We live in a world that wickedly sticks to her guns. We
constantly limit people and label them by their past. We call a man a name that depicts who he was
and not who he is, or who he can become. The world is a cruel judge that rarely
revisits a case. But if there is anything that we need to change, it is our
attitude towards others. It is the very way we see them.
I saw in the surreal, Lazarus hobbling out of the
grave, after three days journey into the land- many thought- of no return. It
was a miracle! By Christ, the supernatural
had taken place! He who was three days dead came back to life! But instead of
Lazarus walking out with a swagger, he was hopping, struggling. Something was
wrong; grave clothes were holding the living bound. Jesus cried out “Loose him,
and let him go…” (John 11:44)
I also feel like a man standing at the opening of a
tomb where many destinies are just being raised to life. I feel like shouting
“loose them, and let them go”. Loose God’s people from the dead labels and names
you put on them. Yes, they were dead, but they didn’t remain dead. They have
been resurrected by the life of God!
We all don’t
have to fit your bill of a good man. The whole world can’t be like you. And guess
what? The whole world shouldn’t! Even in the world of ice creams, there are
many flavors! Allow men to be all that they can be in God, without being
subjected to your perspective of a “normal” person.
I am tired of hearing the voice of
religion saying, “That is not what we built this church on”, “He doesn’t dress
well”, “She doesn’t look like a Christian”, “She has aborted many times”, “Look
at the friends he has”, “That church… they are just too loud”, “Is she really
going to church with all that make-up?”, “How can you even dare take the communion
with all the paintings on your mouth”, “Christians don’t work in that company”.
Some people have made themselves the supreme court of heaven. Grace means
nothing to them; it must always be the law and works. They want us to fit into
their religious clothes. They want us all to conform to their mental image of
righteousness.
But today, I seek to say to you,
that these are grave clothes, and we who are free will no longer be bound. We
who are living shall not be bound with the clothes of the dead. We are free, we
are alive, we are children, and we are heirs of God. We are justified and made
righteous by God and nothing should shackle our spirit, “with a view to demonstrating, at the present time, His righteousness,
that He may be shown to be righteous Himself, and the giver of righteousness to
those who believe in Jesus.” Romans 3:12
(1912 Weymouth New Testament).
The backdrop I saw at Sycamore Church, Ibadan resonates
in my mind and it was simply, ‘Welcome Home’. I don’t know if there is anyone
who puts on airs or appearances when at home. But I know when I get home, I
relax, I am me… At home you can just be you. YOU! Free from all grave
clothes…Today I want to encourage you to live a life free from all grave
clothes, because your spirit has found its way home.
Fisayo Adeniyi
Pursuing Purpose...
Twitter: @fisayospeaks
Facebook: Fisayo.Adeniyi
+Sycamore Church +Bamisaye Adeniran Bolarinwa +Imisioluwa Olalekan Owonikoko +Olusola Akinsola +emmanuel adewale +Rhema Chapel +Christ House Church +Chapel of the Flowers
No comments:
Post a Comment