed. This was highlighted in Matthew 23, where Jesus acknowledged the correctness of the Scribes and Pharisees who “sat on Moses’ seat.” Yet, He also criticized their hypocrisy and their burdensome approach to religion.
My aim is to provoke thought, not just on ‘them,’ but on ‘us’ — drawing parallels between the Pharisees and modern-day believers. It’s a reminder that being close to truth isn’t enough; how we embody and share that truth is what truly counts.
As we delve into these modern dilemmas, it’s enlightening to turn to the ancient wisdom found in the Bible. For instance, a Pharisee, offering prudent advice…
Gamaliel’s Prudent Approach
In the book of Acts, specifically in Acts 5:34–39, it is Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a respected teacher of the law, who cautions against persecuting the apostles. He advises the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council) to be careful in dealing with the followers of Jesus. Gamaliel argues that if their work is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is from God, they will not be able to stop it and would be fighting against God. This perspective demonstrates a prudent and cautious approach to not only modern religious movements but ideologies that we do not resonate with.
With Gamaliel’s wisdom in mind, we turn to another transformative tale from the Bible, one that starkly mirrors our own potential for change.
The Power of Personal Transformation
Speaking of transformation, let’s shift our gaze to another fascinating biblical figure whose life story offers profound insights into change and redemption.
Saul’s early life is a powerful story of transformation, vividly illustrated in the Bible. Initially, Saul was a fierce persecutor of Christians. One notable incident was when he watched over the garments of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to death (Acts 7:58). This act symbolizes how Saul’s early influences shaped his antagonistic stance towards Christians.
It’s often said that many people learn to hate at a young age, and this can escalate into adulthood. Saul’s early actions remind us to be wary of those known more for their opposition than for love. This is crucial because, while Saul never directly persecuted Jesus, his actions against Jesus’ followers were seen as persecution of Jesus Himself. This is starkly highlighted when Jesus confronts Saul on his way to Damascus, asking, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). This moment teaches us to be cautious in our opposition, as we might inadvertently oppose what is divine.
The most stunning part of Saul’s story is his transformation. After being struck blind by a divine light, God instructs Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to heal Saul (Acts 9:10–18). Ananias’ role is pivotal yet often overlooked. Post his miraculous healing and conversion, Saul, who becomes known as Paul, goes on to write,
“I pray that the eyes of your understanding being enlightened…” (Ephesians 1:18).
Coming from someone who once actively persecuted Christians, now praying for others’ enlightenment, is profoundly moving.
Paul’s story is a testament to the power of change. Once a man who would be considered a terrorist by today’s standards, he was transformed into an apostle who contributed significantly to the New Testament. This narrative serves as a reminder of the incredible ways in which individuals can change and positively impact the world, irrespective of their past.
Contemporary Reflections on Leadership and Faith
From these ancient narratives, we pivot to a more recent scenario that resonates with similar themes of leadership, faith, and public perception.
Last month, I celebrated American Thanksgiving with some new friends, and our conversation flowed through a myriad of topics: from dating and marriage to parenting, careers, and politics. When the topic turned to the last Nigerian election, the atmosphere charged with tension. We had sharply divergent views, especially concerning Nigeria’s elected president, Tinubu.
In my view, Tinubu stood out as the most capable leader among the candidates. As a Christian, I feel that despite the allegations against him, he embodies more Christian virtues than many who loudly profess their faith. It felt like divine intervention when he won. The odds seemed overwhelmingly against him, but there’s a power in speaking success into existence, and Tinubu did just that. He declared his victory, and against all odds, he won.
Some of my friends argued that the election was rigged in his favor, but I couldn’t disagree more. To anyone with a nuanced understanding of Nigeria’s political and electoral landscape, his victory seemed inevitable. Whether one likes him or not, one has to acknowledge that his path to the presidency seemed almost divinely ordained. Left to his own devices, he might have faltered.
After his victory, some have tried to invalidate his win. However, the Bible teaches us to respect authority, and in this context, it feels particularly un-Christian to challenge the leadership so vehemently simply because one’s preferred candidate didn’t win. The courts have confirmed Tinubu’s presidency, and it seems only logical that people should accept this and move on.
Yet, the dissent continues, especially on social media. Every action by the government is met with criticism for criticism’s sake. This relentless disparagement seems disrespectful and even arrogant, as if to say one knows better than those in charge. I often reflect on Paul’s prayer in these moments, hoping that people’s understanding might be enlightened, to see beyond their biases and recognize that good leadership benefits everyone.
As we reflect on modern leadership through the story of Tinubu, it’s important to anchor our understanding in the scriptural teachings about authority and virtue.
Authority and Virtue: A Scriptural Standpoint
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Romans 13:1–2 offers a scriptural foundation for understanding authority.
Reflecting on Tinubu’s leadership through the lens of Vincent Uba’s insights, we see a contrast between public declarations of faith and actual deeds. This juxtaposition invites us to reevaluate our understanding of true Christian virtues, especially in the realm of politics and public life.
Uba’s article highlights how some churches and their leaders may have strayed from the core Christian values of love, tolerance, and charity, especially during the election period. He reflects on the biblical passage,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
This verse underlines the idea that true Christian faith is demonstrated through actions in accordance with God’s will, not just through words or public declarations of faith.
Uba’s observations align with the notion that an individual’s actions, particularly those of charity and inclusivity, are more indicative of their adherence to Christian virtues than public proclamations or alignment with religious groups. This perspective reinforces the view that Bola Tinubu, through his actions, may indeed embody more Christian virtues than many who loudly profess their faith.
David and Moses: Lessons in Forgiveness and Redemption
Our exploration of leadership and virtue naturally leads us to revisit some of the Bible’s more ‘colorful’ characters, whose stories offer timeless lessons on forgiveness and transformation.
First, we have King David, who really went for the dramatics in his life story. Not only did he have an affair with Bathsheba, but he also arranged for her husband, Uriah, to be killed in battle — talk about taking things a step too far!
It’s like he missed the memo on ‘how to be a king 101’.
Yet, despite these soap-opera-worthy antics, God called David “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22). That’s divine tolerance on a whole new level!
Then there’s Moses. Before he was parting seas and chatting with burning bushes, he had a bit of a temper issue. He killed an Egyptian and had to skedaddle into the desert for a few decades (Exodus 2:12). But, lo and behold, God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It seems God has a knack for picking people with, let’s say, ‘interesting’ resumes.
What these stories really highlight is that no one is beyond redemption or transformation. If you think your past mistakes put you in the ‘bad books,’ just remember David and Moses. They went from ‘zero to hero,’ proving that anyone can turn their life around.
This isn’t just ancient history; look around you. You probably know people who’ve made massive changes in their lives, rising from obscurity to greatness. It’s like a real-life superhero origin story, minus the capes and spandex. More importantly, these stories teach us about forgiveness and transformative power of God.
Conclusion: Embracing Change and Growth in Faith
In wrapping up this year 2023 through biblical and contemporary narratives, we come to see the unifying theme of transformation, forgiveness, and growth. As we navigate our ever-changing world, these stories remind us of the enduring power of faith and the potential within each of us for positive change.
Reflecting on these narratives leads us to a critical introspection: a pivotal question stands out: How do we embody our Christianity in the modern world? This isn’t just about following doctrine; it’s about introspection and action. Are we agents of change like Paul, or do we sometimes echo the Pharisees, correct in belief but lacking in empathy?
Let this exploration be a catalyst for self-examination, encouraging us to live our faith actively and thoughtfully. In our journey of faith, may we strive to be more mindful and authentic in our actions, ensuring that they resonate with the core values of Christianity.
As we conclude, consider this: our faith is not just a historical narrative but a living, evolving journey. May we each find our path to embodying a faith that is as relevant and transformative today as it has ever been.
****For your listening Pleasure 🎧*****
