A Sunday in my Christian life

My weekdays are always filled with one activity or the other. However on a Sunday morning, observing my religious rites is non-negotiable. A visit to my Father’s house is obeying a part of the Holy Bible which says, “Do not forsake the assembly of the saints”.

I take time to prepare my outfit; well ironed dress and polished stilettos. I am enthusiastic about having a wonderful Sunday service. This will be the perfect tonic I need for the week ahead – blessings from my spiritual father and prayers to God for the many requests still pending.

I admire myself in front of the mirror and I perfect my make-up by smacking my lips repeatedly. Carefully, I tuck my stilettos into my big handbag and put on flat sandals.

It is not part of my plans to stress my feet. “Haba! I cannot stress my beautiful feet in the name of fashion”, I said in a subtle tone as I winked at the mirror in a sign of self-approval.

My journey to church

The streets are littered with people from different Christian denominations, heading to their various places of worship. The ladies I see in flowing white garments remind me of an aunt who always praises my beautiful look but complains about my single status. It’s not like she gifted me a husband and I rejected o.

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The man in suit looks too serious for my liking. I adjudged him to be one of the religious folk who spend one-quarter of their day praying as if they want to see Jesus in person.

I laugh as I see a woman dragging her twin daughters who were crying for biscuits. It wasn’t long before another woman with a turban around her head shouted on her mega phone.

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“Repent my brothers and sisters! Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand! There are many of you who feel that you are enjoying despite the fact that you are living in sin! My brothers and sisters, there is no benefit for those who live in sin! Destruction will be your end! Are you a fornicator?! Repent! Jesus is coming soon!’’

These words hit me as I walk past the preacher. I wondered why some persons choose to preach the gospel on the streets on a Sunday morning, despite knowing that people are on their way to hear the exact same words. Although I am not comfortable with her harsh style of preaching, I admit that she is fearless.

Inside the church

The entrance to my church has many worshippers trooping in simultaneously. The crowd control unit is directing everyone in a friendly manner. “I must possess my possessions today”, I declare as I take a seat in the auditorium.

The service is already over twenty minutes in and I berate myself for always getting to church late. I remembered that I promised myself never to be late to church, after being late the previous Sunday.

“Old habits die hard”, I mutter with a sigh. The senior pastor starts his sermon. A short prayer preceded the word of God. His message centres on the need for God’s children to be disciplined in everything they do.

Also, the preacher encouraged his listeners to think about that one habit that needs to be worked on. He advised that a thorough assessment should be done and new habits be developed.

I know that procrastination is my main problem. How do I deal with it? Do I need help? Maybe I should go for deliverance.

What if the pastor asks me to embark on fasting and prayer for seven days in order to cleanse myself from the spirit of procrastination and lateness? Ah! At this point, I am convinced that discipline is all that I need.

Personal determination

The service ends after a series of prayers for the nation. While the congregation focused on praying for our dear country, I major on praying against the spirit of procrastination in my life.

After the prayer session I said to myself, “If I can overcome the spirit of procrastination, Nigeria can overcome her problems.’’

As I leave church, I make a silent promise to work on myself. I cannot allow one bad habit to prevent me from getting what I desire in life.

It will take a lot of discipline. However, I know that it is possible. My Sunday did not end without me making a sumptuous meal to celebrate the new task I have given myself.

I celebrated in advance; a victory I am certain is possible.