Sermonizing Nworah’s Concerns For Rejoicers And Mourners From The Perspective Of Romans 12:15 -By Isaac Asabor

If there are two words that are fast losing meaning in today’s world of violence, selfishness and avarice, they are unarguably “altruism” and “love”. These words are losing their true meaning and value in the eyes of some people who see false value in other aspects of life such as power, status and wealth. So, what exactly do these words mean? Altruism, according to lexicographers is aptly defined as “Disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others” while love is defined as “an intense feeling of deep affection for something or for someone”.

However, not few people by each passing day feel so busy that they hardly have time to nurture the relationships that matter the most to them. The reason for the foregoing cannot be unconnected to irregular working, business and relaxation hours, which is mostly couched in slang, thus: “always on”. In fact, in this era that is fast witnessing exponential growth in technology such as the internet with its inherent burgeoning social media platforms, our lives have literarily being wired to a sedentary situation so much that we hardly have time for the people who make us feel most connected. The foregoing is in addition to scheduling far-off plans that can become a source of anxiety when we simply don’t know what the next week will bring. But when we do find a way to pull them off, we experience some of the greatest joy.

However, there are few Nigerians who selflessly make time for the people who matter most to them. Their methods for staying in touch and keeping their connections are naturally on the top of their priority lists. One of such selfless people is Chief Dr. Uche Nworah, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), and Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri.

As a friend on Facebook, he posted one of his resplendent pictures depicting him in his traditional regalia with the caption:  “Saturday movement: 3 weddings and a funeral”. As a Journalist, I was straightaway inspired to write this piece as I wondered about where he draws his strength from in ensuring that he rejoices and mourns with people.

In as much as this writer has for the umpteenth time written about “Ezeudo”, as he is admirably called, I must confess that the newsworthiness that is inherent in his personality, and the need to disseminate it each time I am inspired to do so, was intended to make the young ones emulate him and in that vein vicariously imitate him as a role model as they journey through life.

With the understanding that there is no generic formula for success, but learning the life story of others, particularly that of “Ezeudo” in this context, and which will provide an insight on how challenges were overcame, it will unarguably shed light on what kind of values guide his purpose for wanting to succeed, and the upcoming ones will learn from such lessons.

Upon seeing his post on Facebook, the scriptural injunction enshrined in Romans 12:15-16 that says “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited”, literarily began to flash through my mind. And I instantly came to the understanding that he unarguably draws his strength from God as he dedicatedly obeys the commandment of God.

With my understanding of the scripture, I was able to discern where Ezeudo draws his strength from as he is always disposed to solidarizing with those that are rejoicing and commiserating with those that are mourning. This is because as believers we are to follow Christ’s example of being willing to meet people where they are.

For the sake of clarity, Jesus Christ humbled himself and stepped into humanity on our behalf. He gave up the glory of heaven to come and redeem mankind, born in the most humble way. He did not consider his royal position ahead of our need for him; he humbled himself and became obedient to death in order that we might experience firsthand the love of God.

In the same vein, believe it or not, Ezeudo has the same the mindset of Christ concerning those around him. He has no doubt proven that he considers them above himself. To most of us in the Christendom, we cannot deny the fact that Paul has given us plenty of instruction in Romans 12 on how to live in harmony with one another. In this contextual scripture, he reminds us that we should rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. This can only happen when we genuinely love and care for each other.  By showing interest and concern for others above our own need, we become invested in their lives. Doing so brings us to the point of being able to share with them in every circumstance. Rejoicing and mourning with them is a natural response to the love shared. This is why Paul started out by saying “love must be sincere” (Romans 12:9). Ezeudo, no doubt, has been effortlessly demonstrating this lifestyle to the admiration of many; particularly this writer. He no doubt understands that to live in harmony with each other that he must associate with everyone. As a man of peace, he is not given to conceitedness or overestimation of himself.  Little wonder God has given him Midas touch that whatever he engages in prospers. He abhors being snobbish towards others, and he is always willing to include and care for those around him.  Jesus told the disciples “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This is the secret to getting ahead in life, putting others ahead of yourself and serving each other just as if you were serving the Lord. Jesus then took a child in his arms and went on to explain to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37). Ezeudo’s lifestyle is no doubt teaching everyone that knows him, either physically or vicariously that keeping this eternal perspective in mind will enable him or her to live in harmony with others, rejoicing, mourning and caring for each other’s needs just the same way Ezeudo is known to be doing. To him, the scriptural injunction is not been obeyed as if it is a struggle. He obeys it naturally as if it is a routine.