CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS (PART TWO)

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS (PART TWO)

MAIN TEXT:

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, the people mourn…” (Prov. 29:2).

INTRODUCTION:

            The cited Scripture for this piece underscores the fact that good governance is better achieved by Christians, whom the Holy Writ describes as the righteous (Matt. 25:37, I John 3:7), as well as God’s workmanship for good works, (Ephesians 2:10). It further implies that the absence of Christians from the government or politics of any society inevitably spells doom on the people, (Proverb 29:2). If the biblical expression above is anything to go by, it becomes irrational to assume that politics is unwholesome, and that Christians should not participate in it, since there is no other way Christians could get into authority in a democratic state without getting involved in politics. It is on the basis of the foregoing, therefore, that the writer holds out that;

CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT BE INDIFFERENT TO POLITICS

            Christian participation in politics is the actual involvement in the design and delivery of policies, as well as playing active roles in the electioneering process in a democracy. This should not be confused with the demands for more consultations or better redress of grievances. Therefore, against the negative concept that politics is dirty, and that Christians should have nothing to do with it, Christians should be part of the design and delivery of the policies that govern their society or nation. Where they fail to shape the society with their God-given values, they definitely will fall victim of grievances with the concomitant and endless agitation for redress. In view of the above, Christian should be part of the;

(i)            electioneering and law-making processes;

(ii)           decision-making and governing processes;

(iii)          building and rebuilding processes of their society or nation, etc.

POLITICS IN GOD’S MEANS OF FORMING GOVERNMENT

            The part (1) of this piece already stresses the view that government is God’s establishment, irrespective of who occupies it, (Romans 13:1) and that politics is a means through which governments are put in place. However, like every other institution in the world involving human beings (including the church), politics carries traces of human flaw. This, therefore, should not be a point for desertion, but for reforms through the efforts of men and women of good will. Christians deserting politics means leaving the institution in total darkness, (Matt. 5:16). This is a great disservice to God and humanity.

            Those who are afraid of the social vices that becloud the present day politics demonstrate faithlessness in the word of God, since the Scripture renders that darkness disappears whenever light surfaces, (John 1:5). This observation also casts doubt on those who claim they care Christian in politics without any trace of light in their political career, (John 8:12). By this, therefore, the writer contends that Christians should actively be involved in politics, since it is God’s way of;

(i)            enthroning governments that radiate His light in society, (Matt. 5:16; Rom. 13)1).

(ii)           organizing governments that organize the society to keep His ordinances, (verse 2);

(iii)          ensuring that governments that enforce law and order reign in society, (verses 3-4), etc.

CHRISTIANS SHOULD SHINE AS LIGHT IN POLITICS

            God desires that Christians always exert positive influence on those who live and work with them. This, Jesus indicates in His expression, “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven”, (Matthew 5:16). In other words, God expects Christians to lead the way in all facets of human endeavour, including politics. But today, one notices the opposite as most Christian politicians unfold their political intrigues. If one may ask, is the smear campaign aimed at destroying the reputation of political opponents part of the Christian light? Is election rigging that leads to false political mandate an example of good work? Is the advancing of false evidences in courts as way of holding onto false political mandate part of the Christian virtues? May God awaken the conscience(s) of the Christian politicians of this time?  

            It is unfortunate that political criminality is treated with levity in Nigeria, and so, the morality of our younger generations is outrageously destroyed. Tell our youths that examination malpractice is bad; they will tell you it carries the same principles with election rigging. Tell them that armed robbers risk capital punishment; they will tell you that political thieves like erstwhile Governors Ngige and Osunbor of Anambra and Edo States of Nigeria should have been first punished for political robbery. No doubt, the inglorious behaviour of the Christian politicians of today leaves nothing to be desired. In fact, it shows that many politicians who claim they are Christians;

(i)            are hypocrites who are not real to what they profess, (Matt. 15 verses 7-8);

(ii)           draw near to God with their lips, whereas, their hearts are far from Him, (verses 7-8);

(iii)          are not agents of light, but agents of darkness, (John 8:12), etc.

In conclusion, let the attention of the reader be drawn to a front page publication of the Spectator Newspaper of Friday, November 21 – Thursday, November 27, 2008 which remarks that, “Nigerians have for years watched in amazement, sometimes disbelief and even despair, as a strange phenomenon has manifested itself in the country. It’s none other than the practice of recycling leaders, a situation where the leadership of the country has been entrusted in the hands of a tiny clique, a cabal which keeps coming and going like a merry-go-round.

            But unlike an average merry-go-round which gives pleasure to those on it, the nation’s leadership recycling has brought nothing but bad governance and policies that have plagued the vast majority of Nigerians and given free rein to monumental corruption that is beyond comprehension”. This must be lawfully resisted, and active participation of Christians and other godly Nigerians in politics encouraged, to ensure that the righteous are put in places of authority for good governance that result in the happiness of the people, (Prov. 29:2). PRAY FOR CHANGE.