(BY REV. C. O. NNADI)

“For our world to be saved, Christians must shine.”

This view was expressed by the Rt. Rev. Moses Dukpe Tabwaye, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Gwagwalada. He expressed this while delivering the Bishop’s Charge to the Second Session of the Sixth Synod of the Diocese held at the Cathedral of Holy Trinity, Gwagwalada.

Speaking on the theme, “Arise and Shine” as got from Isaiah 60:1, the Bishop said that “Arise and Shine” is in two fold – command and implication. The implication, “shine,” is a positive desirable change that will only take place if the command to arise is heeded to. He added that to respond to the command to arise is for one to awake from a state of inactivity, stagnation, and depression.

According to him, even though God has already made provisions for Christians to arise and shine, they are still required to play their part in God’s plan for their destinies to be actualized. Bishop Tabwaye explained this, citing an example of a man who remains in darkness even though the room where he is in has power supply and an electric bulb. He said that unless the man switches on the light, the room will continue to be dark and him, in darkness. Therefore, the Diocesan said that to arise, Christians must connect with Christ who is the real source of light; consume God’s word as food; commit themselves to God’s work, especially soul winning; cultivate righteous living; and confess positively in all circumstances. The Cleric concluded by charging Christians to live holy lives, through which this light will shine brighter, attract the world to its brightness, and convert all into the will of God.