THE GOD OF CHISALE

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One issue the church in Malawi must confront with honesty and deep reflection is the use of God’s name in politics.

Which party’s prayers does the God of heaven listen to? Which party does He favour? When Chisale was being arrested under the MCP administration, we saw him holding up the Bible, turning it into a symbol of his personal fight for freedom. He frequently invoked the name of God and asked Him to fight on his behalf. Now that he is back in government, should we conclude that God is the one who answered him?

We also saw Vice President Ansah singing a religious song at one of her rallies, pleading with God to “fight this battle” for her—“Mbuye menyereni nkhondo”. Although she sang it almost breathlessly, the crowd still lifted the song with force. Now that she, too, is in government, should we say God truly fought that battle for her?

Interestingly, Ansah is a church minister, and her own church is now fuller than it has been in years. Yet when she left the country after the 2020 elections, with people accusing her of messing up the elections, was it the same God guiding her then, or had God abandoned her? And what of Chakwera? Now that he is out of government, must we say God has forsaken him and all those who prayed and fasted for him, climbing mountains, engaging in chain fasts, and offering ceaseless prayers on his behalf?

Many pastors entangled themselves in politics, preaching political messages to the people of God. Some uplifted certain politicians while tarnishing the names of others.

Today, it is widely known which church aligns with which political party. This congregation leans toward this party; that congregation leans toward another. This pastor supports one side, while that pastor identifies with a different one.

But if a pastor’s political allegiance differs from mine, can I receive their message with an open heart?

I know pastors who were disappointed by MCP’s loss and others who celebrated DPP’s victory openly and enthusiastically. What lesson does this teach us, the followers?

The church in Malawi, the body of Christ, must examine this matter deeply.

Pastors and churches are called to be a light on every path, at all times, for all people. Yet during political campaigns, we who follow God become partisan.

If we return to the Holy Scriptures, we find that every position of authority, every governing role, ultimately rests in God’s hands. We, as humans, cannot set boundaries on whom God may raise because we do not know what He sees in a person.

The Lord does not operate according to our thoughts. When God looks at leaders, He sees them as messengers people He has appointed to care for His children. The people of Malawi belong to God, not to any political party. And God does whatever pleases Him. His Word assures us that He can use anyone or anything to accomplish His purposes.

God does not belong to APM, or Chakwera, or Ansah, or Chisale, or Gangata.

We must fear God. We must never misuse His name. We must never grow too familiar with Him. We must not use His name carelessly.

If we are truly the body of Christ, then we are one, even if we support different political parties. Following God comes before following any leader or political movement. Yet look at how we fight one another in the name of politics.

So who is our God?

The God of Chakwera?

The God of APM?

The God of Chisale?

The God of MCP or the God of DPP?

By the way, Mulungu sangakhale mbali ya munthu koma munthu ndi amene angakhale mbali ya Mulungu. That song which says “Ali mbali yanga” misrepresents the truth. When we say God is on our side, we reduce Him to being our supporter, as though we are the champions and He is cheering us on. Read the book of Job, you who sing such songs.

Written by

Shadreck Chikoti

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