Shalom and Greetings from PaTual T.Tualzathang.
The following Bible verses are taken from Luke chapter 16 verse 14 to 17 about the Law and the kingdom of GOD. This was stated by JESUS CHRIST in connection with the dishonest or un-righteous manager in verses 1-13.
Verse 14, “The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.”
Verse 15, And JESUS said to them, “You are those who justify (kisiemtangsah) yourselves before men (others), but GOD knows your hearts. For what is exalted (kitawisang) among men is an abomination in the sight of GOD.”
Verse 16-17, “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of GOD is preached (proclaimed), and everyone tries to enter it by force. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the letter of the Law to become dropped.”
Today, in our state of Manipur, majority people including professed Christians does not count corruption, bribe giving and bribe taking as sin. Purchase of job is also not count as sin. Giving bribe money or any other things, for promotion in the next level, for regularisation of jobs, for transfer to desire posting were also not counted as sin. Now, cultivation of poppy plants in our hill lands is also not counted as sin. These kind of sins are most prevalent and practiced among professed Christians in our state of Manipur especially in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts.
Professed Christians in our state of Manipur, who have been retired from service, and those who are still in service in various departments, government of Manipur, will definitely came across these kind of sins stated above, whether they like it or not. Who knows, many may have compromised some parts of their retirement benefits or some percentage to the concern officials as a bribe money to process and clear their pesionary benefits and credited in the their respective Bank accounts, i.e., in case of retired employees?
We may have concealed these things (sins) which we have actually committed before others, and also before church members, because we were literally benefited from it, but GOD in HEAVEN above knew whatever camouflage sins we have committed in our every day life.This is where the term hypocrisy (lepchiahna) comes in, and LORD JESUS CHRIST during HIS earthly ministry always mentioned against the Pharisees, the Saduccess, and the Scribes in the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Is not it? This is fact that we can’t deny.
e.g., I was promoted to the next higher level by giving bribe money. I was regularised in my job from adhoc by giving bribe money. I was transferred to my desired posting by giving bribe money. I purchased job for my sons and daughters by giving bribe money. I was awarded contract or supply works by giving bribe money. I got elected as MLA by giving money to the voters and to underground leaders. The list goes on and on and on.
Despite doing all these kind of sins that is against the teachings of and commandments of JESUS CHRIST, I conducted a programme to facilitate the same and called a Pastor or Upa (Elder), Evangelist etc, for blessing prayer. What a joke am I before GOD and HIS only Son JESUS CHRIST? It may be very powerful spiritually outwardly before fellow citizens especially church members where I belong, and also before freinds and neighbours. But in reality, it is abomination before the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.
This is now the new normal SOP for majority professed Christians in our state of Manipur. Let all true and born again believers in JESUS CHRIST prayed that we are not tempted by this new normal standard operating procedures (SOP). Amen.
Shalom and GOD bless you.
