Amidst Saffronisation

India is a religious country. As one born in India, I had also been influenced by religion in the past. The family, social, and political environment where one grew up with, shaped that person. Since the background of almost all people are religious, no wonder, the people of the country are religious too. 

As one born of parent from multiple religions background, in my case,  Hinduism, Animism, and Christianity, I had experienced something of all, especially the festivals and ways of worshipping God. During my childhood when I did not know God personally, religions were all of fun, frolic, friendship, and festival. We just followed blindly what were traditionally followed, mostly in obedience to our parent and elders in the society. So the natural outcome was being religious until I had my personal encounter with the true and living God, Jesus Christ, my Saviour. If not for this encounter with God, I would still linger in multiple religions of my background. Thank God, He saved me!

This year has been favourable to one section of the country, the majoritarian religion, with the construction and inauguration of their long dreamed religious sunctum. As like other religions, they also got what they have longed for. The democracy in India has granted freedom of worship to all religions. It's all one's choice. Besides, articles 25 to 28 of the Indian Constitution provide that every Indian has the right to freedom of religion.

The result of this good news for the majoritarian has been very obvious. As I traveled across Central and North India by train and by road, I saw saffron mini triangular flags hoisted on streets, houses, and even in public places. Even the hotel where I lodged was adorned with saffrons in front and on the rooftop. 

Religion is a personal choice and a fundament right. No one can forcefully impose any religion upon any one, he can preach and propagate according to his rights, but the choice is personal. I chose mine and others chose theirs. And we all live together as Indians. Amidst saffronisation, one has the right to practice his own choice of faith. And that's what I have been doing. 

My daily prayers were done during my stay in a hotel was amidst saffron flags. The rooftop was adorned with saffron, and in the midst of it, I was walking and praying. Outward environment did not matter to me, for prayer is an inward matter, fellowshiping with God. Prayer can be prayed at any time, any place, and any where. 

I pray for my countrymen as taught by the word of God.

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men; On behalf of kings and all who are in high position, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to be borne in its own times. (1 Timothy 2:1-6, RecVer)

Therefore, I pray for all men whoever the Lord burdened me to pray for. I pray for people I am burdened to pray for. My prayer list entails those from Christianity, Hinduism, Muslim, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and even Atheism. God loves them all.

For there is one God and one Mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to be borne in its own times. (1 Timothy 2:6, RecVer)

So, amidst saffronisation, I pray, profess, practice, and propagate my faith. God gave me these rights and my country also gave me these rights as enshrined in the Constituion of India, article 25. Thank God, my country is a democratic country. In addition to democracy, I also practice theocracy, learning to be ruled by God, especially, in my conscience.

Because of this I also exercise myself to always have a conscience without offense toward God and men. (Acts 24:16, RecVer)

As a part of my right to profess and practice, I quote the Holy Scriptures here below and look to God for His grace to practice them as well, wholeheartedly.

“1. Let every person be subject to the authorities over him, for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are ordained by God. 

2. So then he who resists the authority opposes God’s ordination, and those who oppose will receive judgment to themselves. 

3. For the rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you want to have no fear of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him; 

4. For he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, fear; he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who practices evil. 

5. Therefore it is necessary to be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. 

6. For because of this you also pay taxes; for they are God’s officers, attending constantly to this very thing. 

7. Render to all the things due: tax to whom tax is due, custom to whom custom is due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due. 

8. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves the other has fulfilled the law. 

9. For, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

10. Love does not work evil to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:1-10, RecVer)

Amidst saffronisation, in obedience to the word of God, I love my country India, and I also love my countrymen, my neighbors, Indians. I do my best to subject to the rulers of this country as long as they do not go against God’s words, and I pay my taxes too. Much more, I pray for India and I also pray for Indians.

God bless India! God save Indians!