A Political Solution Is Not the Answer To A Spiritual Problem -Femi Adebayo

Spirituality?  Politics?  How can we mention these in the same breath?  Most people would say you can be either a spiritual seeker – or a political activist—but never both. For those caught in, “either/or” thinking, politics and spirituality seem worlds apart – two different arenas that should never be mixed or they produce deadly results – such as we see today with certain politicians trying to impose their religious beliefs on everyone else through public policies. 

But there’s a big difference between spirituality and religion. “Religion” refers to an organized institution and community of believers, with specific dogmas and practices. But spirituality relates to one’s inner, moral-centered life in relation to the Transcendent. It is concerned with qualities of the human spirit such as love and courage. Religion can help a person be spiritual, but spirituality isn’t dependent upon religion.  

Sometimes I fear that even many Christians think that the solution to Nigeria’s moral problems is a political one – to work at mainly changing the culture through legislation and sometimes litigation. I suggest that these social problems are spiritual ones – HEART ISSUES. The Bible doesn’t say to go into all the world and change the culture; we are told to:

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:1); Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:16)

Now as we follow this command, we are also told to 

…contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)

…in your hearts honour Christ and always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

We need to be reminded that God’s word states, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”. (Proverbs 23:7)

Hearts and minds change a culture. And that’s why the Scripture informs us that we are “the salt of the earth” Matthew 5:13 but it goes on to warn us that if the salt is contaminated, it is not good for anything. We are also instructed in Mark 9:50 to “have salt in yourselves.” You can’t be the salt until you have salt (and you need to have uncontaminated salt). 

If my people who are called by my name HUMBLE themselves and PRAY and SEEK my face and TURN from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicle 7:14)

Pastor Femi Adebayo, an apostle of godly character and spiritual development is the President of Club Abraham International (a nondenominational fellowship of developing man value, character and godliness).

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