In many parts of the world, many are already living in a post Christian world, where Christian values are no longer seen as vital to daily living. Having experienced economic stability, prayer is not seen as essential to call on God to do for us what Government should do. Hence, religion is gradually being removed from public square. 

Yes, Nigeria is still far removed from this eventuality but it is not inconceivable. To forestall this decay and decline, Christians must rise up to the occasion and become purposeful about the survival of their faith.

Christians must make the faith count in every sphere of their life. The life of the home is in peril and needs redemption, parents are called to raise their kids in fear and love of God.

Moral values must be inculcated in such fashion that people understand that life is an integrated whole where one part affects the others. 

In the work place, Christians are called to integrate Christian values into their businesses. Life cannot be business as usual. We must consciously desire to put people in contact with Jesus or allow Christ to be seen in our words and actions.

Doing business in this environment mean dealing kindly, fairly and justly with customers and everyone we come in contact with. It means business is not just for making profit but for enhancing the quality of life.

It means business becomes the new Church-place for worship and divine interaction. In this encounter, the other is not someone to be exploited, but a brother or sister to be led to God. 

Religion is not like the clothes we put on and change as we like. Religion ought to be the air we breathe, and the life we live. It ought to shape our thoughts and influence our decisions and transform our actions. Once we separate our faith from the life we live, one is bound to give way.

This explains why the Christian faith is on the decline in many European nations. Life has become very comfortable for many that the need for religion is no longer there.  

While third world countries still struggle for survival, the danger of persecution is enough to prevent many from public practice of the faith.

For a faith to survive persecution, followers must be taught the riches of faith so that they appreciate it and become willing to defend it with their lives.

Persecution may come in many forms, often it will be subtle, like rejection at employment, discrimination against one during promotion exercises. By the time it becomes obvious it is already too late and harder to combat.

 

Within the Nigerian state, far more Muslims are at the helms of affairs, hence navigating daily activities in such a way that one's employment and promotion options are not jeopardized is a tough call.

Yet, Christians must not compromise the faith. The best approach is to be highly skilled and marketable such that one is coveted by all. If your skills are in high demand and you do your job well, then you will be treated fairly and treasured.

One must also be disciplined, let those around you know the values you uphold and be firm in practicing them. Practice your faith but don’t flaunt it in people's faces. 

On the spiritual level, Christians must help one another more. As members of God's family, we must consciously play down our differences and celebrate our unity of faith in the one Lord.

Yes, we cannot discountenance false doctrines and practices, but there are enough reasons to be united in the battle against persecution. Christian denomination must expand together taking seriously the mission mandate of Jesus to make disciples of all nations and not just be contented with fighting one another.

There is still very little evangelization drive to Muslims and the Hearthens. We need to focus more energy on this project. 

The age old Franciscan maxim "Preach the good news, if necessary, use words" is still true. By living in a manner becoming of the Children of GOD, we can win over even our enemies, by mending broken hearts, feeding the hungry, giving hope to people in the midst of darkness. 

In the final analysis, to be proud of one’s identity, culture and faith is an herculean task that parents must fulfill and the earlier the better. Children must be brought up to appreciate their uniqueness, and the beauty of their cultural heritage.

They must be schooled to understand the place of faith in human life and helped to cultivate the attitude of learning more about everything and anything that matters. This approach will help them to search and share, live and defend, learn and promote values that help a culture or religion to survive while others decay and collapse. 

So, before a neighbour becomes an enemy, let’s share life and love together, before that stranger becomes a foe, let’s lend a helping hand and surely, we shall have made for ourselves, brothers and sisters, defender and protector instead of the hordes of frenemies ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.