Pastor Dr. Francis Tabla:The Power of Repentance: Frequently emphasizes that past experiences and mistakes should not define a person’s today. Through faith, one can recover what was lost to bad experiences rather than justifying them.
By: Austin S Fallah [email protected], contributing writer
Pastor Alexander B. Collins: The Danger of Over-Spiritualizing: Modern teachings warn against “over-spiritualizing” statements or adding personal opinions to scripture to justify behaviors, emphasizing that one must “pull out the Lord’s intended meaning” rather than projecting onto it.
Pastor Arthur Cooper: Accountability for “Fabricated” Spirit: Have critiqued movements that “forbid the gift of discernment” or fabricate spiritual works to profit off followers, leading to a “trail of doubt, discouragement, and confusion”.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and essential political discourse, it is critical to step back and evaluate the state of a nation like Liberia, which, despite its rich history and cultural heritage, is burdened by ongoing challenges of corruption and poverty.
The long-standing habit of spiritualizing Liberia’s social and political issues through ideas like the 21-day fast(good if sincerely done to ask Heaven’s intervention) or the 178(9)-day fast(if in the genuine interest of the nation)has created a false dichotomy, diverting attention from actionable solutions that could liberate Liberia and its people.
This adda argues that the problems plaguing Liberia are manufactured and, therefore, must be addressed with critical thinking, informed decision-making, and the rejection of political rhetoric that prioritizes party loyalty over pragmatic leadership.
Liberians have long been waiting for divine intervention to bring about meaningful change in their lives.
The belief that fasting and prayer can miraculously resolve corruption and poverty has become a familiar rallying cry among many citizens.
However, it is crucial to recognize that faith alone can not cure the underlying systemic issues embedded in Liberia’s political and economic structure.
Fasting and praying can be viewed as personal acts of devotion and community support. Still, they should not replace the need for hard work, accountability, and sound governance necessary to significantly uplift the nation.
The history of failed governance, exemplified by consecutive administrations riddled with mismanagement and ineptitude, indicates that real change will only emerge from conscious decision-making at both the individual and collective levels.
Empowerment through informed voting is the first step in breaking the cycle of despair that has gripped Liberia for decades.
Hala-Na-Meleka-God-Almighty has indeed endowed every Liberian with the ability to choose their leaders wisely, leaders who possess the essential qualities of innovation, technological proficiency, critical thinking, and ethical integrity.
It becomes abundantly clear that each election is a crossroads: the wrong choices condemn the populace to more suffering, while the right decisions could catalyze Liberia’s transformation into a thriving nation.
In analyzing the political landscape, they see a troubling pattern of individuals being elected based on arbitrary party allegiances rather than individual merit.
It is time Liberians stop being swayed by superficial political slogans that often serve as “empty dumps.”
These slogans are often designed to distract from the lack of genuine platforms that address citizens’ core needs.
Candidates have repeatedly fallen into the trap of recycling old ideas and rebranding them, taking advantage of the people’s frustrations while offering nothing substantive in return.
The election of individuals without critical thinking skills or a proven ability to tackle national issues only underscores a dire need for education and civic engagement among the electorate.
Liberians must demand more from their political representatives.
When electing leaders, they should prioritize candidates with demonstrated records of innovation and conflict resolution, individuals who harness the skills necessary to adapt to rapidly changing economic conditions and who genuinely prioritize the public’s welfare over personal gain.
Voter education initiatives can empower citizens to make informed choices that elevate qualified leaders equipped to address the root causes of the nation’s struggles.
Moreover, to dispel the myth that spiritual fasting can substitute for sound governance, Liberians must recognize the role of corruption in perpetuating their circumstances.
Corruption is not an abstract concept; it is a tangible disease that eats away at the very fabric of society.
It thrives in environments characterized by a lack of accountability and transparency, leading to significant misappropriation or mismanagement of national resources.
The cycle of poverty and disenfranchisement feeds off this corruption, further creating disenchantment among the populace.
It is easy to blame factors beyond one’s control, such as internal finger-pointing or foreign intervention, for the nation’s woes.
While these may have played roles in shaping Liberia’s present-day challenges, an exclusive focus on external influences leads to a lack of self-examination.
Rather than merely waiting on divine intervention or seeking otherworldly solutions, Liberia must actively engage in introspective reflection about its choices, particularly in leadership.
There must be a conscious effort to hold elected officials accountable for their actions and results.
Addressing corruption requires widespread intolerance for dishonest practices and a firm commitment to ethical leadership in both the public and private sectors.
Policies must be instituted that actively promote integrity, performance metrics for public officials must become the norm, and citizens should actively participate in oversight to ensure that their leaders are held accountable.
It is not enough to protest corruption; actionable steps must be taken to eradicate its roots, particularly by telling the downtrodden to stop feeding this society’s hyena-vampire.
Beyond scrutinizing political leaders, every Liberian needs to foster an environment where innovation and entrepreneurial ventures can flourish.
Economic growth is inherently tied to citizens’ capacity to generate ideas and achieve success independent of political will.
Investment in education, vocational training, and infrastructure will prove vital in equipping the next generation of Liberians with the tools they need to escape the cycle of poverty.
By diversifying the economy and empowering the young people, Liberia’s future can be laid on a foundation of resilience, sustainability, and pride.
Liberia’s leadership, both political and societal, must encompass the wisdom of traditional values interwoven with modern governance practices.
Emphasizing ethical politics, fostering integrity, and advocating for inclusivity, characteristics often neglected in the current discourse, are necessary preconditions for prosperity.
The lessons engraved in history should serve as guideposts, illuminating the path forward.
Liberia must move away from the tendency to spiritualize its problems and instead engage with them through pragmatic solutions deeply rooted in accountability, education, and local innovation, as envisioned by our Creator, Hala-Na-Meleka-God-Almighty, through our Savior, Yeshua.
The liberation of Liberia from the shackles of corruption and abject poverty ultimately depends on the choices citizens make.
As empowered individuals armed with the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to elect those who serve the greater good, Liberians have the power to shape their own destinies, through the intervention of Hala-Na-Meleka-God-Almighty if requested through sincere prayers and fasting, and giving all the glory and honor to the Creator and not to mortal men.
As a nation, it is time to step out of reliance on spiritual paradigms for sociopolitical change and instead fully embrace the responsibilities inherent in self-governance and robust civic engagement.
Fasting may cleanse the body and soul, but it is the informed citizenry who will lay the groundwork for a prosperous tomorrow.
Liberation begins within; it is time for every Liberian to act accordingly and put faith into concrete action.
