Will God Save Nigeria?
May I arrest your attention for a few moments to suggest some answers about why Nigeria/the World faces moral bankruptcy? Oh, that we would be awakened to the judgement upon evil! I speak primarily to Nigeria, but let all others listen and learn. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17). The alternative is Repent. We will experience either a moral and spiritual revival, or the judgement of Almighty God. God only knows whether the hour is already too late.
In contrast to God’s dealings with the nations of antiquity under the old covenant, today God has no special relationship with any nation under the new covenant. (Acts 15:9; Romans 3:22; 10:12.) But some principles still hold true: one of these is “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34.) The problem is sin, and sin is the transgression of God’s holy laws. People sin not only when they steer jets into skyscrapers, but also when they love money, kill unborn babies, revel in drunkenness, take another man’s wife, withhold workers’ wages and so forth. It makes no difference which of God’s holy laws mankind violates, sin is a reproach to that people. God may not preserve Nigeria as a nation – only He knows whether that will be a part of His all wise agenda. But that is not the point. We know that the final judgement will be based on personal accountability. The Bible says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12). God will not compare Nigeria with South Africa, nor U.K. with America. Neither will a whole nation be saved or punished because of one man, or a particular group of men. Each person will give an account of himself to God. So that is where we must focus any attempt at adjustment. Individuals must repent before there will be any recovery. Therefore, rather than focus on the problem of government or others, we need to look at some basics in our own lives.
A. Honesty: provide things honest in the sight of all men. A banker recently said that he does not expect most of his customers to tell the truth. Consider all the untold extortion, embezzlement and fraudulent misuse of government funds. We see that honesty has been lost. But people excuse themselves and say ‘everyone does it.’ True followers of Jesus do not cheat. An honest person will lose money, reputation, or life, rather than tell a lie.
B. Work Ethics: “If any would not work, neither should he eat. Let every able-bodied man do an honest day’s labour for his pay. And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23). Many stumble at these Bible answers because they are so simple.
C. Morals: “Keep thyself pure. Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” Purity to many people is a joke. But the path of impurity leads to death. Venereal disease is only the beginning of God’s judgement on immorality today. Who can find a virtuous woman? Who goes to the marriage altar morally pure today? Whatever happened to modesty and propriety in dress and conduct? Where are the solid, happy marriage unions as God planned them to be? The true child of God can testify of great satisfaction, of an abundant, full life when he keeps himself from the filth of this world and takes God’s way. Satisfaction and fulfilment can be yours. God will have mercy upon you if you take His way. Parents, we must teach these and other basics in our home both by precept and example. How can we teach our children honesty if we cheat on our tax returns, or in our business dealings with our fellow man? How can we teach our children the work ethic if we have the philosophy, ‘Get as much money as you can for as little work as possible’? The word of God says “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not unto men.” (Col. 3:23). Fathers, how shall we teach our sons moral purity if we are engaging in extra-marital affairs or obscene talk? How shall we keep our youths from drug and alcohol addiction if we ourselves are relying on cigarettes and beer to soothe our nerves? Mothers, you must teach your daughter the demoralizing effect that exposing her body will have on the opposite sex. Then, by God’s grace, show her how to properly clothe and conduct herself so that she encourages good behaviour and not evil. Teach her how to contribute to society by the expressions of a godly spirit. Then her influence will reach into eternity.
Oh, beloved and dear parents, wherever you are, go home, get on your knees with your family and cry to God for mercy. Remember, “Neither is there salvation in any other.” (Acts 4:12). “Whoever accepts him, those who believe in His Name, to them he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12). Fathers, Mothers and children, if you take your proper place in the family unit, you can build for God. Get back to Bible basics. God and His ways are the only hope for the salvation of ourselves, our families and Ecclesia. Will God save Nigeria? He only knows whether He does or does not. We can be saved, and you can help to save your family ... Noah did just that.
Bro Gaius Egwu (Ohafia Nigeria)
