[dropcap]A[/dropcap]pology for the title but I mean it. Like our roads, unfortunately the integrity of Naga Christians has come under the scanner of the outsiders. Even I plead guilty. Undoubtedly there are other reasons too but here I’m pointing out some why we are unable to withstand even the first rain: 1. NOT ROOTED: Just as the ground should be adequately dug to lay the foundation of a road, we must dig into the scriptures if we want our faith to be strong. In order for a believer to remain steadfast, one must read the scriptures regularly and get rooted in the Word. Let us remember that it is our daily bread and not some kind of a ‘google’ to turn to especially when we get speaking engagement or when bad times strike. Our life as a Christian will not grow as long as our bible remains dusty or new. Reducing it to just a mere showpiece on the bookshelf or something to hold when going to church is like ‘lipstick service.’
2. WEAK BOND: Prayer is the glue (tar/bitumen) that binds us to God. It is the only means that keeps us connected with God. In fact without it there is no Christian life. A victorious Christian is a praying Christian. It is our only weapon against the adversaries. Someone has rightly said that the only thing satan is scared of is when a weak saint (sinner) get down on his knees to pray. The bible commands us to be prayerful at all times (I Thess. 5: 17) But very sadly many of us pray only in times of need and crises. We have turned it into a ‘begging tool.’ While others fast for days and months, today many of our churches have even reduced prayer and fasting day to a few hours affair only and we want blessings.
3. LACK MAINTENANCE: Nothing is permanent. Doing once is not enough; there should always be maintenance because things rot. People who succeed in life are those who maintain momentum. Even our spiritual life needs maintenance. We have to maintain our relationship with God consistently. As someone puts it, “Discovering God in life is not the end but the beginning of the journey.” Accepting Jesus in life, reading the bible or going to church is not complete. Remember we worship a living God. We must continually listen, communicate and live according to his will.
4. LOW STANDARD: Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30-31) Have we made him the centre (heart) of our life? Do we love him with all of us (soul)? Have we really understood who God is/are our thoughts pure (mind)? Are we actively carrying out his will or lazy (strength)? Are we following divine instructions? We seriously need to raise our standard of faith. It’s high time we acknowledge him both in spirit and action. We should start worshipping him for who he really is and not for the sake of blessings or save from calamities alone.
Allen Imsong
Billy Graham Road
Kohima
