To Participate or Not to Participate? – National Day of Prayer, Fasting & Reconciliation
A reflection by Rev Walter Mwambazi
One of the most persistent reasons that has been raised against this day has been that of saying, how can people that are sinning daily, persecuting opponents, being accused of corruption and vice, insulting each other in the media daily claim to call on God and even declare a day like this one a “prayer and fasting” day?
They claim its hypocrisy.
The same opponents also opposed and still oppose the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation on the same basis, claiming that a Christian nation must live by Christian standards of justice, mercy, faith and equity for all.
Well…
– Last time I checked, no one can meet that standard. Last time I checked, the church is full of hypocrites, drunkards, prostitutes, liars, murderers, haters, thieves, adulterers and idolaters.
-Last time I checked, it’s the penitent who accept Christ and struggle daily with their flesh to overcome it by denying it daily (and in the process failing many times) and following Christ that constitute the church.
-Last time I checked, our righteousness is not as a result of our ability to be so, but as a result of “putting on Christ” who is our righteousness, and then striving daily to live by that standard because we love Him and are obedient to Him.
-Last time I checked, the righteousness of men are but filthy rags before our Holy God.
– Last time I checked, a broken spirit and a contrite heart shall not be rejected by God. For He is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
-Last time I checked, God always “hears” the prayers of His children when prayed sincerely and genuinely from a heart of humility.
So, is everyone who is praying at these prayer centers genuine? Only God knows, but I know that God said
“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”
So, please pray, fast and reconcile to the best of your ability. Seek the face of God today. Call on His name and be reconciled to those whom you are not. Do not let those who criticize this day bring your spirit down.
Remember that it is those who choose to do what is right that activate the blessings of this nation, not those who throw stones at even things that have nothing to do with politics.
Let us learn not to throw out the baby with the bath water.
God bless this great nation of Zambia and its people!
Amen!