Ije Okwukwe - The Journey of Faith

This week I will like to write about something that is serious and close to my heart. The Journey of Faith - Ije Okwukwe.

We all believe in something or someone; well there are some people who do not believe in anything at all but I guess that is a conversation for another day. As for me, I believe in God Almighty and that Jesus Christ is His only son through whom we have salvation. I cannot believe anything or anyone else.

I remember growing up and having to recite the creeds - Apostle's and Nicene. Kai, having to memorize those creeds in preparation for Confirmation and Holy Communion was quite a task. However, when I read those creeds today, I understand better that our founding fathers really thought through every word. Oh and in case you're wondering I grew up a Wesley child, haa haa haa, yup I was born Methodist.

I am a third generation child of faith which means a lot to me - to have watched my grandparents, then my parents serve God and raise us by the standards of the Bible makes a lot of difference. This means we started our faith journey from their shoulders and did not have to venture out on our own considering the many battles people have had to fight for the preservation of their faith.

There are certain people who go to church once a year. I have always found this very amusing. 31st December. I think they believe that something would take place as one year gives way to the next and so the safest place to be is in church. Well this is my assumption oh so if you know a better reason why biko share in the comment box. Heh heh heh.

Speaking of being in a safe place called church, the COVID-19 pandemic has given me a new understanding of what the church really is. There was a time when we defined our churches and denominations by how big the building was. Alas, what has happened in the past few months - empty buildings. Many have had no choice but to tune in online and where data does not permit, you seek the face of God by yourself. So tell me, what is the benefit of the many buildings and cathedrals we now have all over the place. Do not get me wrong oh, a lot of these buildings are possibly purpose built, true but when it comes to the body of Christ which is the Church then we have to realize that the walls must come down. It's about time.

More and more I have come to see that I have many more brothers and sisters spread across the globe who I have never even met physically. I believe this is how it is meant to be having a Christ family without borders.

In fact let me digress; everything is getting border-less these days - if people can consult and purchase all sorts of Special Packages online, haa, then there is really no distance in the spirit oh. So why must we hold ourselves down with buildings and locations? Remember how the early Christians met from one home to the other? As much as it's difficult to sustain that exact model, it is a better way to grow our faith in a space where we build relationships all the way down to the family level.

And the, there are those who mix all sorts of faiths having their hands in every cookie jar. It almost seems as though they do not know which of the gods will deliver in time of need, or perhaps just one god is not enough for all their needs. Why all this stress, pick one and follow through. All I will say is follow me as I follow Christ.

Our walk of faith is so important. This is the one thing we can hand over to our children and to our children's children. Our faith goes beyond us, it has to be generational. What do you believe in? Do your children believe in the same thing? Where does your faith lie? Do your children have their faith in the same place? Just like we have Doctors Without Borders, are we willing to break down the walls of division and have The Body Of Christ Without Borders?

I end on this note - Hold fast to the profession of your faith without wavering (Hebrews 10: 23). Enjoy the verse from a favourite hymn of mine, written by Charles Wesley (1707 - 1788)

O for a thousand tongues to sing

   My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and King,

   The triumphs of His grace.

Do you have a favourite hymn or song that expresses your faith? Share in the comment box. Remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram; our handle remains ije_journey.

Ije.......Journey

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash