Devotionals
Dearly Beloved,
THE TRUE INDEPENDENCE
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36 NIV).
By October 1, 2010 (this coming Friday), Nigeria will celebrate its fifty years of independence as a sovereign nation. Many activities will be done to celebrate this golden jubilee. It is a fact that on October 1, 1960, Britain declared Nigeria an independent state. Interestingly, many African countries also gained political independences in the year 1960. However, are Nigeria and these other African countries really independent? Politically, they are, but they are not in many ramifications. In fact, many people have been debating whether there is anything to celebrate on October 1, 2010. The thrust of this message is not to join the debate, but to highlight how Nigeria, the other countries, their citizens and any other person can have a true independence.
Many of the supposed leaders of these African countries enslave the people they are leading by their selfishness and anti-people activities. True independence will come when the leaders are people-centred and are ready to really serve the people they are leading. Rehoboam lost most part of his inherited kingdom of Israel when he refused to serve the people (see 1 Kings 12). An individual that wants to be truly independent and enjoy the goodness of God must be ready to put other people’s interest above his/her own (see Philippians 2:1-5) and be ready to serve them (Galatians 5:1, 13).
Many political, traditional, and even spiritual leaders have led their people astray. They are blind guides leading blind men, and “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14 NIV. See also Isaiah 9:16; Luke 6:39). To have true independence, our political leaders must be cured of their blindness and lead the people rightly. Likewise, an individual that wants true independence in his/her life should open his/her spiritual eyes to see where his/her Creator is leading him/her.
True independence can be found only in Jesus Christ. When the Jews were proving to be independent, He declared to them, “...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV). He is the truth (see John 14:6), no wonder, He added, “So if the Son [Jesus Christ] sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8: 36 NIV). There is no true independence like the freedom that Jesus Christ gives (see also Luke 4:18-19; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:1-2). Do you have this freedom?
Wishing Nigerians happy golden jubilee of Nigeria’s independence! Many happy returns of the day.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
Congratulations! True, it is only when leaders have freedom in Christ that they can become servant-leaders and real transformation can take place.
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 642 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Bayo Afolaranmi or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 642 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.