Its been a long time this message has been running through my mind. Its a delicate issue that over the years has been divisive among Nigerians. It borders on Religion and Nationalism.
Having in mind that Religion is a well known word to us, i will limit this piece to defining Nationalism. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, nationalism is an ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests.The topic that has always been debated is the influence of religion on the positive development of a nation. Religion has indeed influenced positively the growth of the home which in turn has touched on our society. Charity they say begins a home.
However, it is quite clear that in many ways than not, that religion has played its part in Nigeria's inability to come to its full potential. We find it difficult to practice Religion without extremism(Christians, Muslims and Traditionists). So, often we tend to ignore the fact and dive towards what comforts us. Everyone, including myself has been guilty of expecting too much from God.
To buttress my point, I will make particular reference to the "The Parable of The Talents" in the bible(read Mattew 25: 14-30). More broadly interpreted, the talents refer to all of the various gifts God has given us for our use. This definition embraces all gifts natural, spiritual, and material. It includes our natural abilities and resources—our health, education—as well as our possessions, money, and opportunities. The master was angered at the timidity of the servant who had received the one talent. God commands us to use our talents towards productive ends. The parable emphasizes the need for work and creativity as opposed to relying on finished product. In other words, Heaven help those who help themselves.
Succinctly speaking, as we look forward to a fresh opportunity to take our dear country Nigeria to its rightly place among the comity of nations, we must realise that God has created among us the right leaders(Talent) to take us to the "Promise Land". We must be creative in going out to vote(making use of the Talent). In doing this, we must put sentiments and religion apart, thereby drawing a "thick line between religion and nationalism".
#2015NigeriaGeneralElection
God Bless Nigeria
Ileh Sylvester
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