OPEN LETTER TO THE CHRISTIANS:
THE REAL COST OF LIVING IN PEACE.
This write-up is not the usual persuasive
and methodical campaign kind; this is saying the truth the way it is,
addressing real issues the way they deserve and confronting our challenges as
they come. I have to do this because I am involved and a stakeholder in this
project. People often get confused of the difference between Faith and
religion, but such confusions bring more pains and work against peace, rather
than for peace.
I have received different accusations,
condemnations and even judgments from Christians, though some have sincere
concerns but there are some who I now see as trying to be more pious than the
Pope; trying to make everyone follow their path instead of following Christ.
Engr Seyi Makinde has come under several judgmental comments because he dared
to dress like a Muslim and identify with majority of his followers. I am not
surprised at these unpleasant attitude but it came earlier than anticipated; I
was expecting it after he emerges as Candidate. There are fifth columnists in
the Church and since there are APC-Church services in Agodi House every week,
with good 'handouts' after the service, I am not too surprised about this usual
unscriptural assessments of a man that knows where he's going and how to get
there.
Though the bible says that we should count
it all joy when we fall into divers temptations (James1:2-3), when we are
condemned for righteousness sake, we are blessed (Mt 5:10) and that we should
not suffer as evil doers (1 Peter 4:5). I know some churches have dress codes
as part of their fundamental doctrines but we all know they are denominations
doctrinal issues and not necessarily criterion for heaven. There are divisions
among us because we are too judgmental and will point hands at the dust in
someone’s eyes while we have logs in your own (Mt 7:3). However, to condemn
someone because his dressing indicates his affinity to another religion; not
because of conducts or quoted words are rather ephemeral and shallow. Neither
our Lord Jesus nor Apostle Paul condemned anyone’s dressing because such are
determined by cultures and climates. If it’s the attire that determines the
religion, then there are no Christians in Nigeria because I have never seen
anyone dress like a Jew, not even our revered Clergymen. The bible implores us
to live peaceably with all men (Rom 12:18) but I have discovered that many
Nigeria leaders want to live in peace at no cost. We have generated more
tensions and violence through careless talks and conducts. As politicians, we
must walk our talk and the demands of the present challenges in the country
demand for leaders with big hearts and religious tolerance.
Again, I say unto you that I am not
surprised, at least Jesus Christ was once accused of possessing demons because
he performed miracles and Paul was condemned for fellowshipping with the
Gentiles. As much as Engr Seyi Makinde would make sure his good intentions are
not evil spoken of, we will not desist from doing good deeds and promoting our
believes of peaceful coexistence because some people that are zealous without
knowledge condemned our actions. Perhaps if we had leaders like Engr Seyi
Makinde, with big hearts and religious tolerance, we would not be in crises
with religious insurgents.
We are politicians with a difference, we
want to convince people we are different and our approach to issues are
different. We would be very glad if our motives are understood but deliberate
misunderstanding will not be sufficient to make us be weary in well doing. We
want your votes but not because of religion, rather we have something far
better to offer the people and we have started from methodical campaign.
It is not what we wear or eat that confirms
our religion but what we profess and our general conducts (Romans 10:10). Engr
Seyi Makinde will not seek elective office at expense of his faith and will not
make his religion the basis of election. Please, let us be doers of the words,
not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. It is not enough to pray for peace in
Nigeria, we must be willing to pay the price for the peace we desire.
God shall bind the body of Christ in
Nigeria together with the cord of love and give us the peace we desire. Amen.
Adeniyi Rotimi Johnson
Social Media Administrator
@ OmTitun House
Social Media Administrator
@ OmTitun House
