I do not know when and who coined the phrase "Nagaland for Christ"; and what were the underlying objectives or agenda. However, looking at the present scenario in Nagaland, I do believe that we are living in contrast with the declaration "Nagaland for Christ".
Looking at the slogan, we do believe that since Christ gave up His life as an atonement for the sins of humankind, we declare Christ is for us. Likewise, Christ gave up His life for the Nagas; hence, Christ for Nagaland may be more correct.
Nevertheless, whatever the slogan, the questions we need to ask are;
1. Are we really living up to our declaration of "Nagaland for Christ"?
2. Are we sacrificing our lives for Christ?
3. Are we going to places where Christians are prosecuted and spreading the Gospel at the cost of our lives?
4. Are the Nagas risking their lives in spreading the gospel to unbelievers?
Since our state has openly declared Nagaland for Christ, the state government itself should be the mechanism and the driving force behind the spreading of the gospel. The whole state should be living for Christ and strive towards spreading the gospel.
Pardon me if I am wrong, but, I am yet to hear of any Naga who has been killed while spreading the Gospel. Christ died for us. He gave His life for us. We are living by His love and grace. How can we, then, say that we are for Christ; if we have not done anything for Christ; and is just simply using the slogan "Nagaland for Christ"?
Forget about living for Christ and being messengers of Christ. At present, I would say that there are no Christians in Nagaland. Dressing up and going to devotional service only on Sunday morning does not make one a Christian. But, we Nagas are doing just that -- we go to church on Sunday morning; and for the rest of the week, from Monday through Saturday, we live as we please -- actively involved in treachery, corruption, bribery, embezzlement, etc etc.
Why am I blabbering? It is simply to point out that since we are not living in accordance to our declaration -- "Nagaland for Christ", we should be ashamed; but instead of hanging our heads in shame, we should seek God's forgiveness; for God has been kind and merciful to us and He has spared us from all natural calamities, destruction and diseases. He has chosen us inspite of all our shortcomings. Therefore, I believe we should change our slogan to "CHRIST FOR NAGALAND" or any other slogan and start living as Christ taught us -- but please, not "Nagaland for Christ".
Jevito Shohe Ikishe Village 5th mile, Dimapur
