[vc_row][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-9 vc_col-md-9″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][stm_post_details][vc_column_text]

‘Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light that you may become the sons of light”’ –

John 12:35-36 (NKJV)

The term ‘dumsor’ has become very popular in Ghana in recent times. In a homely sense, it denotes erratic power (electricity) supply. It literally means ‘off and on’ power supply. There have been recurrent energy crisis and power blackouts in most parts of Africa in the last three decades despite the abundance of energy resources and power sector reforms on the continent. About 30 of the 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have suffered acute energy crises in recent years. This means that majority of the countries in the region “are struggling to keep the lights on.”

Ghana, for instance, has had five major power crises since 1984 despite several reforms in its power sector. Ghana is among the top 10 countries in the world that have experienced and continue to experience crippling load shedding. South Africa’s economy has also suffered over the past decade due to the lack of adequate electricity supply. One of the root causes of this unhealthy trend in Ghana and South Africa is the failure to invest in the power sector; more particularly investment in clean energy infrastructure.

Likewise ‘dumsor’ in many parts of Africa, many Christians have become erratic in their walk with God. ‘Dumsor’ Christians usually wallow in darkness instead of walking in the Light.

Light and darkness are opposite forces and cannot co-exist. Although light can shine in the midst of darkness, the latter cannot easily operate wherever light reigns. This implies that anything that is erratic in nature and usually operates in light and darkness at different times cannot be trusted and relied on. Biblically, darkness connotes sin, disorder, falsehood, ignorance, corruption, evil and wickedness while light represents truth, transparency, transformation, glory and progress. More generally, light in the Bible relates to the personality and nature of Jesus. A person who walks in the light (lives and believes in Jesus) ought not to walk in darkness but that person must always strive to walk in the light. Like mature Christians, people who always walk in the light are trustworthy and have a clear sense of direction for their lives. Such persons know their God-given purpose and seek to fulfil them by always walking with God and depending on Him.

Christians are the light of the world. Sadly, however, many Christians allow darkness to overtake them. They allow darkness to overshadow their lives due to lack of sustainable investment in their relationship with their Lord and Saviour (Jesus). Their Bible study, prayer, fellowship, giving, evangelistic and discipleship lives are so erratic that sometimes others find it difficult to consider them as real Christians. They usually read the Bible only during church services; they only make quality time for prayers when in crisis or anxious to meet a great need; their feelings dictate whether or not they should attend church services and fellowship meetings; they have wrong mindset about paying tithes and giving offerings although they may be faithful in paying taxes; and they relegate and denigrate the need to prioritize evangelism, visitations and discipleship in their walk with God.

Are you a ‘dumsor’ Christian or a son of the Light?

By Richard Obeng Mensah.
Email: richardobengmensah@gmail.com[/vc_column_text][stm_post_bottom][stm_post_comments][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ offset=”vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs”][stm_sidebar sidebar=”527″][/vc_column][/vc_row]