I have deep respect for pastors not necessarily because I am a Christian. I do so because they are Messengers of God. Nevertheless, truth is just. Truth is correctional. It does not cover up errors or weaknesses. These are the fundamental basis for this piece. It has no political undertone.
Following his nomination as the running mate to General Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential flag bearer of APC in the February 14 polls; Pastor Yemi Osibanjo has been seen riding in public buses and having two-way engagements with the downtrodden. This is traditionally what is expected of Servants of God.
Pastor Yemi Osibanjo is probably among the legion of Christian leaders that criticize Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) for screening his works of charity on Emmanuel TV. They have deliberately refused to acknowledge the fact that T.B. Joshua is simply following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ to show love and compassion for the less privileged. It is owing to his deep understanding of Scriptures that the General Overseer of SCOAN caters for the poor, weak, sick, neglected, rejected, and vulnerable in society.
It was therefore curious that Pastor Yemi Osibanjo suddenly realized the important position the downtrodden occupy in society and in the heart of God. In all his years as pastor, Yemi Osibanjo has never been highlighted in the media preaching the Gospel in public buses or taking the message of salvation to personally and directly to the downtrodden. Only God knows how many souls he would have won for Christ if he done so. Many Christians were therefore shocked that he could do the unusual because of political power.
My worry is this: Pastor Yemi Osibanjo has sent out a wrong message to the larger society. He has indeed succeeded in making people believe that POLITICS- NOT CHRISTIANITY CAN HELP BRING OUT THE BEST IN MEN. It is sad that desire for political power is what is making him to do what he could not do as a pastor. This is not good for the Christian faith.
This piece does not seek to crucify Pastor Yemi Osibanjo. Rather, it is a challenge to all Christians to live up to their callings. Christianity is the pillar of hope for the hopeless, shelter for the vulnerable, and balm for the wounded. Christianity has no season. I just hope that Pastor Yemi Osibanjo will never stop riding in public buses and spending quality time with the downtrodden whether he wins or loses in the February 14, 2015 polls.
For those who will rush to accuse me of judging Pastor Yemi Osibanjo, I have a question for them: Is it right for us to hold our leaders accountable for their actions? Pastor Yemi Osibanjo is a Christian leader. What I have done is holding him responsible for his actions. More than that, it is written in Proverbs 27:17 that “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Like any other person, Pastor Yemi Osibanjo is my friend.
Kali Gwegwe
08064974810
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