By Ali Precious Lydia
Beyond the season, activities and religious rituals Christians observe every Easter to mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is humanity. There’s no doubt that the exact date Christ died and was resurrected is not the exact date this wonderful event is celebrated.
The last incident before the death of Christ makes glaring the message Jesus was trying to pass. The Last Supper is not just a symbol of how Christians should learn to live in peace with friends and enemies, it also symbolizes togetherness, unity and sharing in love.
It is interesting to know that the death and resurrection of Jesus according to the Holy Bible brought deliverance from the bondage of sin, giving every Christian who believes in Christ the nature of God passed down to them through this event. Also, it is stated that the Spirit of the Lord was given to everyone to teach and guide them into all truth, thereby setting them free from the law and translating them into the kingdom of God. Howbeit it is such a pity today knowing we have lots of believers who no longer show forth the kind of love Christ exhibited when He was on earth.
To begin with, this season is to remind every Christian to learn to give sacrificially and not just go about satisfying selfish desires. Many times you see people celebrating in churches spending extravagantly and there is a family going home from the service not knowing how they’ll feed, nothing is done about it most times, yet people claim to be good Christians simply because they observed the Lent fast, celebrate Easter and observe other religious rituals.
Is that what it means? A lot needs to be checked and put in place by Christians who are keen on doing the right things the right way. Can it be recorded that you helped someone at their weakest? or you tossed them aside and made a public show of them. The little you give, do you give them out sincerely? Or you give to be praised and rewarded by men. All these are recorded.
Moving on, a time as this is to make everyone reflect on their lives, be soaked in empathy, humility, love for humanity and sacrificial living, make positive changes where necessary and show love in sincere gestures. The journey was never promised to be easy, the people you’re trying to help most times will deceive you, despitefully use you, waste resources given to them and pay evil for good. Be not dismayed for the glory at the end is far greater than the pain and trials. Everyone you meet is either a blessing or a lesson be open to receiving the blessings and never neglect the lessons.
We all are imperfect humans living in a perfect world created by a perfect God. No one is perfect, the love just needs to be stronger and the heart pure to be able to accommodate one another, live peacefully with all to yield the positive fruit of togetherness.
Finally, whatever is true, whatever is pure, and whatever builds trust and love is what time and energy should be invested in, regardless of tribe, race, complexion, family background, religion and culture. We all desire to see the world become better. It is because we are still waiting for someone to take the lead when it is supposed to start with you, and yes! You reading this article, decide to love people, be good to people not for selfish reasons, live a selfless life, add positive value to your society regardless of how little, live a life of purpose and watch the world change positively.
Ali Precious Lydia is of the Lagos State University
