Despite Nigeria’s economic crisis and security risks, Christians have been advised to continue speaking positively about the country, as this will eventually have a positive impact.
Apostle John Okoriko, Founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom State, delivered the admonition on Easter Sunday in Uyo during his monthly Interactive Service titled “What You Say, You Become,” emphasising that speaking positively about the country does not preclude constructive criticism of government for accountability and good governance.
Speaking through the Church’s Secretary General, Dr Linus Uko Enang, the clergyman added that any negative word spoken has the same effect on anyone who utters such words, whether against themselves or their children, family, society, or nation as a whole.
Okoriko, who emphasised the power of spoken words and the need of being positive about them, asserted that God used words to create in Genesis 1:2-3, and Jesus Christ proclaimed his resurrection in three days during his crucifixion, and all of those words came true.
According to him, “The world would not have celebrated Jesus today if he hadn’t said anything positive in the midst of his suffering, torture, and crucifixion on the cross, as he had told the disciples that he would resurrect, not minding his predicament in the hands of his accusers.”
“Let the poor say I am rich and the weak say I am strong; what we say in times of adversity counts in our life. What we say is more than just a sound; it is full of force, whether negative or positive.
Remember, we would be held accountable for every word we said on the Day of Judgement, which may be today. I’m not saying we should praise our leaders when it’s unnecessary, but be constructive in your comments.”
He remarked that many marriages have failed, families have split up, and communities have gone to war as a result of negative and unguarded statements, even as he cautioned Nigerians to refrain from professing negativity about the country since such words de-market Nigeria and bring disaster to the people.
The preacher recalled how one of the thieves on Jesus’ cross was saved and remains in heaven, while the other spent forever in hell because of what they said to Christ.
He also urged the youths not to be disheartened by economic or societal challenges and to turn to negative ideas, stating that God has a way of helping them get through the circumstance if they confess positively.