The danger of one sided story

THE DANGER OF A ONE SIDED STORY

So I read several comments under the post I made two days ago about Apostle Festus Alilu and Pastor Korede Komaiya, and I couldn't but notice that the reason why some people didn't agree with my submission is because they heard snippets of Pastor Korede's teachings that weren't inline with what the scripture says. Truthfully, if I'm to judge by the snippets alone, then Pastor KK would be wrong. But then, if I've learnt anything about this social media age, it's that I can't judge a matter without understanding the context. Let me share one of the comments I read:

"Did you hear when he said you can't carry a woman because you don't have money? Did you hear when he said you can't buy a house in Dubai and keep a woman there because you don't have money? Now my question, how can a pastor say this kind of thing publicly?"

If I'm being honest, it is only an emotional thinker that would ask questions like this. A critical thinker would rather try to understand why he said what he said. Amazingly, the answer to all his questions were captured in the full messages. In fact, if he had listened to the full messages, he wouldn't be asking those questions, let alone feel agitation. That's the danger of a one sided story. 

This thing happened with Jesus many times. For instance, everybody knew that Zacchaeus was a tax collector on behalf of the Roman tax masters. And because of the kind of job he was doing, committing usury was the order of the day. He was flagged a sinner by his people, and any one of them who was seen with him was tagged in like manner. 

It was a confusing situation altogether when Jesus agreed to dine with Zacchaeus. The scripture says "they all" murmured that Jesus had gone to dine with a sinner. Was it fair that the Saviour of the world was dining with the man who had been wicked to the people He came to save? Let's see how scriptures put it:

Luke 19:

1. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 

2. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 

3. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 

4. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 

5. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 

6. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 

7. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 

Judging by what they saw, they had a right to complain and spread rumours about Jesus' unjust behaviour. Yet, it was a one-sided story. Because the same Zacchaeus repented during the meeting and offered to refund every one he had ever cheated. A news that would have been good was misrepresented, because of a one-sided story. 

There was one time Apostle Arome Osayi cautioned a keyboardist about not being in tune with the Spirit. The video trended with deep criticism to the apostle, yet, not many knew that the apostle told him to continue playing until he's able to connect. If it was the full video that we all watched, it probably wouldn't have been a topic worthy of discussion. 

Something similar happened with Apostle Femi Lazarus. He sent his keyboardist out of stage during his ministration, and the matter trended negatively. I also made a few private remarks about his action. Thank God his team published the full video that shows how he went and spoke with the guy and restored him during the same service. Ofcourse, the way Apostle Femi spoke to the keyboardist wasn't very nice, but I'm sure that if we all watched the full video at first, that matter wouldn't even be a trend. The Apostle is also human, which means he can make mistakes. And the fact that he was prompt to correct his mistake makes him a good leader. 

For the record, this is not me taking sides or supporting any man of God, I'm for the body of Christ, and I'd rather support peace and unity. If I call you out on my platform, then it's because your matter has reached headquarters😂. 

Taking sides is one of the reasons why our guards are usually up whenever we hear a negative report about a man of God. The fact that we don't like the man of God will naturally flush out the patience in our heart. On the other hand, if the negative report is about the man of God we like, we'd first take time to investigate. This is not fair on the kingdom. 

If I'm being honest, I think we're all guilty of this. When I say all, I'm certainly in that list. I may not have spoken ill about the person publicly, but I may have spoken about it privately. Yet for those that I like, I take my time to investigate it, and even talk about it publicly. 

Let's stop this! It's not going to lead anywhere. The next time you want to make a comment under a post, be sure your idea isn't one-sided. Believers don't take sides, we take Christ. If Christ will not be glorified, then we shouldn't bother engaging in it. 

I hope this has brought enlightenment to someone. 

Remain ever blessed, in Jesus precious name!