Introduction
You probably might have heard about the case of the US celebrity, Lori Loughlin who got caught up in a bribery scandal in an effort to get her children into an Ivy League University.
I try to imagine what my compatriots would feel about this. One group (and we know who they are) will probably wonder what the fuss was all about. Were Ivy League universities not meant for the children of the rich? After all, they attended the best schools from birth and were usually top of their class and most likely to qualify and afford top universities… not to mention, succeed in life. And even if they did not qualify by grade, it is expected and acceptable for the rich parents to do something to correct that. And they would probably be right. That has always, and will always be the way of the World.
Another group may be very indignant and declare bitterly: “That will teach them! Using their money to oppress and corrupt the whole society.” And they will probably share their litany of woes generously, recounting the so many other similar occasions that the rich and famous had denied or cheated them of their rights. But as most of us probably know by now, their bitterness would be short-lived if they had the same opportunity.
Whatever the case may be, it is nice to know, and to have the occasional proof to show that even the human sense of justice frowns at the misuse of privilege and considers such conduct condemnable and deserving of punishment.
One would think that this should be enough reason for the group that is represents the light of the world not to consider talk much less of adopt such conduct.
I imagine I need not spell it out that by this, I refer to Christians. And that I base my arguments on nothing less than what our Lord Jesus Christ Himself told us in John 17: 14–15 that while we may be (physically) in the World, we are not of the world. If by some terrible default, the Holy Spirit who is supposed to live in Christian and tell him or her all truth has not been able to penetrated into our consciences to make this obvious, then we must thank God for the Bible and for the Christian teachers, pastors and priests of all ages have consistently, and in many different ways, declare over and over again that a true Christian should not be guided by the world systems, principles and values.
Therefore, while I can sadly resign myself to the fact that this kind of conduct may be just another drop of water off the back of a duck for the privileged who do have not surrendered to Christ, my sincere hope is that the conscience of their Christian counterpart, those who name the Name of Christ but have practice and even feel entitled to these unfair, dishonest and unethical privileges, would be touched, and that they would mend their ways.
But far beyond this, is my greatest concern that many privileged Christians may just shrug it off, or worse still, criticize the Lori Loughlins’ of this world f they deign to read about such ‘worldly’ things, oblivious of the fact that they practice same regularly. But worse still is the fact that this kind of thing is happening all the time within the Body of Christ and nobody raises an eyebrow. While we can preach circles round the Evolutionists, among ourselves, we practice the survival of the spiritually — or shall we say title-larly, or positionally fittest all the time. All of course to the detriment of the less privileged brother or sister, and that without any remorse!!!
But worst of all worst is the fact that it is practiced in such an entitled manner by the top church leaders who should know better, by virtue of their positions and titles. No wonder everyone seeks a title today in church — Pastor, Deacon, Deaconess, Father, Papa, Mama, First Lady, even Sister, Brother. And what is more, they make sure everyone, even the un-churched knows it, and addresses them by it at all times and on all occasions
I personally have observed it many times and not only does it embarrass me to see it coming from a top influential leader that I do not find my in my position to speak to frankly, but it makes me cringe every time to see the cavalier or manipulative way it is done. Jolting the conscience of Christendom in this regard (among many others) therefore seems to me a very crucial need today.
To break it down, let us ask ourselves this question: What does the Bible say about doing the right thing? Some may already be shouting: Legalism! Hypocrisy! And others: It is by grace! It is not what we do that matters because Jesus has taken all our sins away!
If the Spirit of Jesus in us, AND His spoken Word addressed to us that we are salt and light of the world is not enough to make Christians pause and reflect, then we must definitely dig deeper into the written Word which God performed so many Exploits and Miracles to preserve His Word, to serve as lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Therefore, we must be careful not to treat this our Great Salvation lightly.
I am going to be daring in my approach. I intend to use parables, like our Lord Jesus Christ often did to simplify a message. Yes, you guessed it, I shudder to site real examples in clear terms. Yes for fear that I be stoned one way or the other. But also because the great Prophet Nathan wisely used a parable to sensitize a beloved and chosen king David of Israel in the past. My hope is that the one who truly loves God like king David did, will be receive the truth, be convicted, repent, and redress his ways.
Feel free to disagree or agree. But whatever you do, please take a stand. As you well know, there is no middle way. You can run, but please don’t hide. Your sins will always find you out.
TO BE CONTINUED: IN MY NEXT WRITEUP, I SHALL SHARE MY FIRST REAL LIFE ‘PARABLE’ WITH YOU