Rev Fr GL Khing
Kohima
There are numerous disasters and misfortunes which invade human life. Human life is too fragile to stand against some of the man-made viruses and natural disasters. Right precautions and preventive measures can only keep us safe and sound. Thanks to all concern doctors who with a bigger vision create sensible awareness about health and hygiene, give appropriate dos and don’ts in times of epidemics and pandemics. General awareness is necessary so as to avoid personal interpretations.As Christians, we must avoid personal interpretations of sicknesses and diseases. This will lead us far beyond the reality.
Man has the tendency to blame God for all misfortunes and untoward situations. God is not a scapegoat of human selfishness and greed. Man-made disasters should not be put upon the shoulder of God. We must not blame God for all our sicknesses and diseases. God can heal all our iniquities, yet we must cooperate with Him to fulfill his plan in us. The power of God and the weakness of human beings must be understood in the real sense, not abstractly. Spirituality is good in far as it promotes human life and well-being of the whole human race. But the loopholes in Christian spirituality can promote false interpretations and non-Christian behaviours.
It is so disturbing to hear that many Christians are beginning to see corona virus as a punishment from God. This is totally unchristian. Is corona virus a punishment from God? No. Are the Chinese so sinful that God made them suffer first as an example to other nations? No. Are Christians in Nagaland holier than other people? No. We are all equal in front of God who sees us through and through. God does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our iniquities (Ps.103:10). What if God treats us according to our sins?No one will survive. We should not panic nor be easily taken up by what we hear. Rumours and false interpretations are becoming another gospel for Nagas.We must not create another god according to our imaginations and prophecies. The God we worship is already good enough to be our God.
Today, many preachers have peacefully linked their prophecies to the pandemic corona virus. The revelations of God through these holy men and women are good enough to make themselves popular and famous. All self-made prophets claimed to have prophesied about the virus. Many new age prophets are out there to create fear psychosis among the believers. This is not true spirituality. This is totally unhealthy for Christians. We must not become victims of such men and women. Pray and be vigilant. This will help us better instead of masking ourselves in the false prophecies of men and women.
I am sure Nagas still remember the year 2000. Many Nagas believed the prophecies of those holy men and women and lost their wealth and properties. Many prophecies revealed the end of the world. Even some famous preachers who are still alive today prophesied the end of the world to create fear psychosis among Christians. (Fear does not lead us closer to God in any way). When nothing happened, they hid themselves and stop preaching. Now, they are appearing again with new prophecies and revelations from God regarding corona virus. The sad part of it is that many Naga Christians are easily swayed by these false prophecies. Beware! Do not be taken captives by their preachings or revelations. Nothing happens to us without the knowledge of God. Be courageous for God will stand by us in times of sickness and strength, in life and in death.
I believe God will protect us under the shelter of his love. May God restore this earth with His healing touch and make us whole again that we learn to live in peace with each other as brothers and sisters. As Christians, kindly avoid spreading fake prophecies, false interpretations and rumours. Pray and stay safe. God bless you all.
