The Easy Life

Amos 6:1 GNB

How terrible it will be for you that have such an easy life in Zion and for you that feel safe in Samaria — you great leaders of this great nation Israel, you to whom the people go for help!

On this great Democracy day, it is just apt that we talk about the nation God has graciously given us and examine how far we have come. There's a need to critically assess where we are, where we should be and what God has got to do with all these things.
I wonder why God would pronounce war on those who were ar ease in Zion in those days. A bit of context here will help: Israel was passing through idolatry and rebellion. God had sent many prophets to warn his people but the people simply turned a deaf ear to all God was saying. They kept up all the symbols of worship- the regular feasts, the daily sacrifices and the burnt offerings. They kept up the usual practices but their hearts had wandered away from God into rebellion. God was warning of impending judgement but here were people, content with their achievements and set in their ways of unrighteousness. God was warning of coming judgement but the people were not bothered- they had businesses to run and money to make and lives to live. God could wait.
Unfortunately, God was tired of waiting. He had warned long enough and it was time to act against the people's rebellion. Retribution was swift, hard and long and a lot of them went into exile, never to return. As a country, I doubt if we are too far away from this state either. We have many churches, churchgoers but few true members of the church of Christ- redeemed, clean and upright. We run the Spiritual angle through the weekends and in church, but on Monday mornings, we become tigers in the corporate world, ready to tear down people if it will work to our advantage and ready to kill if need be, only if it can advance our own causes. Just heard yesterday how a civil servant, a Customs officer, demanded that a clearing agent pay him a bribe in dollars as naira will be too bulky to carry. The officer was paid an equivalent of N1.3m. The same officer goes to church on Sunday, lifts up 'holy' hands, pay his 'tithes', and thinks he's justified and godly.
We have mastered the art of self-deception. We have managed to keep our lives in different layers and phases, showing only the parts that are convenient for each moment. There's no consistency, integrity or certainty about the quality of our convictions. Our politicians speak now and we sneer, knowing that it is the usual stuff. At home, we make promises to get our children or partners to do things for us, and then turn around and renege on our promises, expecting them to understand. No wonder then that we come to church,thinking we have come to meet with mere man, we make promises flippantly and carelessly, forgetting that with God, our word is our bond.
There's an urgent need to retrace our steps and get back in line. We must allow God's Word, Will and Way be our ultimate and only desire. It is then that our nation, community and family can enjoy the grace and goodness of God.
Find God, follow God. He alone holds the key to our peace, security and safety. Nothing else will last- money, power, possessions or position. Only God and his Word will endure. His time of favour is here.