21 For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
Dear people of God, as we see in today’s Holy Bible reading, Paul the Apostle was concerned about his integrity before God and before men.
He was concerned that no one should have cause to find anything to blame him concerning administration of a contribution the church made for another Group of Christians.
What can we say about a number of Christians today concerning administration of funds contributed by others for a particular purpose?
All over Africa in particular, we find people complaining about unemployment. When you dig further, what you see as the underlying cause is the abhorring level of distrust and dishonesty amongst many people starting from one’s own family members to relatives to friends, acquaintances and employers and employees of public and private sector organizations.
You find a high level of disgraceful dishonesty even amongst the clergy and pastors. Everyone is so desperate about money and wealth that they are ready to damn their very souls even when God’s Word warns against this.
On the other hand, when you go to non-African countries where it is known that their economies are doing much better, you see collaboration and cooperation at various levels to get things done.
It is not that there is no corruption in these places but it is NOT a CULTURE as we have it in Africa at every level of societal life.
Look at what God’s Word says in 1 Timothy 6:10-12, “For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold of the eternal life to which you were summoned and [for which] you confessed the good confession [of faith] before many witnesses.”
Even with this warning to Christians, why do many people behave as if there is no God?
I reside in Nigeria and so I can state categorically that there is hardly any government agency here whether at Federal, State or Local Government level that you can get a service without having to part with money to “facilitate the transaction”.
Even when their official website states that the service is FREE of charge, you would be forced to part with money otherwise you won’t get the service. When you challenge them, they laugh at you and make you look as if you are living on another planet.
This filthy culture has permeated all strata of society and the civil authorities do not care a hoot about it and so to whom do you run to make a report?
Even if people think nothing can happen to them, I want to remind them that something can and would eventually happen to them, which is the judgement of God that is soon coming over this earth in a manner that would shock people beyond what they could ever have imagined.
This is a warning especially to people who profess Christianity but still engage in financial fraud, extortion, embezzlement, over invoicing, gratification, bribery, corruption, etc.
When Jesus Christ comes very shortly, do not think that because you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you automatically qualify to be raptured.
Yes, Christ died for you and all mankind and you believe that.
However, the same Christ has said, if you love Me, you will keep (obey) my commandments – John 14:15.
If Christ has commanded you to be righteous and to live a holy life, then you must obey Him to qualify to enter heaven or to go at Rapture when He returns shortly.
A Word is enough for the wise.
May the good Lord bless you as you heed His Word today, act on it and share with others in Jesus’ Most Righteous Name, Amen.
Gabriel Ama.
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