By Obinna Azogu
There is alignment that is on going, involving stake holders in Nigeria to reinvent a better Nigeria.
The Better Nigeria Dream bears the loudest trumpet that it topples all other national discuss. It is providing meeting ground despite the diversities in our country. The Muslims, the traditionalist, the humanist, the animist, the occultist, the church goers and believers in Jesus Christ, the rich and the poor, all, and all find meeting ground on how to work out “The Better Nigeria Dream.” Some quarters are calling for secession.
Our nation’s stakholders are talking about building a better Nigeria. Industrial Nigeria. Freedom Nigerian. Good leadership Nigeria. Economically robust Nigeria. Modern Nigeria that would compete with economic and scientific world powers. A Democratic Nigeria. All of the above are worthy course. I desire same for my country Nigeria.
Friends, while I advocate, that we should join hands and must encourage all to build a better Nigeria, we must also, take critical note on ONE thing. The problem of man, – SIN.
The problem of man is not poverty. Not racism. Not bad leadership. Not greed. Not underdevelopment. Not crime and not terror. Sin is missing the mark – God’s mark.
Sin made man (both rich and poor) wretched (Romans 7:24).
According to Romans 3:23, will the efforts being made for Better Nigeria restore the lost glory sin rubbed off man?
This is my submission: If all our desire for Better Nigeria Dream is to live and enjoy a peaceful life in this world, then we (believers in Jesus Christ) have been ensnared. Why do I say so? The accounts in Luke 12:16-21 and 16: 25 vindicates my concerns. You may read it. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19).
We must be persuaded to conclude that sin is a reproach, not minding the economic or scientific advancement of the nation.
Do not exhaust you talents, time and life building a nation for man and Satan.
May the devil never (as in his manner) point humanity to your labour for the glory of Better Nigeria and boast that it “is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.” (Luke 4:5-7)
Lord, dear Father in heaven, make all Jesus Christ’ disciples bold, that we may intentionally be ABOUT our Fathers business. Having souls saved from sin and reconciled to You. Amen. Labour for a good Nigeria where the Gospel must thrive and increase.
The primary and most important assignment of the believer in Christ is the ministry of reconciling men to God. (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). We are not on earth to build a better society and let men die sinners, but, that all may be saved through what we do for humanity and in the world.
May our fate in labouring for Better Nigeria be not as the lamentation over Israel in Isaiah 5:1-7. The Lord’s intention is about saving man from sin.
Sin cost God His Son. The greatest price was paid for sin because sin is the problem of the whole world. The greatest news is “Saved from sin and reconciled to God.” And every other thing (good or bad) following in God’s will and plan, to God’s glory.
Grace be with you.
▪︎ Azogu, a minister of the gospel, is based in Owerri, Imo State