So today morning was another one of those dull mornings I woke up feeling bleeh. Whatever that means. My heart was heavy, my mind full of thoughts, fears and questions about life. At that point I knew I needed to hear an uplifting word so I tuned to one of the 3 main Christian radio stations on our airwaves. An ad was being aired, and I thought, "Just chill Rita, a sermon or some gospel song will play next." Another ad aired, and another one. Then a song played for not more than a minute and the presenter came back on air. He began talking about some product, and he went on and on and on. Wait, what station am I listening to to? Sure enough, it was a Christian radio station. It sounded more like a classifieds channel and at that point, I was compelled to listen to Classic 105 all the same. What was the difference anyway? So I tuned to the next station, and this time, the preacher was talking about favour, success and how good things are coming our way. Like he always does. The other one had rock/pop music (which I love by the way!) but I just switched off the radio and went to my playlist instead.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
~Matt. 28:18-19
This is the great commission, the mandate of every believer to spread the word of God and bring more to the kingdom. The rise of churches, ministries and programs and in a variety of platforms is something commendable; a milestone in achieving this great commission given by Christ. Media is one of them, and I'm glad that we have people who've taken this up and have formed broadcast stations to spread the good news. However, my greatest fear is that the great commission mandate has gradually been shelved and things like advertising, now run the show. Literally. But Rita, you may say, what will pay the bills? Surely this house won't pay its own rent and a smile at Kenya Power won't pay my dues. Yes, salaries have to be paid. But why call it a Christian station if more than a half of your show is pegged on marketing this and that? Then you ask, so where will the money come from? Hmmm...without risking sounding like a mere critic hiding behind the confines of my computer screen, I dare say, Christians have money! Yes we do. Look at all the church projects around us. There's almost always a fundraising in every other church, every other Sunday. Look at the beautiful altars we have in our sanctuaries. Look at the way we can afford to buy our preachers some damn expensive cars; wait, look at our own cars and houses. And that is just a drop in the ocean.
(continued...check out the next post for part two)
Thursday 28 November 2013
Christian Media...Is there anything like that? (Part 2)
I simply marvel at how much the apostles in the early church were able to accomplish, yet they lived such simple lives. I mean, thousands got saved, many others were healed, and there was such a burning passion for Christ. When Jesus sent out his twelve disciples, he told them not to carry anything. No bag, extra tunic or sandals. Now, if some of us ladies were told to leave our handbags behind...guess we would have a problem with that. I know I would! Anyway, let me digress a little, as I already have anyway.
All I am trying to say is that complacency has slowly but surely found it's way into the church and into our hearts as Christians. "Oh, those corrupt politicians?" we say. "Heh, hao ma-pastor wa Seeds of Sin? They will burn in hell," and my favourite, "Hiyo ni kazi ya gava!" >> I am merely echoing some of the most common sentiments I have heard from fellow believers. No wonder people are shying away from the gospel! By the way, I am no religious scholar or saint above and beyond reproach. The one writing this is one who has, at many points been a hypocrite but is simply trying to live right and propagate the word to fellow mankind. As I was saying, the attitude these days, is 'that's not my work.' Self has become the priority these days. Not just in matters spiritual, but in life generally. There's alot of self-help vibe going around. Christians should know better; we have the ultimate helper in the Holy Spirit. He guides us, helps us in our day-to-day struggles and is the best companion ever. So why do we focus on ourselves so much?
Back to the matter at hand. The media that purports to be in place to spread the word of God should stick to that mandate. For instance, there is an Islamic station for instance that is committed to teaching the fundamentals of their faith and engaging faithfuls in exposition and dialogue of issues pertaining their religion. If Muslims embrace their faith so passionately, then why can't we accept our own?
With regard to Christian media, maybe it is I who is not in touch with the reality on the ground. But I still maintain that we have a long, long way to go if we keep on carrying ourselves in the same way as non-believers do. Not just with regards to media, but the church all round. If at all we are to compare the way the early Church ministers lived with the manner in which modern-day Christianity is 'done,' the differences will be more than astounding. Today, the word on prosperity has been given greater weight as opposed to repentance, crucifying the flesh and dying to sin. We focus so much on amassing wealth with the notion that God wants to bless us. He does actually, but we must make seeking God our primary priority as opposed to wanting material blessings alone. Whether we get them or not, our hearts need to be content, knowing that in Him we have more than we can ask for. We need to retreat to a life of simplicity and drive our efforts to sharing the wonderful gospel with those God has entrusted us with. Instead, fame, wealth and money are what we think of and breathe. I wonder and cower in shame at what God must be thinking when he sees us doing all this.
I almost changed the title of this post because I've clearly talked more about the church and Christianity. But I've gained the insight that the media issue simply is a reflection of the standards Christianity has stooped down to. Nonetheless, there is hope. God's arms are always wide open and ready to forgive and His grace is abundant. If really we are to walk in the will of God, in what is called "taking up your cross," then we should be ready to embrace persecution, rejection, and discomfort that are connected with following Christ. We should also be ready to face ridicule and shame just as Christ did. About the media, I am of the opinion that with all the money the church (Christians) has, keeping Jesus on the airwaves should not be a problem. Then hopefully, we will not have to depend on mere mortals in the name of advertising, to stay on air. What's your take?
All I am trying to say is that complacency has slowly but surely found it's way into the church and into our hearts as Christians. "Oh, those corrupt politicians?" we say. "Heh, hao ma-pastor wa Seeds of Sin? They will burn in hell," and my favourite, "Hiyo ni kazi ya gava!" >> I am merely echoing some of the most common sentiments I have heard from fellow believers. No wonder people are shying away from the gospel! By the way, I am no religious scholar or saint above and beyond reproach. The one writing this is one who has, at many points been a hypocrite but is simply trying to live right and propagate the word to fellow mankind. As I was saying, the attitude these days, is 'that's not my work.' Self has become the priority these days. Not just in matters spiritual, but in life generally. There's alot of self-help vibe going around. Christians should know better; we have the ultimate helper in the Holy Spirit. He guides us, helps us in our day-to-day struggles and is the best companion ever. So why do we focus on ourselves so much?
Back to the matter at hand. The media that purports to be in place to spread the word of God should stick to that mandate. For instance, there is an Islamic station for instance that is committed to teaching the fundamentals of their faith and engaging faithfuls in exposition and dialogue of issues pertaining their religion. If Muslims embrace their faith so passionately, then why can't we accept our own?
With regard to Christian media, maybe it is I who is not in touch with the reality on the ground. But I still maintain that we have a long, long way to go if we keep on carrying ourselves in the same way as non-believers do. Not just with regards to media, but the church all round. If at all we are to compare the way the early Church ministers lived with the manner in which modern-day Christianity is 'done,' the differences will be more than astounding. Today, the word on prosperity has been given greater weight as opposed to repentance, crucifying the flesh and dying to sin. We focus so much on amassing wealth with the notion that God wants to bless us. He does actually, but we must make seeking God our primary priority as opposed to wanting material blessings alone. Whether we get them or not, our hearts need to be content, knowing that in Him we have more than we can ask for. We need to retreat to a life of simplicity and drive our efforts to sharing the wonderful gospel with those God has entrusted us with. Instead, fame, wealth and money are what we think of and breathe. I wonder and cower in shame at what God must be thinking when he sees us doing all this.
I almost changed the title of this post because I've clearly talked more about the church and Christianity. But I've gained the insight that the media issue simply is a reflection of the standards Christianity has stooped down to. Nonetheless, there is hope. God's arms are always wide open and ready to forgive and His grace is abundant. If really we are to walk in the will of God, in what is called "taking up your cross," then we should be ready to embrace persecution, rejection, and discomfort that are connected with following Christ. We should also be ready to face ridicule and shame just as Christ did. About the media, I am of the opinion that with all the money the church (Christians) has, keeping Jesus on the airwaves should not be a problem. Then hopefully, we will not have to depend on mere mortals in the name of advertising, to stay on air. What's your take?
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