By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
eob.org.ng
They Have Seen God Finish!
There is a dangerous disease spreading across our society today. It is not malaria. It is not HIV. It is not COVID-19. It is something far more dangerous because it attacks the soul and destroys the conscience.
The disease is called the loss of the fear of God.
Many people no longer fear God.
The shocking part is that those who shout "God" the loudest are often the ones who fear Him the least.
This psalmist has watched with concern as men and women invoke the name of God to manipulate, deceive, oppress, exploit and enrich themselves. They pray publicly but plot wickedness privately. They quote scriptures but practice injustice. They preach righteousness while living in unrighteousness.
In our local parlance, we say, "Dem don see God finish."
They have become so familiar with the mercy of God that they now mistake it for weakness. They think because lightning has not struck them, heaven has approved their actions. They think because they are still prosperous, God is pleased with them. They think because judgment is delayed, judgment will never come.
What a dangerous illusion!
The God of mercy is also the God of justice.
The God who forgives is also the God who punishes.
The God who blesses is also the God who can remove blessings.
A society that loses the fear of God is a society standing on the edge of destruction.
The New Religion of Pretence
Today, religion has become one of the most profitable businesses in many places.
Some people have turned God's altar into a marketplace.
They package miracles for sale.
They commercialize prophecies.
They manufacture testimonies.
They manipulate vulnerable people.
They exploit widows, the poor, the sick and the desperate.
Some religious leaders have become celebrities rather than servants.
Some worshippers have become fans rather than followers.
Everybody talks about God, but very few fear Him.
The irony is painful.
The Bible is quoted everywhere, but honesty is scarce.
Prayer houses are increasing, but corruption is multiplying.
Religious activities are booming, but morality is collapsing.
How can a nation be full of churches, mosques, crusades, vigils and religious gatherings, yet be drowning in fraud, injustice, greed and wickedness?
The answer is simple.
Many know God's name, but they do not fear God.
The Political Class and the Fear of God
Let us talk about the political class.
Every election season, politicians suddenly become prayer warriors.
They quote scripture.
They attend religious gatherings.
They kneel before altars.
They ask religious leaders to pray for them.
They invoke God's name at every campaign rally.
But what happens after they get power?
The same people who promised heaven on earth often deliver hardship on earth.
The same people who preached service become masters.
The same people who spoke about sacrifice become addicted to luxury.
The same people who promised development become experts in excuses.
Many leaders claim to know God, but their policies suggest otherwise.
A leader who fears God cannot deliberately impoverish the people.
A leader who fears God cannot steal public funds while hospitals are collapsing.
A leader who fears God cannot watch children learn under leaking roofs while he travels in convoys worth billions.
A leader who fears God cannot sleep comfortably while citizens go to bed hungry.
The fear of God is not measured by the size of one's Bible or the frequency of one's prayers.
It is measured by how one treats people.
Ordinary People Are Not Innocent Either
Before we point fingers at religious leaders and politicians, let us examine ourselves.
The trader who uses a fake scale.
The businessman who cheats clients.
The student who engages in examination malpractice.
The husband who abuses his wife.
The wife who destroys her home through deceit.
The employee who steals from the workplace.
The youth who engages in internet fraud.
The landlord who exploits tenants.
The citizen who offers bribes.
The civil servant who demands kickbacks.
All these people are also guilty.
The absence of the fear of God is not a problem of leaders alone.
It is a problem of society.
The corruption we condemn at the top often begins in the heart of the ordinary individual.
A nation cannot rise above the moral condition of its people.
What Does It Mean To Fear God?
Many misunderstand the fear of God.
It does not mean being terrified of Him every second.
It does not mean living in panic.
The fear of God means having such reverence, respect and consciousness of God that you refuse to do evil even when nobody is watching.
It means recognizing that there is a higher authority above every earthly authority.
It means understanding that every action has consequences.
It means knowing that money, power, influence and connections cannot shield anyone from divine judgment.
The fear of God is what keeps a person honest when dishonesty is profitable.
It is what keeps a leader humble when power is intoxicating.
It is what keeps a wealthy person compassionate when arrogance becomes tempting.
It is what keeps a preacher truthful when manipulation becomes lucrative.
How To Fear God
1. Remember That God Sees Everything
Human beings can be deceived.
God cannot.
Your title cannot deceive Him.
Your position cannot impress Him.
Your wealth cannot bribe Him.
Your popularity cannot intimidate Him.
2. Study God's Word
A person who understands God's standards is less likely to compromise.
Ignorance fuels disobedience.
Knowledge promotes accountability.
3. Practice Integrity Daily
Fearing God begins with small decisions.
Tell the truth.
Keep your promises.
Respect others.
Pay your debts.
Honor your commitments.
4. Remember That Life Is Temporary
Many people behave as if they will live forever.
But every graveyard is proof that human power has limits.
Death is the great equalizer.
Presidents die.
Bishops die.
Billionaires die.
Kings die.
Everyone will eventually stand before God.
5. Be Accountable
People who isolate themselves often become dangerous.
Accountability helps maintain discipline.
It keeps pride under control.
It reminds us that we are not above correction.
The Benefits of Fearing God
A person who fears God enjoys peace of mind.
Such a person sleeps well because he is not haunted by hidden crimes.
The fear of God promotes wisdom.
It produces discipline.
It strengthens relationships.
It builds trust.
It protects reputations.
It attracts divine favor.
A society filled with people who fear God will experience less corruption, less crime, less exploitation and more justice.
The fear of God is not a burden.
It is protection.
The Wrath That Is Coming
One of the greatest mistakes people make is interpreting God's patience as approval.
Because judgment does not come immediately, they assume it will never come.
History teaches otherwise.
Empires have fallen.
Kings have been disgraced.
Religious empires have collapsed.
Powerful individuals have been humbled.
The God who watches also acts.
The God who records also judges.
The God who delays is not the God who forgets.
Those who use God's name to inflict pain on the people should tremble.
Those who use religion to enrich themselves at the expense of the vulnerable should repent.
Those who use political power to oppress citizens should change their ways.
Those who exploit others while pretending to be righteous should seek forgiveness.
The patience of God has an expiry date.
When mercy is rejected repeatedly, judgment eventually arrives.
And when God decides to act, no human connection can stop Him.
Final Word
The greatest crisis in our generation is not economic.
It is not political.
It is not technological.
It is not even religious.
The greatest crisis is the disappearance of the fear of God from the hearts of men.
We have educated minds but unrestrained consciences.
We have advanced technology but declining morality.
We have powerful institutions but weak character.
We have become experts at talking about God while ignoring His instructions.
The message today is simple.
Fear God.
Fear Him in your business.
Fear Him in your marriage.
Fear Him in your politics.
Fear Him in your ministry.
Fear Him in your office.
Fear Him in your secret dealings.
Fear Him when nobody is watching.
Because the day is coming when every hidden thing shall be revealed, every action shall be judged, and every man shall give an account.
On that day, titles will not matter.
Connections will not matter.
Power will not matter.
Only one question will matter:
Did you truly fear God, or did you merely use His name?
This is the Sunday sermon from my holy pulpit!
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He is a family values advocate. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.
Comments (1)
I love this. Pls keep it up.
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