Growing up, my parents made some decisions, and their age that became an ideology which unconsciously influenced us, leading us to believe we can't be religious and participate in politics. The truth is that their decision has now resulted in a mistake on our part, causing many people to become politically apathetic.
The notion that you can't serve God truthfully and still participate in politics has blinded so many people that they don't get involved in political discussion or government selection, things that would affect their lives for the next four years.
So many people now believe if you are into politics, you are already dipping your hands into blood, which is not true but society and previous religious leaders made it so. The thought of
God will do it and make you prosper, no matter who is in government.
It's sad that some people still believe this, but staying away from politics because you want to be true to your religion is the wrong way to think. We have suffered so much at the hands of bad leadership for people to continue to fold their hands, waiting for God to pick a good leader for them.
I remember when I was little, I was talking about how badly the legislative and judiciary arms of government bend to the rules of the executive government because they are always appointed. I was furious and wanted a change, but an elderly man who was listening to the discussion I was having with my friend said
"Aren't you a child of God? Why are you worried about things that shouldn't concern you?"
I was stunned. That one sentence stuck with me for years. It made me feel like I was wrong for caring. But deep down, I knew the opposite was true. I should care. We all should.
The idea that politics and faith must be separated at all costs is a mindset that has crippled our society. This same mindset stops vibrant, God-fearing youths from stepping into rooms where policies are made and futures are decided. We end up ruled by people who neither fear God nor respect the people, and we call it fate. But it’s not fate; it’s the result of our silence.
Change will only happen when we realize that being a person of faith doesn’t stop us from leadership; it is actually what qualifies us. It means we understand service, humility, justice, and compassion. These are values politics desperately needs, and it’s time we stop letting outdated ideologies rob our generation of the power to make a difference.
Image is mine
If we truly want a better society, then we need to step up, not just in churches or mosques, but in town halls, parliaments, and every place where decisions are made. Because if we don’t show up, the wrong people will. We are the youth of this generation and our future depends on the decisions we make and the people we put into power.
So yes, I am speaking up. Not just for me, but for every young person who believes in both God and good governance. I have learn, unlearn and relearn to know that some things won't change unless we change our mindset.
Thanks for reading. My name is Fashtioluwa.
