Kenyans all know the name Wanjiku, used as a symbol of the ordinary person. Wanjiku is the standard unit of normalcy, the person for whom the Constitution was crafted, the person being encouraged to vote, the person entitled to fundamental rights.
The question is, how does Wanjiku's life look like at present? First, she can barely afford to buy food because prices have skyrocketed. Secondly, she has no access to clean drinking water for herself and her family because of the drought. Third, she cannot get medical treatment at the local government hospital because of the doctor's strike. Fourth, she can hardly make enough from her vegetable sales at the local market because the spending power of the masses has reduced. On top of all that, Wanjiku has to contend with people around her who think that because she is a low-income earner, she has no voice.
Sadly, Wanjiku's plight is similar to that of many Kenyans. Could it be that her situation is a direct result of poor leadership, bad governance and all-out greed displayed by the leaders around her?
Wanjiku needs a defender. The church of Christ needs to step up and boldly take on this role. How can the Christian make a difference?
1. Be a Voice for Justice
Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (NIV)
Being a voice for justice doesn't only mean organizing demonstrations on the streets and getting your name in the local dailies. Though these are great avenues for justice, there are other things you can do in your local community. Have you ever thought to report that den of illicit brews at the edge of your estate? What about that little child left hungry for days as the parents go out carousing? Look around you. People are being treated unjustly all around you. What are you going to do about it?
Isaiah 1:17 "Learn to do right. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of the orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."(NLT)
2. Pray for Justice
Romans 12:19 "Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge, I will pay them back,' says the LORD." (NLT)
Have you ever thought how terrible God's revenge must be? It is far beyond what one could ever imagine and has permanent, far-reaching effects. Why not let him do the job of exacting revenge on Wanjiku's enemies?
God cares as much about Wanjiku as you do, and feels pain when Wanjiku is treated unjustly; he will, however, fight for her only if the church petitions him on her behalf. Somebody has to pray for all the ‘Wanjikus' in this land to receive justice, and that person is you.
Proverbs 21:15 "Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers." (NLT)
God can also change the hearts of those in power to make them see that Wanjiku is who they should be working for, rather than their own bellies.
Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases."(NLT)
The hearts of those in leadership are in the hands of the Lord. As a Christian, however, you need to call on the Lord so he can take action.
Friends, the future of this country lies in the hands of the church. Let's assume the responsibility of seeking justice, fighting for justice, and praying for justice, so that our nation will prosper.
In conclusion:
Missed last week's reflection? Check it out here - http://alisonkiriinya.blogspot.co.ke/2017/02/the-christian-at-work.html
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This is so true and relevant especially now.
ReplyDeleteVery true
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