CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS

Sir,

In times gone by, we used to sing a song that goes: “Noma ngigcoka Amanikiniki Ikhona ingubo emhlophe cwa.”  This song has misled many African believers; it conveys the idea that even if we wear torn and tattered clothes here on earth, we have white garments reserved for us in Heaven. I would like to inform my fellow Africans that this song should not comfort you to the extent that you become convinced that you deserve to wear old, shabby clothes or to live a miserable life.  That is not what you deserve at all; you truly deserve better.

Clothes

The clothes you see around you are meant for use only here on earth. In Heaven or hell, there will be no such clothes—wear them now while you are still here. There, we will wear designs from that realm. This is why, when you pass from this world, you take nothing with you. Always dress well while you still breathe, especially if you are a saint. The Almighty God possesses everything in abundance. This song was never meant for us, brethren. Some people will dress impeccably here on earth and will still receive the very same white garment you anticipate in Heaven.

Indeed, God mentioned that the days of our lives are very short and filled with pain (Job 14:1). However, do not confuse sorrow and pain with cleanliness. God also indicated that He came to earth and became poor so that we might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9; Proverbs 10:22). So why are we, as brethren, suffering from poverty when Jesus has done it all for us? Do we truly believe in the Word of God, or do we believe only partially?

Sacrifice

Let us not make Jesus’s sacrifice in vain, but instead strive to live fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, the church has largely become a social gathering for those in need. I regret to say that this is where people meet to share their burdens and comfort one another. The essence of the church is fading over time. Evangelists, too, are not exempt; they must exercise great caution. They preach to both believers and non-believers, many of whom view them as their Bible since they rarely read the Word of God. If you preach the Word of God, you should be convincing in the eyes of the world—not just through your words, but through holiness, cleanliness and a full life. In fact, everything you do should testify about the Lord.

Sadly, the lives of many evangelists contradict what they preach. How can you claim that God has everything when you possess nothing? How can you assert that God is love when there is none within you? Is God not your Father? Are you not His servant? If you are employed by a farmer, the farmer must pay you; the same goes for government employment. Evangelists work for the Almighty God, who lacks nothing. Why should they lack? Believe me when I say that there is no fault in the Messiah; the fault lies with us. Let each individual examine their own shortcomings, and we may find a better solution. Jesus is indeed coming, and He shall never forget. He might come today, tomorrow, or even two thousand years from now.

While we have been given this gift called life, let us live in a manner that testifies about Him. The white garment is truly there; unfortunately, we are not there yet. Let us wear nice, proper, and clean clothes while we still have the opportunity. A full life is convincing enough for people to start questioning you and to begin believing in what you believe, rather than in meaningless words.

Qhawe Nkambule

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