By Frank Tietie
I love him far better than in days of yore,
I’ll serve him more truly than ever before;
I’ll do as he bids me, whatever the cost;
I’ll be a true soldier, I’ll die at my post.
…Eli G. Christy
…It Pays to Serve Jesus, 1894.
Born an Anglican, I later joined the Pentecostal-Charismatic (born-again) movement during my university years. I moved away from hypocritical Christianity and am now a student of the love and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am often amazed at the Catholic Church’s ability to produce leaders committed to sacrificial service for the Lord’s sake.
From the greatest of them in my lifetime, Pope John Paul, to many others, including Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Catholics have truly demonstrated that servants of the Lord Jesus Christ should emulate Him through a life of loving sacrifice dedicated to the well-being of their faith community and the wider world.
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Benedict, who resigned due to ill health—a sign of good leadership when it is time to step aside but the blessed Pope Francis chose to use his last strength, even in sickness, to serve the Church. He continued to carry out his papal duties, even from a wheelchair. He proclaimed blessings on the Church on Easter Sunday and passed away on Easter Monday. He persevered for his Master until the end and died at his post, even though he could have resigned. He remained faithful to the end. What a remarkable man!
In an age driven by a “what’s in it for me” mentality, where many leaders and followers of faith serve God only with the expectation that He will fulfill promises of wealth and health—as if faith were an insurance policy for a place in heaven—religion or faith is no longer a way of life but rather a means to an end. It becomes a matter of convenience to either serve God or not.
Religion has become a pursuit of self-interest, yet it should also be seen for its transcendental purpose: redemption and preparation for life beyond our earthly existence.
There is nothing inherently wrong with pursuing self-interest; it is fundamental to human survival and progress. Self-interest is distinct from selfishness.
Aligning self-interest with universal principles brings about a fulfilling and rewarding life.
The Lord Jesus Christ teaches that greatness lies in serving others. This is the pathway to genuine influence, respect, and power. How can one attain true wealth? By overcoming selfishness and greed through giving, thus opening up untapped opportunities and reaping the rewards from the earth’s inexhaustible resources. Religious teachings can help reinstate these universal principles across all areas of life, including government and business, promoting self-actualization and fostering a better society. However, religion has faltered due to the selfishness of its leaders.
In the days and weeks to come, the world will stand still in mourning a great man. He had neither a wife nor owned property; he lived solely to serve others. Yet over one billion people worldwide will grieve his passing. That is true greatness!
May God continually bless the memory of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who lived and died as Pope Francis.
Frank Tietie,
Nigerian Lawyer, writes from Asokoro, Abuja.
