Some months ago, I attended a court wedding. While we waited outside for the intended couple to get on with their business inside, a couple of us formed a round table and went on from politics, Nigeria’s problem, to religion. Everyone had something to say so it was a hot conversation. I can’t categorically say that the rest of them pondered on the subjects, but I occasionally took a pause at intervals just to personally ask myself questions that were flying.
When he asked; IF THERE WAS NO PUNISHMENT OR REWARD SYSTEM, AND HEAVEN NOR HELL WASN’T REAL, WOULD YOU STILL SERVE DILLIGENTLY? I paused to ask myself, you won’t believe the answer that crossed my mind! I was shocked and embarrassed at my thoughts (thank God, people cant read minds!) from that day, I began to seriously see Christianity from a different perspective.
It’s not news, that the missionaries who sowed the seed of the now practised faith in our minds, laced it with the system of punishment (when you sin), and reward (when you obey) which instilled fear and caused us to only serve for the “reward” (I wouldn't hit a nail on the prosperity bench supposed believers sit on, because it’s already obvious, and doesn't need a paragraph of its own)
Until this year, I was floating on the clouds of misinformation like so many others still do. Growing up, after watching Hollywood and Nollywood movies alike, I got confused every time and asked myself “are we serving the same God? Is there a black JESUS?" Isn't it obvious why I asked?
I really do not want this to be a long post, so help me God, I’d try to be very specific.
I've been reading the fifteenth chapter of the book of 1Corinthians lately and in verse thirty-two through to thirty-three (1Corinth 15:32-33), Paul blatantly revealed the core, or the essence of his service. Personally, I anchor on that too but it’s more of my limitations that makes me serve. I need to be in the corner of HE whose love is unfailing, cares about my future more than I ever will, and certainly knows the end from the beginning, HE does not lie, and HE has got the best plans for me. Trust me, no insurance policy on earth can top that. So now, let heaven and hell be a myth(which isn’t by the way), my focus is way bigger!
You can only truly serve when you’ve been refined, because if you haven't been regenerated so HE can freely write his laws in your heart, you would struggle with a lot of fallacies. For instance, when the issue of tithing caused an uproar, a lot of believers were swayed, simply because they didn't have a clear perspective on that. Quick story, I was in a service once, and the pastor confidently said (not in verbatim) “he who isn’t consistent with tithing will die.” My sentiments? Outside Malachi, the new testament didn’t lay much emphasis on this (probably why, they all run to Malachi I guess). BUT, in Heb 7 where Abraham met Melchizedek and gave him a tenth of the spoils he got from the city he had conquered, it went on to say that Abraham was aware he was a priest, and thought to honor him. Because of his love for, and personal relationship with God.
You are all guilty of this, when you care about someone, you show this by “giving to them” it doesn't even matter if they'll ever have enough to pay you back, or even care about you as much. You just do it!
You can see why you’re struggling right? Paul said, the law has been perverted with sin, like the command God gave them in the garden was! You see why you should shift you focus from the “system” and work on your relationship???
The world is becoming chaotic and the voice of lies are becoming loud, God is saying to YOU;
“Come to me and I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my way, and see that I am gentle and easy to please, you will find rest in me. All that I require of you is pleasant and easy to bear.” MATT 11:28-30 (TPT)
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