Christianity or the whole idea of RELIGION is being challenged today by a demand for practical results bordering on satisfaction of basic human needs. Those who emphasize this practical religion insist that Christ did not just come to teach us how to pray and worship, he also came to teach us how to take care of the poor and needy. Although this mentality smacks of secularism and denial of the sacred, at the same token, it is not something we should ignore outrightly especially in our clime, where majority of the people are in need of basic necessities.
Jesus himself reminded us that we are “salt of the earth and light of the works” ( Matt 5:12-16). That It is to the extent we are able to show practical religion, that determines how we become salt and light. The people of Israel thought they were a Light in the world, because of their grand solemn ceremonies in the temple; they were wrong. God is interested in practical works of mercy and love and that was the light he wanted to see shining on his people.
The Prophet Isaiah commands the people thus: share your bread with the hungry, bring the homeless poor into your house, cloth the naked, be your own brother or sisters keeper, stop pointing the accusing finger, speaking wickedness and increasing the yoke of pain and suffering for others (Isaiah 58: 7-10). These are the things that fail to make our light shine and our prayers heard (verse 9). Christianity is not just about going to church or attending grand religious ceremonies, but also about coming to the aid of those who truly need us. Unfortunately, many deceive themselves that they are religious, when all they do is fuel trouble in their families, congregations or communities; knocking heads together, causing anxiety among peoples, and heightening the problems of poor people by their half-educated principles.
If your worship of God or church attendance is not followed up with concrete acts of charity, or worse still, by wicked acts, you are a church goer who also doubles as a trouble shooter. As someone once said, No religion in the world is greater than kindness. No scripture is deeper than compassion. No ritual is holier than love. Your beliefs may guide you, your traditions may shape you, but what truly defines you is how you treat others. Don’t just preach your religion – live its essence. Don’t just quote verses – embody their meaning. Don’t just identify with a label – let your humanity speak louder than words. St Paul warns us that our faith should not rest on “human wisdom, but on the power of God” (1 Cor 2: 1-5). Human wisdom is when we are always rationalising, condemning and judging others at the slightest provocation; when we confuse people with our education, oratory and privileged positions. It is better to use the power of God in life because human wisdom can disappoint us.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Peter Obele Abue, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/With