Speaking truth to power not enough in dealing with excesses of the State

Those with contrary opinions will do well keeping them to themselves. Those who challenge statements by made by government are marked for silencing in one form or other. But by providence out of government control, every generation has its breed of people born to fiercely fight abuse of state power. Scrutinizing government action and speaking out against any suspicious dealings is their calling.

Speaking truth to power is a risky undertaking. Like the fatal end of freedom fighters, some who have challenged the voice of politicians have ended up dead. John the Baptist met his death for speaking truth to power. He openly opposed king Herod Antipas for marrying his brother's ex-wife Herodias. Herodias was unhappy and uncomfortable with this truth. No amount of persuasion could buy John to recant his criticism. For this, he tragically lost his head - literally.

While speaking truth to power is critical, there are other dimensions of this duty that must be considered. Sometimes speaking truth is not enough. The system being addressed can choose to ignore the voice of the church. Other times a government administration may listen to the church as a public relations act. Beyond speaking truth to power, let's consider three other critical dimensions: demonstrating truth to power, dislodging power with truth, shaming power with truth.

Apostle Paul tells of the need to expand speech to include a "demonstration of power." Some section of the church considers politicians as the centre of power. From this thinking, they do all they can to woo the powerful. They wink at politicians, indicating their willingness to be state house prophets, at a negotiable fee.

But there are priests who argue differently by maintaining that the office of the priest is larger than that of the politician. In this school of thought, the priest will not woo any politician. Like in the Elisha and Naaman encounter, priests are not impressed by power. Not even gifts of gold and silver change the prophet's poise. This priestly aloofness may irritate the politician but not even the irritation will move the priest. The priest is secure in his divinely instituted power.

Situations sometime call upon a literal show of might. For instance, who commands the bigger constituency - the priest or the politician? Who do the people hear and trust more - the church or the state? Which formation has greater staying power, the political administration or the church? Both the church and the state command forms of power, who will be the "last man" standing? Which Kingdom will outlast the other?

Who actually holds the superior command? The Bible is full of dramatic power showdowns between the priest and political rulers: Elijah and Jezebel took their contest to Mt Camel where the litmus test was "The God who answers by fire." Moses and Pharaoh staged a fierce power play too. At Calvary Jesus is mocked and asked to save himself now that he was so good at saving others. The church must have a clear response when put in position where it has to demonstrate its power.

Truth is powerful enough to dislodge deception from its hinges and spin it out of balance. Adam caught with a banned fruit halfway down his throat could not deny his disobedience. He chokes as he unsuccessfully attempts to transfer the blame to Eve. Truth dislodged him. He thought that in his sin he was not being seen. But to his shock, there was a hovering presence that caught even the hidden things to bring them out into the open.

Some politicians in Kenya consider themselves kings and queens of maneuver. They pride in being so slithery that they cannot get caught and even when caught, they will still be freed. They are cover-up masters. Where need be, they eliminate potential betrayers; bribe strategic people; buy false witnesses and plant their spies in select offices. Herman had an elaborate scheme to exterminate the Jews. But Queen Esther exposed the truth about the plot, sending Herman into a downward spiral all the way to the gallows. It is critical that the church is not reliant only headline intelligence to inform its positions. It needs pools of well coordinated facts to dispense its dislodging duties. Such intelligence also insulates the church from manipulation.

The famous words "You are the man" were spoken by prophet Nathan to King David when David was putting up a face of innocence even when there was blood on his lips. Some Kenyan leaders are known to deny the truth to a point of swearing even when their guilt is pubic knowledge. They sponsor a corrupted narrative to keep them away from shame. David did not deny his wrongdoing. His shame took him to repentance which in turn led to his redemption. To shame effectively, the church must sharpen its ear so as to catch spiritual frequencies that will help it not mistake human blood for lipstick.