In seeking God let Christians learn to read the holy book

A frustrated man reads the bible. [Getty Images]

Following the Shakahola massacre, it has become necessary that all who ascribe to the Christian faith have some self-introspection on our belief systems, and whether they are in line with the one single authority - the Bible and the God therein. If there is one thing that Christians must appreciate, it is the freedom to access and read the Bible by themselves in a language of their choice, because this was not always the case.

It took pain, courage, and a history that cannot fit into this article to have the Bible first translated from Latin to English and to many of the languages and versions now available. Many of the early Bible translators were persecuted and murdered in the most brutal of ways. The most famous one was William Tyndale, who was tied to a stake and burned to death. The same Bible tells us that all that Christians need in order to read and understand the Bible is the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is again abundantly available to all.

In trying to understand the Shakahola massacre and many of the theatrics we see in the life of Jesus, the Bible did warn that an era would come when false prophets and teachers would abound.

However, the same text also tells us that the one tool that should help us discern false prophets is to look at their fruits. Grapes cannot be gathered from thorns, as the Bible says. Jesus also warns that many will come in his name with great signs and wonders so as to lead people astray. So, signs and wonders are not necessarily a mark of godliness.

The one question I always seek to answer in my relationship with God is whether God is using me or I am using him. Whether in my relationship with him, it is me who seeks to use him to expand my kingdom or it is He who uses me to expand his kingdom. Many times I fail to get the answer I desire.

The unfortunate and hard truth is that many Christians, just like me, are selfish in their relationship with God. When we knock and the door is opened, how often do we hold the door for others to use? When we ask and we receive, do we clasp our hands and go and build our kingdom, or do we give in the same measure that we receive and build God's kingdom?

The Bible says that we must seek first the kingdom, and all others shall be ours as well. This means that there is a kingdom to be built that is not ours but God's but still exists for our good. It is in building that kingdom that we also find joy and peace. It is a kingdom of kindness, patience, forbearance, peace, and all the other good things that we may desire in a kingdom where God reigns. Thus, we shall not just seek him so that we get jobs, children, prosperity, green cards, promotions, etc. No. We shall seek him so that others may meet and see God through our faith, kindness, and all those attributes that make up God's kingdom.