My Lord or my god Week47, 2016

When missionaries come to a new field or tribe, often they use examples and expressions from the new environment to point the people to Jesus. This is very scriptural; Paul used it very well. For as I was walking around and looking closely at the objects you worship, I even found an altar with this written on it: 'To an unknown god.' So I am telling you about the unknown object you worship Act 17:23(ISV). However there exists a problem when the people treat the Almighty in ways similar to their previous deities. Let it be clear: God cannot be worshiped or regarded in the way we regarded deities. Do not worship the LORD your God in the way they worship their gods, for in the worship of their gods they do all the disgusting things that the LORD hates Dt12:31(GNB).

In Igboland the early missionaries soon noted a widespread practice. Even though the Igbos worshipped many gods each household had a deity; a “chi” they worshipped, indeed each person believed he or she is protected from harm, saved, prospered (or undone) by a personal deity (chi’m; meaning my god). So came the term “accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and saviour”. Ever wondered how that term came on? Scripture speaks about Jesus as Lord and saviour, (Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour Tit 1:4(KJV)) but the term personal Lord has these antecedents; so the teachers tell. “Personal lord” made a lot of sense. We know what kind of relationship a man, a woman, a household has with the chi.

But the Igbos have a saying “Onye kwe, chi ya ekwe”. Loosely translated “whoever agrees, the god agrees as well”; implying that if you steadfastly purpose anything your personal deity will ensure you get it. On the surface it looks correct, and a stimulus for initiative and hard work (and make no mistake about it God expects, and encourages godly initiative and hard work) but in the way it is practiced "Lord, what do you want me to do?"Act 22:10(CEV) is not known. As a result Jesus Christ becomes the means to an end, any end the steadfast soul desires. Sounds like Christianity? Not quite. I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the reasonable way for you to worship Rom 12:1(ISV). It is not only in Igboland this problem exists. It is a widespread issue in the world.  The Eastern religious view that I am a god of my destiny is one example.

We must therefore beware of practicing Christianity the way pagans, idolaters and mystiques practice their religion. We must grow in understanding. Jesus cannot be a tool to my choice ends. No. On the contrary I must be a tool for His own ends. I must be His worshipper and instrument. Do you use God as a means of getting your desire at the time you desire it? I mean you don’t resort to evil and black magic. Or do you present yourself to God in loving response to Jesus Christ who died for you? Will He bless me? Of course! That is His nature.