2019 will be a turning point towards having a godly government in South Africa — if Christians step up to do God’s work, says Rev Kenneth Meshoe, leader of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
“People were saying in 1994 the ACDP does not have experience in governance. But we have proved that we keep to our Christian ethos. Since we went to parliament there has never been a scandal attached to the ACDP and the leadership has proved itself to be people of integrity,” he says.
Meshoe says that while many Christians had over the years held a position that they should not be involved in politics, things are changing.
“The EFF and the BLF are threatening war — Christians are realising even the land of their churches can be confiscated. Now Christians who were not involved in politics in the past are realising they need to speak up and stand up.”
Meshoe holds to the school of thought that for evil to triumph it takes good men and women to do nothing.
“South Africa is where it is today because good men and women have done nothing for the future of this country apart from praying and have allowed the ungodly to make decisions on their behalf,” he says.
He draws from Psalm 89:14 in saying that righteousness and justice are the foundations of God’s truth. “You can’t have righteousness becoming the foundation of a government without righteous people, and they are in churches.”
Referencing Proverbs 29:2 he points out that when the righteous are in authority people rejoice, while when the wicked rule the people mourn.
“This country has a calling from God to be a model among nations of the world and this can happen if righteous people sitting in the churches can start making themselves available to be used by God to be governors.”
Pointing out that the Old Testament should be our shadow and our model, Meshoe looks at Isaiah 32: 17 in pointing out that the fruit of righteousness is peace. “Christians must rise up and remember that they hold the destiny of this country in their hands. God works through His people, his Body.”
However, Meshoe points out that the Church will have to stand united to do God’s work. “If there is division among Christians, that will play out in the political arena and Christians are among the most divided people in the world, which is very sad,” he notes.
He said Christians need to remember that God has a way of pushing people towards His plans and purposes. The first disciples only truly spread the Gospel when they were being persecuted and forced to flee, despite the Great Commission from Jesus to go out and make disciples.
“Suffering will come to South Africa and Christians if they allow this to continue,” he says, referring to the ungodly being in power in the land.
“Even though we may belong to different denominations and faith groups, when it comes to peace in the land, I hope Christians will stand together. If we disagree on doctrine, let us agree that we need peace, for which we need men and women to submit to the Lordship of Christ.”
Date published: 22/01/2019
Written by: Christelle du Toit
Article source: gatewaynews.co.za
