Let The Pulpit Not Be �Politicised!�
Dumi Mmualefe | Monday July 28, 2014 12:17
The Church needs to be both prepared and vigilant during this important time in the life of our democracy as a nation. As the Church of Jesus the Christ our mission is never conditional, we are in the mission of Christ in all situations and circumstances. The Kingdom of God ethic demands that we should always stand for the righteousness of God as taught and practiced by Jesus. The Kingdom of God was, is and will forever remain a Kingdom of justice. In this kingdom the love of God rules and no one is used as a means to another’s end.
In this silly year I have seen a good number of my colleagues in the ministry being bitten by the drum-major instinct bug as they try to endear themselves to some politicians and political parties thus forgetting what they stand for. Sometimes in times such as this some are forced to revise their sermons as soon as they notice that politician so-and-so is at the service.
The word of God must be declared at all times. In one of the disputed Pauline letters (2 Timothy 4: 1ff) the writer charges to the young Timothy: “I charge you in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, preach the word; be instant in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with long suffering and teaching.”
We are charged, therefore, to proclaim the justice of God in season and out of season. The word of God should not be used to sooth; never to massage egos or people’s own convictions. Even election year falls within the “in season and out of season!” Our teaching and preaching should not change just because it is an election year. This teaching and preaching should never be for or against any political party but about the Kingdom of God.
Let us also remember that “Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Churches should also be careful not to be abused by giving political mileage to any politician or political party. Churches have been turned into canvassing spheres by some politicians. The politicians cannot be blamed for this for they are not in control of the church. The problem is with the church leadership or ministers who either cannot discern, have jelly knees or are simply glory seeking! I have, with a bleeding heart witnessed politicians taking to the pulpit to “give” the church gifts followed by pastors who would shower them or their parties with praises!
The church should not tempt people to sin against God. Jesus instructs; “When you do good deeds, do not try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your father in heaven. When you give to the poor, do not blow a loud horn. That is what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you they already have their reward.
When you give to the poor, do not let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in heaven” (Matthew 6:1-4).
This teaching is in fact a prologue to Jesus’ teaching on prayer. This renders it a cardinal teaching for the attainment of God’s Kingdom! The teaching on giving shows how dear the poor are to God. It is about their protection. The Church is equally guilty of trashing this important teaching. How many times do we fight tooth and nail for an opportunity to display the poverty of the poor in both print and electronic media? The church is not poor and therefore should not be protected. The church has become too powerful and at times too self-seeking to think of nothing but to attract attention. And as churches we know it is easier to get publicity by inviting or accepting gifts that will be more useful and beneficial if given to others not ourselves as long as we get publicity. Some of us will trip and fall over just to be on television. Be reminded, it is God, not us who should be praised.
Bereavement these days is something some people would die to have. The way we compete for the limelight at merapelo and funerals is appalling. Suddenly some politicians are pastors. I have seen many an instance where political parties take over proceedings kwa dintshong. I have seen the pulpit being turned into a political podium to sell one’s political party or to campaign for oneself. This is sacrilegious to say the least! I am always reminded of a song “chesa mpama!” And believe you me; Jesus will do that like he did with Temple money changers.
Again we cannot blame politicians here but weak pastors whose knees wobble at the sight of the empires of this world! Funeral services are just that; services and the church must be in control of merapelo and diphitlho! Let us never forget that some things we do can only serve to bring more pain to the bereaved, and it is the duty of the Church to comfort the bereaved. Let us respect our boundaries and our culture. Kyrie eleison! To God be the glory!