From the Pulpit

In Spirit and in Truth

 

By Brother Nnamdi Eustace Ukonu

Text: Matthew 6:1-6
Attitudinal change of the believers will make all the difference in our society; for as the Bible says – We are the light of the world.” And a light cannot be hidden under the bushel(or under the cupboard) as we will say in these parts.

There is a true story told of excavations carried out around the old city of Pompei close to the Italian city of Rome. This excavation was carried out hundreds of years after the volcanic eruptions that erupted and destroyed the city. The excavations unearthed a guard (a soldier) with his full uniform who was on duty but refused to seek shelter when the eruptions which destroyed the city occurred. He was under strict orders as his duties called not to abandon his post as a guard.

This is also the same principle many soldiers employ today; as was evidenced at the tomb of the Unknown soldier at Arlington National cemetery in Washington DC. They stand guard and up to their responsibilities in good or bad weather to protect their place of assignment and with their life if need be.
Imagine again the level of selfless service of the Prison guard or Superintendent of Prisons today who was ready to commit suicide when he thought that his prisoners-Paul and his friends had escaped after the earthquake that shook to set them free from the chains at the dungeon.
Imagine again another military officer – a Roman Centurion who today would have been a Brigade Commander who because he did so much good for the people although it was not his responsibility and so was blessed by Jesus Christ who healed his son. Also another soldier who was 'good' and led a noble life in his relationship was one of the earliest who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

As soldiers of Christ, Jesus in the book of Matthew chapter 6 verse 1-6 teaches that his disciples should have unrelenting and selfless devotion in their fear of God and service of God as disciples of Jesus Christ. These acts of obedience and fear of God exhibited in doing the right thing even when nobody was watching is selfless service to the Lord.

The Apostle Paul preached in Romans chapter 12 verse 1 pleading that we should make our bodies which is the temple of the living God (Holy Ghost) a living sacrifice to God which is the highest and most noble form of worship to God.

-Brother Nnamdi Eustace Ukonu is the Director of Victory of the Cross Ministries International.