Christianity practiced in many African countries, and sometimes even by Africans in Western countries, can sometimes leave one confused. On one hand, there is the almost unanimous acknowledgment of God, and on the other hand, there is a dominant shallow experience of that God. Almost every African I know identifies as a Christian and is religious to some extent, however, it is only a very small percentage that live committed and uncompromising Christian lives. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not judging (condemning anyone to a particular fate)...I am just making an observation. The Bible says "By their fruits, we shall know them" (Matthew 7:16), and I believe this is something we ought to talk more openly about because salvation (eternal life) is at stake! What do we honestly stand to gain by "playing" Christians without a true relationship with Jesus?
Hosea 11:7 "My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him." NKJV
Are we like the Israelites in this passage? Do we call on God (going to church etc.) and yet fail to exalt Him (living righteously)? Think about it, how many Francis Chans or John Pipers do you know in African Christian circles? I am talking about people that challenge you to literally and completely live for Jesus, viewing this world as temporary and not home. Not only with their words but also with how they live. Our most popular preachers rather happen to be those living in extreme extravagance. And yet they are surrounded by heart-wrenching poverty. Poverty is indeed our biggest asset and also our biggest liability. While poverty draws us to God in hopes of having our needs met, it also prevents us from truly seeking God. We usually end up desiring the gifts, not the Giver. That is why prosperity preachers are so successful in Africa.
Religion is a very important part of most African cultures, Christianity and Islam being the most practiced. Cameroon is one of many African countries where almost everyone is raised religiously. The missionaries are long gone, but there is no doubt that their message took root. However, what is sad is the fact that our Christianity most often does not go beyond a cultural experience. How many people hold leadership positions in church and yet give bribes here and there (living dishonestly)? Married men with girlfriends, and sometimes even whole families outside, are committed church members. Promiscuity in youth groups and choirs is quite prevalent. Without remorse and without making an effort to stop, these things and many others are happening among Christians. And most of our church leaders are either too ignorant or too cowardly to address them.
This reality truly does break my heart and is something I hope we can work together as the Church to change. None of us is perfect and the process of sanctification (being transformed into Christ-likeness) is indeed a lifelong one, however a Christian does not and should not delight in sin. As I mentioned in Art of Repentance, one who loves Christ must abhor unrighteousness.
James 2:10 "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." NKJV
Revelations 3:16 "So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." NKJV
God has already made it quite clear that Christianity (Salvation) is an all-or-nothing deal. One sin in our lives is not okay just because we are obedient in regard to every other law. We cannot have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. We cannot go to church regularly and yet gossip, fornicate, lie, hold grudges, and mistreat others unrepentantly. So my challenge to us all today is to honestly examine our lives and our hearts.
Is there sin in my life that I'm justifying or ignoring?
Why am I a Christian?
What is my reaction to sin in my life or sin around me?
Let us pray for the grace to delight only in that which is righteous, and the boldness and wisdom to be the voice of change in our own churches and communities.
One question however plagues me as a result of this paradox: Is it better to have a religious majority or a righteous minority? What do you think?
Hosea 11:7 "My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, none at all exalt Him." NKJV
Are we like the Israelites in this passage? Do we call on God (going to church etc.) and yet fail to exalt Him (living righteously)? Think about it, how many Francis Chans or John Pipers do you know in African Christian circles? I am talking about people that challenge you to literally and completely live for Jesus, viewing this world as temporary and not home. Not only with their words but also with how they live. Our most popular preachers rather happen to be those living in extreme extravagance. And yet they are surrounded by heart-wrenching poverty. Poverty is indeed our biggest asset and also our biggest liability. While poverty draws us to God in hopes of having our needs met, it also prevents us from truly seeking God. We usually end up desiring the gifts, not the Giver. That is why prosperity preachers are so successful in Africa.
Religion is a very important part of most African cultures, Christianity and Islam being the most practiced. Cameroon is one of many African countries where almost everyone is raised religiously. The missionaries are long gone, but there is no doubt that their message took root. However, what is sad is the fact that our Christianity most often does not go beyond a cultural experience. How many people hold leadership positions in church and yet give bribes here and there (living dishonestly)? Married men with girlfriends, and sometimes even whole families outside, are committed church members. Promiscuity in youth groups and choirs is quite prevalent. Without remorse and without making an effort to stop, these things and many others are happening among Christians. And most of our church leaders are either too ignorant or too cowardly to address them.
This reality truly does break my heart and is something I hope we can work together as the Church to change. None of us is perfect and the process of sanctification (being transformed into Christ-likeness) is indeed a lifelong one, however a Christian does not and should not delight in sin. As I mentioned in Art of Repentance, one who loves Christ must abhor unrighteousness.
James 2:10 "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." NKJV
Revelations 3:16 "So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." NKJV
God has already made it quite clear that Christianity (Salvation) is an all-or-nothing deal. One sin in our lives is not okay just because we are obedient in regard to every other law. We cannot have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. We cannot go to church regularly and yet gossip, fornicate, lie, hold grudges, and mistreat others unrepentantly. So my challenge to us all today is to honestly examine our lives and our hearts.
Is there sin in my life that I'm justifying or ignoring?
Why am I a Christian?
What is my reaction to sin in my life or sin around me?
Let us pray for the grace to delight only in that which is righteous, and the boldness and wisdom to be the voice of change in our own churches and communities.
One question however plagues me as a result of this paradox: Is it better to have a religious majority or a righteous minority? What do you think?
Hard as it is both... in the hope that the religious majority will gravitate towards the righteous minority by His Grace.
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