PREACHERS AND POLITICIANS: PRESERVING THE ALTAR FROM CORRUPTION

I recently did an extensive Bible study on how spiritual leaders treated political leaders. I focused on spiritual leaders like Samuel, Elisha, Moses, Isaiah and more. What I found was revealing. I will share it with you in this piece I titled Preachers and politicians: preserving the altar from corruption

This research was caused by what I see of some of our Church leaders who have turned themselves into slaves of politicians.

STATE OF THE CHURCH

So many so-called Church leaders are ruled by their bellies such that they have become so powerless, their altars without fire, the words in their mouths without the anointing.

Their vision is obfuscated, their commission, contaminated and their inheritance in suspended animation, all because they have subdued their altars under the whims and caprices of their bellies and what to gain from the powers that be.

No wonder the current generation of Christians is sullied and weak. Like altars, like pews! As a journalist and a keen observer of the Church, I am so shocked by what I see and hear some so-called top church leaders do.

Most of these stories are in the public space. Some have moved offices to state houses where they become prayer contractors to state governors.

Some Church leaders have become the mouthpieces of governors, ministers, and local govt chairs. You find some church leaders justifying the actions of presidents, state governors and politicians.

There is this preacher who constantly defended the governor of his state. He marketed this governor even when EFCC was shouting that this governor was a big-time rogue.

Today, that governor is in jail abroad! In that same state, a reverend of one of the orthodox churches in the home town of this same governor was telling his members to emulate the governor!

Such messages from the Church and so-called men of God! It is sad. Certainly, the judgment of God must start from the altar, from the church!

KIRK FRANKLIN: A RUDE EXPERIENCE

Before I continue, let me share with you what I saw on TV some years ago. I am sure you know Kirk Franklin, the American musician. While in Nigeria to promote his music, he was on a tour of one of the South-South states, and i guess his handlers were taking him around Churches to perform his songs.

On getting to this church, (I refuse to name the church and the pastor. Let’s forgive him) … the pastor, who was already preaching, immediately saw Kirk enter, he suddenly burst into shouts of KIRK FRAAANKLINNNNNN… KIRK FRANKLIN IN MY CHURCH… KIRK FRANKLIN IN MY CHURCH… KIRK FRANKLIN IN MY CHURCH. He ran from the altar to embrace Kirk, and immediately handed him the microphone to sing.

Do you understand what I am saying? A pastor was preaching, Kirk Franklin came in. I thought there should be procedures during Church service.

This man abandoned his message, the altar and began to shout Kirk Franklin. Now, what would he do if it was Jonathan or … Obama? He would roll on the floor, abi? And it was telecast like that.

I thought the audio-visual department ought to have edited that portion out! That is the state of some Nigerian Churches. Celebrating inanities. Majoring in minors and minoring in majors!

But in checking the Bible to see the state of mind of the Prophets of old vis-à-vis their political leaders, I will cite the example of Elisha and the political leader called Naaman.

TWO PASTORS EMERGE GOVERNORS-ELECT

Naaman was a General in the Syrian army. He came to see Elisha for healing. Can you imagine the gifts, money, silver, gold, clothes, food, cars, etc, that desperate Naaman could have brought for Elisha? If Elisha were to be a Nigerian person, he would go nuts over Naaman’s visit!

Checked out Elisha properly: he wouldn’t see people unnecessarily. He would rather send messages, just as he did to Naaman … to go take shower in a river.

Look at this, when Naaman was coming, he must be with pride and high expectations. Kai, shege! Na me, General Naaman! Chief of Army Staff, Federal Republic of Syria, former GOC, First Mechanised Division, former Military Attaché to the Syrian embassy in the US, etc, etc.

He would be expecting a gala welcome. The red carpets. The Prophet waiting for him at the gate of his church, with protocols and ushers at attention. But no. This Prophet no send. He did not come out. He sent a message.
“Prophet say make you go bath for River Jordan seven times!
Naaman would say.. “Wont he see me? I am General Naaman, fsp, css, cnn, tvc, ait, ibb…
“Ah, the man no dey see people o. He is too busy praying and reading the bible.
“What about the gifts? I have cars, gold, silver …
“Ah… e no dey take Egunje o. This prophet no get swagger!

MENTORING MASTERCLASS: HOW TO IDENTIFY THE TRUE CHURCH

Naaman would be immediately humbled. All his pride deflated. If Nigerian church leaders do this to politicians, they would fear God. They would respect the church. But it is sad… the church has lost face.

Some Nigerian churchmen will die for Naaman’s neck! They would tell him of their building projects. The university project. The orphanage. Jerusalem they want to go next year, etc.

Some Churches will withhold the Sunday service if General Naaman didn’t come on time. All the church ushers are in trouble that day. The Protocols will sow new garments.

WARNING

Listen to me, I am not saying Churches should not honour political leaders but don’t drag the Church, the anointing and the sacredness of the altar in the mud.

Take another look at Samuel when he went to the house of Jesse in Bethlehem. The people trembled on seeing him. Why? The likes of Samuel knew and had respect for the anointing of their calling.

So they set themselves apart. Samuel went to the House of Jesse to perform a duty he was sent of God. Not a frivolous courtesy visit. He did not even sit down in Jesse’s house. They don’t become slaves to politicians or anybody at all.

What about the Prophet, Nathan, who went to see David? He spoke point-blank and left. Isaiah to Hezekiah, he spoke point-blank and left.

Some Nigerian Church leaders will speak and remain there for gratification. Elisha rejected any gratification from Naaman. Gehazi who went behind to collect it did not inflict trauma on himself alone, but on his generations.

Today, he is a bad example that no one dares to bear that name… or have you seen a Gehazi?

Stay Connected to God and remain scarce. Only appear before political leaders when either God sent you, or they send for you.

Or during Important National, Regional, or community interests to represent. Otherwise, stay away. Stop dragging the church in the mud!