Let Us Defraud God

By John Maina

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The shepherds took upon themselves single handedly to lead the masses astray and soon after the congregants took after them for imitation is the best form of flattery.

Perhaps it is my overly activated intuition or my analytical observational skills but the poor almighty has been robbed in broad daylight.

To add salt to injury, the robbery has taken place at the very places where the believers gather to express their adoration.

In my early days, when I knew not the difference between sincerity and hypocrisy, perhaps I was blinded to the ways of the world. But now in my later days, hard it is to overlook the insincerity orchestrated by the acclaimed stewards of the good news.

The prerequisites to minister as a steward in this doctrine are few and reverence for the divine hardly features anywhere. Easy on the eye, a convincing voice and audacity is all that it takes to launch a televangelist career that has an ROI far much bigger than most common startups.

With an infinite amount of room on the digital space, non is locked out from trying their luck in this newfoundland where the corpse of religion gets desecrated.

The mases in return are not any better for they have given over their autonomy and essence, to the intercessors on the alters of abominations. They believe these fraudsters to be better positioned in their standing with God and can therefore intercede on their behalf.

Inferiority complex coupled with self-doubt has made the seekers certain that the almighty’s attention is more inclined to the soothsayers on the alters with their flashy suits and adornments.

And what a terrible deluge that has swept even into homes whereby a wife no longer believes in the intercessory power of her husband. Instead, she prefers the proclamations made upon her and her family by a stranger who knows not a thing about her.

Whenever he says that favor and grace will locate her, she believes it with the conviction of a heart that has already witnessed the miracle. Like a sheep in a den of wolves, the followers are kept alive on the perpetual wheel of hope for a tomorrow that never comes.

Should a calamity befall them while still in line, the leave the gathering to nurse it by themselves. Apparently, the compassion gospel is only for the select few whom the ever-rolling cameras cast the spotlight upon.

There is a stark contrast between the commissioners of the message of truth and propagators of the same message. While the founders went out on an enlightenment course and strove to bring spiritual enlightenment to the people, their successors have deviated from the established path.

Instead, the successors have opted to ride on the backs of the seekers while selling them the dream of a nearby “oasis” that they know of its whereabouts.

In return, those who wish to receive the directions to this haven must contribute monetary offerings since the custodian of the well needs some tokens of appreciation from those who drink from it. Capitalism at its best. Fusing monetary sacrifice to the promise of salvation for those who are laden with heavy burden creates the perfect yoke.

Labourers who can hardly make ends meet juggle with their meagre incomes to ensure that they have a tithe or offering on the day of congregation. Fundraisers are held to ensure that the commissioned servants who serve their needs are facilitated with the necessary mobility to advance the redemption further.

In return, what do the stewards do? They dine in the biggest restaurants, enjoy the finest cuisines and drive around in the best machines. Woe unto the peasant should they dare come to seek assistance or contaminate the cultivated aura of serenity that the minister dwells.

I write this not to place or direct blame on any particular individual or institution as we are all eligible to exercise our free will as we see right.

However, I write this to call to awakening from the hypnotized slumber that we have been subjected under by the religious institutions. It is understandable that when despair weighs heavily on our hearts, seeking solace and assurance from one above us is a human response.

But why have you my brothers and sisters given up the power within you and opted to follow a path that leads astray more than it guides? Had one who commissioned you onto this earth wanted you to take an intercessor to deliver your wants and needs, they would have made it known. Had you not been worthy to stand in their presence and let them know your trials and tribulations yet again, you could have known.

Arise and wipe of the sweat from your brow that thine vision may be clear. Attend that sermon for union with believers but not for salvation or redemption.

Let those with you in that gathering be your witnesses that indeed you were a partaker in the communion. But guard your heart with all it takes. Do not open it even for a single moment for it is in the weakest moment that the whispers of the devil seep in and sow discord in the harmony you seek to cultivate.

You are the steward of your destiny so let no one come and take that seat, for you will be directed to a destination unknown and what you seek shall have been lost. Walk the course with firm conviction that only you know where you wish to be.

Let those who wish to share with you in the journey find you along the way. And when the point of parting comes, let them go in peace and proceed. Remain focused and shun distraction. The end is coming, then you will know how far you came along. After the great defraud and pursuit for worldly gain against the oblivious masses orchestrated by the salvation ministers, God left the altars and receded to a location where the true seekers are sure to find him.

In their hearts. For even in the desecration of the original purity and the true purpose of worship, God still never deserted to believers. Ever has his hand always been outstretched for all in need of a trustworthy handhold in the navigation of the life course. For the altars were no longer sacred grounds worthy of invocation of God’s name and presence amongst his people.