Two commonly used statements have evolved to become idioms, namely, Mr X is good for nothing, and Mr X does not know anything. While these statements often refer to the seeming failures of Mr X to excel in an area of life, I argue that these statements and the supporting ideology are erroneous. There are three reasons for my stand.
First, these statements contradict the beauty of creation because God created the world, and it was very good (Genesis 1:31). To say that someone is good for nothing means that there is no beauty in that person. To say that someone does not know anything means that person cannot retain any knowledge; that God created the person without a gift. While some people may receive five talents and others lesser, what matters is that each one receives. The one who receives five should not look down on the person who received one. The more gifts we receive from God, the more expectations from God.
The second reason is that these statements question the omniscience of God. If we say God knows all things, then we contradict that statement when we argue that someone is good for nothing or knows nothing. This is because we simply say that God made a mistake in creating that person. Since God created each one of us for a purpose, we simply argue that God has no purpose in creating us – a very odd conclusion. A couple who has a child with down syndrome told me that while taking care of the child is difficult, they still thank God because the sick child virtually eliminated all marriage squabbles.
Third, such statements are against Christian charity. Our Christian faith is founded on the love of God and the love of our neighbour. The weak members of our community need our support instead of condemnation.
Sadly, it appears that these two statements exist in our beautiful diocese. We assume that because a priest or a seminarian cannot do exactly what we do, the person is good for nothing or knows nothing. EVERYBODY in our diocese is very important and has an important role to play. Never feel less important in the diocese. It is a matter of discovering where God has blessed you. Please, find yours and use it for our diocese 🙏🏾. The harvest is always plentiful, and the labourers are few (Matt 9:37).
Yes, Okigwe diocese is very fertile so much so that if we adopt an existential approach to theology – an approach that entails pursuing the salvation of souls by engaging in all disciplines – we discover that the “labourers” are indeed few. We can use all gifts and talents for the mission of Christ and the Church.
It is therefore naive to assume that others are dispensable because our talents are more prominent. For everyone on the stage, there is a backroom staff working behind the scenes. If the one on the stage feels the staff are dispensable, he should try to do both jobs simultaneously.
May God continue to bless our beloved diocese.🙏🏾
K’ọdị🙋🏾♂️
