Rock Star or Gospel Singer?

What has happened to Christianity?

By Dn. Dr. A. B. Sunday

The Editor -in-chief of SYMPHONY 

THE MAGAZINE OF AJEGUNLE BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR, IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

Symphony refers to a long piece of music meant for an orchestra, usually in four parts/ movements. An orchestra involves different instruments playing together with the aim of producing good music. In relation to Christianity, symphony is a metaphor for unity. When Christianity started the whole world knew that there was a set of unique beings called Christians. This was because they turned the whole world upside down. It was not that they were violent or bellicose; it was just that their action and comportment was too powerful for the Devil to withstand. They were united in purpose, although they had different backgrounds and temperaments. Their oneness and commitment to the Way made them to be instruments of liberation and deliverance. Their influence did not derive from their education or affluence; rather, it was predicated on the magnetic influence of the power of the Lord Jesus that had rubbed on them.

But now, what do we see?

Puny, unproductive, inconsequential Christianity. Despite our level of education and technological advancement, can we compare our real influence on our world with theirs? The answer is no. This is because we have so much diluted the power of God with sinful living; this has made it ineffectual. Where are those sermons and songs that propel sinners to cry to God for mercy? Where is that thirst for righteousness? Where is that crave for the spiritual milk? Where is that zeal to evangelize? Churches multiply yet sin doesn’t abate and sinners don’t reduce. Has Christianity not turned to just one of those religions and an ordinary means of identity? How many people actually trust in the efficacy of the power of the Holy Spirit?

What do we see today?

Empty Christians. Rationalization has taken over the work of the Holy Spirit. There is no conscious effort to affect our immediate world not to talk of our remote world. Truth is on exile; holiness has been banished; righteousness has been ostracized; self-control has been excommunicated; oneness has been incarcerated; and commitment to God has been crippled. What do we say about choirs that do the very thing they sing against? Many choristers are born against. There is envy, jealousy, anger, hatred, sexual immorality and all those acts that are unbecoming of children of God. Under some choir robes are satanic agents, unsanctified soloists, sin-emitting soprano singers, uncivil alto singers, untamed tenor singers, busybody bass singers, insolent instrumentalists, and careless leaders. 

If music is such a powerful tool that is remembered more easily than sermons, why can’t gospel ministers for once do the ministry the way God wants it so that they can have impact? Can God ask us to do what we are incapable of? Why is it difficult for this generation to do things the way God wants them done? What has happened to our conception of heaven? Will God change His standard because of us? It is surprising that the Bible has become an ordinary literary text to some people. No wonder the church has turned more or less to a social gathering. Instead of forcing gospel music on yourself and doing all to be popular, why not think of a meaningful job to do and live righteously and get to heaven?

Why do some who call themselves pastors get power from real herbalists and pastoral herbalists? In the past, only few people found themselves in ministry. Then it had dignity and respect although it did not attract pecuniary rewards as such. Now it is fashionable to be a pastor. Many vehicles now carry stickers that read ‘clergy’. But a good number of the people who claim to be ministers are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Some of them are womanizers; some of the women are harlots; some of them pathological liars; some of them do terrible things in the name of God.

The judgment of God is imminent; all defilers of God’s house shall be visited with the winnowing fire of God. While you still have today, make necessary adjustment and let Christ be seen in you. It is not sensible to move from church to hell.

Your views are most welcome...