There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.
Henry David Thoreau
This is probably going to be one of the most difficult blogs I will ever write simply because the truth contained herein is mind boggling and requires for me (and I believe everyone reading too) to take a step back and reevaluate not just our country’s course but our lives.
As a much younger Christian, I remember trying to pray about the power situation in my country without much understanding, I must say here. I prayed that the local power company would have the ability and help to restore our power supply. It was years later when an analysis was made on the power generation that we realized that the power supply in the country at that time if distributed according to the country’s population would provide each citizen just enough to power one 60 watt bulb for one hour a week!
I was praying for the wrong end of the stick. Without power generation, there really was nothing to distribute. The bible teaches in Luke 3:9 (NKJV) And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. This is exactly where God works at and where we should work on. We constantly hack at the leaves and fruit hoping to see change. This is what is captured by Henry David Thoreau in the opening quote.
The following publication by Richard L. Cassin, the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog has been responsible for stirring up my spirit especially with the global impact of terrorism everywhere but more importantly here in my own country, Nigeria.
Last year, 17,958 people were killed in terrorist attacks, 61% more than the previous year. More than 80% of all deaths from terrorist attacks occurred in five of the world’s most corrupt countries — Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Syria.
That’s according to the Global Terrorism Index produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace. A copy of the index is here (pdf)…..
Here are the 20 countries that had the worst terrorism problems last year (worst is first on the list). The rank of each on Transparency International’s 2014 corruption perceptions index is in parentheses.
1 Iraq (170)
2 Afghanistan (172)
3 Pakistan (126)
4 Nigeria (136)
5 Syria (159)
6 India (85)
7 Somalia (174)
8 Yemen ((161)
9 Philippines (85)
10 Thailand (85)
11 Russia (136)
12 Kenya (145)
13 Egypt (94)
14 Lebanon (136)
15 Libya (166)
16 Colombia (94)
17 Turkey (64)
18 Democratic Republic of the Congo (154)
19 Sudan (173)
20 South Sudan (171)
The 20 countries have an average rank on the corruption perceptions index of 124 (the CPI ranks 175 countries). The five countries accounting for 80% of the world’s terrorism — Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Syria — have an average CPI rank of 152.
The Global Terrorism Index report said poverty rates, levels of schools attendance, and most economic factors have no association with terrorism. That probably means lawlessness is the key.
Now these are facts and figures. You can’t argue with data, just its interpretation. I figured for this to be truth not just fact, it must be backed up with scripture. Remember John 17:17 (KJV) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Now if it’s “Truth” we have a great responsibility to take heed for our lives and future depend on it.
I began to search, using all the tools at my disposal, for any correlation between corruption and violence (or in this case terrorism) in scripture for much needed clarity as to why my country has suffered so long and ultimately what tree root we are to apply the axe, now more than ever, with the wanton destruction of human beings for whom Christ died!
The first one put the fear of God back in me in a new way! Letusreason.org put it succinctly:
“Genesis 6:9-13 (NKJV)
9 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Today we live in a world constantly threatened by terrorism, in our cities we have hate crimes, drive by shootings, mothers killing their own infant children, parents killing their children, children killing parents, inhuman behavior is becoming the norm, we have run amuck having no restraints. Why? Because there is no law, no real accountability, it’s lawlessness. The more tolerance today, the less morals we have. There is a relationship between the two, no standard and anything goes.
In Israel’s apostasy at the end of the book of judges we read that just as it is in our society today, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” People go to suicide because they have no hope. Euthanasia is becoming an accepted alternative. Light is called darkness and darkness is light. In Satanism up is down, and down is up. It will be a time unlike any other where lawlessness will be the way people live. We already see this occurring. Terrorism, hate crimes, our behavior has no restraints. Lawlessness is increasingly becoming the norm of society.”
The correlation between corruption and violence is hereby established for me and now l would like to apply this to my country and our situation with help from a paper titled Corruption in Nigeria: Ethical and Biblical Perspectives By Okeke, Jonathan Chimakonam
Here in Nigeria, corruption has been deeply entrenched in our national ethics, politics, civil society, public and private sectors of business and commerce. The religious, educational, moral spheres and the whole economic machinery of our society, stink and ooze with the stench of corruption. Every level of the Nigerian society has been deeply permeated by a pervasive and debilitating culture of corruption so much that it has been rightly remarked that, “corruption has been institutionalized in Nigeria”.
Nigeria currently has a stain as one of the most corrupt countries of the world, according to Transparency International Goodling, {http://www.questia.com}. This is clearly a manifestation of moral breakdown. Omoregbe accentuates this position saying that it is clear to all right thinking Nigerians that the basic problem of the nation is a moral one.
This moral problem, which is basically the problem of corruption, is the root cause of all our social, political and economic problems (xi). He goes ahead to admit that Nigeria is a country richly endowed by God with both natural and great human resources which are enough to make the country great and make life in it comfortable for all the people, but that contrary to this, Nigeria is one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and this is obviously a fallout from great moral laxity in the country.
I am an African and a Nigerian! I find the greatest challenge we face as a people is “Poverty” It is what chases almost every one of us and our prosperity as a nation depends upon the personal financial prosperity of each of us as individuals.
Scripture teaches in 1Timothy 6:10(KJV): For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. The Message translation gives further light 1Timothy 6:10 (MSG): Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
I would like to add a thought, “the lack of money is also the root of all evil.” This is especially true in our continent which in many ways explains why we see unusual corruption among our leaders. Although it is motivated by greed, it is also the poverty that they are running away from that drives them to amass all that money!
We must consider what the bible says about riches, Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.
That is why the bible speaks more about wealth. We have got to realize that the ability to create wealth is the greatest and strongest way to combat poverty and its associated fears and this is the focus that God gives in scripture. Deuteronomy 8:18 “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
What are we going to do with all of these truths that we would be exploring in this blog? I can only say welcome to an adventure of knowledge and understanding discovery that I experienced in exploring this topic.
Now let’s put this together with the FCPA Blog. Taking careful note of our institutionalized corruption status, let’s apply these truths to where we are today. A careful look here (please note there is so much more information on the blogs and papers, so much more) should help us realize more than ever that we have placed the axe on the wrong part of our issues in this country both in prayer and action. The simple explanation for this omission is that corruption has extended itself into the church in so many ways that it is tempting for me to to share even a few of these examples in this blog so I don’t lose the heart of this message.
The book of Ezekiel especially the 22nd Chapter reflects the many things done in our country in very many ways but also captures many of the consequences as well. It’s well worth a read particularly from verse 23 below which clearly depicts everyone’s roles in this decay and consequence. Everyone – Prophets, Priests, Princes and the People!
Ezekiel 22:23-31 (NKJV) 23 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 24 “Son of man, say to her: ‘You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.’ 25 The conspiracy of her prophets in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing the prey; they have devoured people; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. 28 Her prophets plastered them with untempered mortar, seeing false visions, and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord had not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord God.
If there ever was a time to examine our individual and collective heart it’s now! We must deal with corruption at every level, beginning with ourselves and where we are, regardless of who we are. As we move towards the Nigerian Elections in 2015, I look back to the correlation between deaths in my country both by terrorism and every kind off unnatural death from our roads, planes and most of the time, I am able to trace it to bad governance which has led to inadequate hospitals and basic services including emergency services and other basic infrastructure in a country that can afford it.
Look again at the leadership of our nation over the years. See if you can identify the parallels between the level of corruption and untimely deaths. It’s so obvious that it’s painful. I am not attributing this just to the current president for anyone thinking I want to score political points. My point here and I must reiterate this, is that dealing with corruption would solve a lot of our problems and I speak here not just about the government but also about the society at large and God’s church in our nation.
One last point about the election. It would seem like we really have only two choices but with God ALL things are possible and so I hold on to my desperate prayer that there is a third way out in this coming election. Maybe a second term where, like President Obama said at the U.S. State of the Union address recently, “I have no more campaigns to run,” Obama says at one point, which prompted laughs and applause from the Republican lawmakers in the audience. Breaking into a sly smile, Obama then added, “I know because I won both of them.”
This attitude with determination and the grace of God can cause our President Jonathan to tackle this issue of corruption head on in his second term, if he wins in the will of God. On the other hand, it could be a man like General Buhari who may have been raised up for such a time as this to push back corruption, if he wins in the will of God. My job here is to help us realize we have a common enemy not just today but for the future of our nation and our children. We must remember that in spite of the international assistance we received and were promised for the “Chibok Girls”, our corrupt systems have successfully frustrated every effort to find the girls so far!
If corruption continues unabated, we can only be heading towards unprecedented situations like we have never seen before, regardless of who comes into the office. God knows who can tackle the problem and has put the responsibility of asking for this in our hands as believers. We must therefore, rise above partisan politics and emotional outbursts as well as our private fears to do the will of God no matter what! 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) if My people who are called by My name will 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.
Corruption is a disease and we need to know how to deal with the disease of corruption.
We read in the book of Psalms 107:20 KJV: He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Notice the two-fold application of “He sent His Word”. 1. Healed them 2. Delivered them from destructions. Then again in John 1:14 KJV: And the word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us.” Two applications of the word as well! 1. Spoken Word 2. The word incarnate as man.
Disease attacks the body organs, preventing them from functioning. AIDS for instance, does not allow the body to function normally and can affect individual organs or an entire body system in the same way scripture refers to the body of Christ as a nation, a holy nation! 1 Peter 2:9 KJV But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
We can conclude that nations operate similar to physical bodies therefore disease, like corruption, can attack nations and I dare say we are and have been under attack more than many other nations because we did not nip this in the bud. Our body, like nations, consists of various organ systems, each of which comprises a number of organs, the functions of which complement one another. Each of the organ systems has certain tasks assigned to it. The human body organ systems work closely with each other in order to maintain a healthy balance. All of the body’s systems are identical in men and women with the exception of the reproductive system.
All these are types and patterns for nations and Governments which work exactly like the human body, made up of organs and systems designed to keep the nation healthy all operating under the same principles as those guiding the human body. For instance our skeletal systems can be our administrative arms of government and other political systems. We can now understand how corruption has been breaking down our government systems and organs pulling our nation further and further into destruction.
We are to pray for God to send His word NOW to heal our disease and deliver us from our destructions. But why now more than ever? We have an excellent example in Simeon.
Luke 2:25-32 KJV 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. (27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: ….and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,(28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,(29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;(32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
We must ask what Simeon was praying for especially when the prophecies of Jesus Christ’s first coming focused on who he was before his human birth, his miraculous birth, a bit about his life, his crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection–all of which was prophesied many hundreds of years before his birth. So what brought Simeon to the Temple and why would he care about seeing Christ. Keep in mind that Simeon was a Jew and as we know today, most Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
It would appear that Simeon was longing and praying for the coming of the Messiah and hence received a revelation from God that he would not die before seeing the Messiah with his own eyes. Simeon came to the Temple for no other reason than he was directly guided by the Holy Spirit to go there. After Simeon’s hymn of praise to Christ, Simeon went on to tell Mary, Christ’s destiny for Israel.
I believe Simeon was waiting or praying for Jesus to come that very moment to fulfill God’s word and promise concerning the Messiah from the beginning. That was why God said he will not die until… We are to pray for God to send His word NOW to heal our land and deliver us from our destruction.
In nature, another aspect of corruption is that it is irreversible! What then is the solution? In one word – DEATH! Are we to kill ourselves or the politicians? Not at all. The bible teaches that when we give our lives to Christ, we die with him and are raised from the dead with him. It is no more I that lives but Christ who lives in me. Are we doing that? We are meant to be salt and light and we know that in the days before refrigeration we used salt to stop meat and fish from decaying. We have more than one role to play in society today – to slow down our decay and then to heal the system that runs our nation.
We were meant to do this through the same gospel that developed Europe and America making them the nations they are today. What has it done for Africa or Nigeria? We received the gospel the same period as South Korea and we can see the impact on development on corruption and relatively good government compared to what we have here. There are only 2 possibilities : we are not praying for our government and something is wrong with the gospel we are preaching.
Good government is God’s will and we must get involved as it affects everything. It remains only to trace the connection between good government and the preaching of the Gospel. We may do this by asking ourselves one simple question: Which kind of government makes it easier to preach the Gospel? Praying for our government produces an atmosphere where the Gospel of the Kingdom can be preached to all men then again preaching the Gospel of the kingdom produces Christians who take responsibility for their nation.
I could go on and on because this topic ignites some hope in me that we have found the enemy -it’s our corruption and we can defeat this in Christ Jesus, if we make up our mind and put the axe at the root of this current tree holding back our nation and feeding terrorism. Sitting in Dubai the other day, I wondered how they escaped the attacks of terrorism in a region full of fundamentalism and now I know. I leave you with a worthy conclusion from letusreason.org
The storm clouds gathering closed in the distance. We’re beginning to see the days of Noah again when men’s hearts and the earth will be continually filled with violence. We all have Violence in the heart apart from the new birth. Only the Gospel of Christ will be the modern ark of safety. It needs to be proclaimed clearly and loudly, we may be close to the end of Noah’s 120 years. Job 27:8-9 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?
Now we are confronted with an age of terrorism that is not isolated but sweeping the planet. In the name of God those who practicing their religion zealously see it as their duty to rid the world of those who they view as not pleasing God by the use of force. It’s in Israel, Africa and in America and it will spread elsewhere , because evil when it is not contained or reduced by an equal force will spread like a fire. We live under a nuclear Damocles more than ever before except now it is not the head nations but third world countries.
It’s time to pray- Psalm 147:11
“The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”
May we cry out for mercy on our nation, may we ask for forgiveness for our waywardness, and return to our first love of God, that our prayers may be answered from heaven. Return to God that He may return his mercy to us.
Let’s take up this challenge now more than ever!
God bless
Francis E. Madojemu
