I recall how my Asian neighbours used to bring me their local food many years ago, until one day, they discovered that I wasn’t eating the food.
If you know me well, you would also know how adventurous I can be with foods. But because their religion was different to mine and I was trying to be a good Christian by not getting too close to them, I couldn’t eat the food. As a result, I missed the opportunity to build a positive relationship with them. I let my devotion to religion distort my reasoning and ability to love them way they loved me. Which was a shame since I should have been the one showing that depth of love.
Also, I remember sitting uncomfortably behind someone covered in tatoo on a bus many years ago. His appearance was odd, and I had already deduced that he must be wicked. I had started weighing on his lifestyle with all kinds of imaginations until he suddenly got into conversation with someone sitting next to him in a way that only a mature Christian could have done. His expression of grace during that short conversation stuck with me to date. I knew immediately how sinful my heart was and I was burdened with the guilt for a very long time. Many of us may have had similar situations.
Naturally, someone with a strong religious conviction might become closed-minded and unwilling to reason with facts. Christianity notwithstanding.
Like many other global religions, Christianity, though flawless and perfect was exploited economically and politically for many years. Regrettably, little has changed in this regard. The hatred and bigotry planted within us by our exploiters are far more subtle now than they ever were but, still present and consuming. Our sentimental glory-seeking debate can not elevate Christ. Rather, they weaken our testimony and misrepresent the Christ of the Bible.
The world is changing very rapidly and if care is not taken, we can easily become invisible if we keep holding on to this self righteous mindset. I can guarantee you that this is not Christianity. God's gospel plan is far more important than anyone's self-preservation or short-sightedness.
Being relevant is a choice. Let us make a decision to engage our world.
Shalom
Korede Fagbolade
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