Betrayal: The worst Sin before God and Man

At the heart of every traumatic human experience, be it in the private or public arena, is an act of betrayal. A jealous contemporary friend, an adulterous husband, cheating wife, an alcoholic parent, a promiscuous lover, a conniving relation, wayward child, to name but a few, are some of the most hurting experiences in human relationships. There are many examples of betrayal in the public arena. Nations have gone to war, tribes against the other, and parents killing their own children. Corrupt leaders and governments have turned their subjects into paupers. Economic and political rivalries have taken their toll on men and women in the prime of their lives. The greatest betrayal in human history was the encounter between Jesus and Judas Iscariot at the Garden of Gethsemane. Is it any wonder that God views betrayal gravely and punishes it? No matter how strong we are, betrayal hurts; if not checked, can paralyze us into depressive inertia, and at worst, into a perpetual state of bitterness and apathy. That is why it is important that we be careful how we handle hurt that emanate from betrayal, and if need be, seek professional help. It is important that whatever the situation, it will and must come to pass. Hurt is a course in our lives that must be experienced no matter what, and at any cost. Fortunately, sometimes, one betrays the other, aiming at failing him or her in life, but sometimes it goes unnoticed that was instead paving a successful way for the latter. Paul, the stalwart of the Christian faith had seen betrayal at its worst, right from his detractors to fellow brethren in the faith. Fortunately, he knew how to deal with the enemy. In Ephesians 6: 10-18, Paul exhorts the Church at Ephesus: The Bible tells us to build up our strength in union with God and by means of His mighty power. Put on all the armour that God gives you so that you will be able to stand up against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the ruling authorities and cosmic powers of this Dark Age. So, put on God’s armour now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy’s attacks; and if it calls for a fight, you will be able to stand on your ground. So, stand ready with a tight belt around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate and as your shoes, the readiness to announce the Good News of peace and victory. At all times carry faith as your shield for it will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the evil one. And accept salvation as a weapon, and the word of God as the sword which the spirit gives you. Do all this in prayer, asking for God’s help. Pray on every occasion as the spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up. Let us look through Paul’s survival kit and see what tips we can adopt in our own situation. The Bible states that, Paul knew the importance of being connected to the powerhouse. Meaning that, when we are in union with Jesus Christ, victory is assured no matter what hit us. More importantly, being in tune with the Holy Spirit will enable us to discern the enemy’s plans long before he attacks. In this case, it is very important to identify your enemy. Unless one knows who they are fighting, they cannot strategize and any attempt at fighting back is an exercise in futility and a waste of resources. Behind every attack on the children of God is man and God’s arch enemy, the devil. After identifying your enemy, then you will be able to equip yourself for the battle. For instance one knows what bullets and other resources both human and fiscal to employ. Back to the Biblical saying, sometimes we do not need to attack our enemies physically, but to instead go on our knees in constant prayer. Some of us are not military strategists, but we have personal experience of the knee position, and we know for a fact that it is lethal to an unsuspecting enemy. Whatever situation one is dealing with in life as you read this article, it is time to be aware with what is going on in your life and knowing how to deal with it. Put on the whole armour of God, fight a good battle and stand firm, He is will never forsake you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!