Text: Prov 14: 34; Prov 29:2 Date: 27/10/24
Introduction
In times of problems, hardship and national challenges, God’s word encourages us to stand together in solidarity.
Nigeria is facing monumental challenges in every sphere of life-economic, political, social, cultural and technological. There is wickedness, greed, injustice, corruption and insecurity. The progress we desire for our country can only be realised if we stand together in the pursuit of righteousness, justice and peace.
Prov 14: 34- Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (KJV)
Prov 29:2- When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. (KJV)
Solidarity for National Progress
Solidarity for national progress recognises that every citizen has a role to play in building the nation. Everyone is called to be a leader
Gen 1: 26 – Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (NIV)
Eccl 4:9-12- Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)
When we pool our strengths, we can lift up those who fall, strengthen our defence against challenges and make progress.
For any country to experience progress, it must have some fundamental requirements:
i. Good governance where the government is transparent and accountable and abides by the rule of law and meets the needs of the citizens.
ii. Good education system that is accessible, relevant and of good quality.
iii. Good economy with opportunities where people produce goods and services and are rewarded. People have access to jobs and opportunities for enterprises.
iv. Solidarity, unity, social cohesion and equity are pre-conditions for development.
v. Infrastructure development including electricity, road, water transport, air transport, telecommunications and water.
vi. Good health system with access and quality. Equipment, adequate and qualified staff with good remuneration.
vii. Good agriculture system where they produce the food they eat. There is access to land, agric inputs, markets and preservation.
viii. Environmental conservation-Everyone including government takes action to protect the environment.
Nigeria is not making progress because these fundamentals are not right.
The Role of the Church in Promoting Solidarity for Progress
The Church can contribute to promoting national progress to overcome the challenges of economic hardship, political problems, division and injustice.
Being Light and Salt in the nation: By preserving godly values and illuminate hope, truth and love within the country.
Matt 5: 13-16- Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
Showing Compassion and advocacy for the Poor: God’s heart is for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the stranger.
Prov 31: 8-9-Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (NIV)
Teaching and Promoting righteousness in society: The church must continue to teach righteousness and for people to shun, speak against and stand up against corruption. Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.
Fostering unity and reconciliation: The church must continue to foster unity among the people across gender and ethnic divide.
Gal 3:28- There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Eph 4: 3-6 – Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (NIV)
Praying for our leaders and nation: I know that this is difficult but we must pray for our leaders for the sake of our nation and to live peaceful and quiet lives.
1 Tim 2: 1-2 – I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (NIV)