Meren Ozukum
Mokokchung
Matthew 4 and the following passages mention how Jesus was confronted by the devil after His fasting for 40 days and nights. The Son of God, Immanuel, used His discernment and astuteness to outdo the devil’s schemes. Likewise, in our day-to-day activities, Satan uses his clever ploys to win over our lives, ultimately dragging individuals to plummet into the dark pit if Nagas are not genuinely rooted in the Word of God. There is an adage which goes, “One has to win over the self” to subvert all the obstacles and hurdles which are an inescapable part of human existence; I suppose that is the devil most are wrestling with. The famous Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said-- and was later interpreted by various scholars and theologians-- that we all need to have a Leap of Faith in order to attain and dwell in peace of mind within our hearts. The significance of reason and evidence is hard to overstate, as they help individuals make informed decisions and allow them to engage with the world meaningfully. But on the flip side, as practicing Christians, it is imperative to genuinely give due significance to that which is transcendental as much as to that which is imminent.
All individuals and communities long for peace and goodwill among kith and kin. In today’s Naga context, it is apparent that there are many feuds and resentments toward one another, where one side refuses to bow down first and reconcile with the warring groups. Extracting from the Biblical passage where Jesus was asked to bow
down to the tempter, Jesus did not relent. In the Naga context, it is imperative that we exercise discernment regarding when to bow down and when to stand firm. In the recent past, a remarkable example was set forth by the Khonoma villagers, led by the Stalwart Charles Chasie along with all the stakeholders. It has been said that two clans had a feud since the killing of T Sakhrie by the alleged clan, and this became the first fratricidal killing of leaders in the history of the Naga National Movement.
If fellow Nagas are clothed with the Word of God and use Him as our shield and rampart, peace will descend upon the land. We will witness a new dawn that history has never seen. Along with various CSOs, NGOs, religious organizations, and purportedly the 33 underground factions coming together for a common cause, and despite deploying various mechanisms, our land may not be far from witnessing a new dawn of peace and prosperity which is a land flowing with milk and honey
