An Anglican Cleric has advised Nigerians to abhor stealing because of the damage it has on the victims.
In an exposition on the theme of the 12th General Synod of Church of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, the Bishop Ijebu Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev'd Ezekiel Ayodele Awosoga, said that stealing was responsible for the fall of man and many nations.
The Bishop defined stealing as corruption, misappropriation of funds, embezzlement, robbery, forceful seizure of neighbours property as well as sinfully spending of what one has, thereby depriving oneself of a meaningful life.
He said that God hates stealing that is why He forced satan the devil down to the earth, even as He expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.
Rt. Rev'd Awosoga said that back of contentment and greed has forced many people into indulgence in corrupt practices, thereby causing much harm to the society.
The man of God who quoted several Bible portions to buttress his claim, also listed instances where God dealt with kings and nations because of stealing.
He particularly mentioned the case of King Ahab and Naboth, who were killed because for taking over a land that was not theirs, and the case of Jesus Christ driving away the money changers from the Temple in Jerusalem, among others.
While describing stealing as a terrible sin, the Bishop warned Christians against indulging in it, pointing out that “if God can punish kings and nations because of stealing, we should be careful of what we do.”
According to him, “the reason why God is against some rich men is because they do not pay their workers and have made themselves rich through the wages of depriving people.”
The Anglican Cleric described the theme as a burden to the church in view of the pervasive nature of corruption in the society and stressed the need for the children of God to continue with their struggle against the manifestation of corruption in the society.
He however, said that the church as the body of Christ should not allow any act of corruption to rear its ugly head in its fold.
The Martin Service was conducted by Rt. Rev'd Nathan Kanu, Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese, Province of Aba.
(c) Christian Voice Newspaper
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