I just watched a video clip on the above
topic. I am excited that Africa that was once ridiculed as the Dark Continent
is today the most religious continent of the world. The feeling of shame and
ignorance of the word and work of God has been replaced with pride and
exhilaration in the African context. Church buildings are exploding in every
corner of the continent. People are flooding the churches in droves. This
is something to be celebrated and rejoiced. While I receive this news with joy
and enthusiasm, I have some concerns about the way the Christian life is taught
and practiced in Africa. My concern is based on the endemic nature of
corruption, greed, and avarice that are deeply rooted in Africa. Most of
African politicians claim to be Christians. A few claim to be Muslims. The
mixed feelings I have concerning this information about Africa is that there is
a difference between "religion and relationship." The Book of Acts
records that the Apostle Paul was amazed to see and find out how religious the
people of Athens were (Acts 17:19-34). Paul was grieved and distressed by the
plethora of idols he saw in Athens. Upon this discovery, he proclaimed Christ
to the citizens of Athens.
While the African context is
different, we have to drill it into the mind and conscience of our people that
Christianity majors on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In other
words, Christianity is not about religion but relationship. It is a relationship
with a person. The person is Jesus Christ. Since Jesus Christ is a person to
whom Christians repose their confidence, faith, and allegiance, they are not
performing to be accepted by God. Religion is based on performance, but
Christianity is based on grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When this concept
is embraced and understood in the Christian community then, we come to realize
that how we live our lives matter to God and our fellow humans.
When this understanding of
Christianity is caught and applied then it can penetrate the lives of
Christians and the culture would feel its impact. The impact would affect how
we carry out our responsibilities as Christians and citizens of Africa. That
will affect the way we do our private work and the work of the government. I am
going somewhere with this thought. If the Christian worldview is translated into the
way we live our lives then, the corruption, the greed, and avarice of our
ministers and politicians would be curtailed. If you know that one day you
would stand before the judgment seat of Christ to render account of your life
to Him, then you would agree with me that you don't want to be found culpable
for corruption, greed, and avarice. Therefore, to my fellow Africans, let us
practice what we preach, for if we practice what we preach, then the Holy
Spirit would have unhindered access in our lives and our impact would be felt
and expanded because He would draw more people unto Himself.
