They say don't judge a book by it's cover but have you ever wondered what must be in this book that one shouldn't judge? Here's one for you.
St. Philemon was one of the old Anglican churches located at the west hill side towards Jordan Streets, Afikpo where one can always hear gyrating songs sounding loudly from a large speaker mounted on top of the church's roof. I guess this was one of the many tricks they used to capture more youths and youngsters to become church members because it turns out that most youths of these generation love music, most especially one coming with so much spirit-filled rhythm and beats and captivating melody and harmony of the songs ministered. You get to concur with these when you notice that 75% of people who participate actively in church activities are mostly youths. But is it by the number of youths or their lives as believers.
Now, in as much as there are those who worship God in truth and in spirit, there are also a certain percentage who are often regarded as 'the demons in sheep's clothing'. Appearing all good and naive, dressed all covered up who behave as though they were angels born on earth or if possible Jesus himself. These caliber of persons might even be intimidating to a few others because of how they throw the whole holiness and stuff on their faces and these few might even be holy compared to them, at least in their deeds.
Mirabel (singing):" For you are glorious and worthy to be praised, you are the lamb upon the throne...".
Member 1: "Wow, she's got an amazing voice. Gosh! Look at how she's in the spirit, this one will certainly make heaven".
Member 2: "I want to be like this sister. I know she's a righteous and virtuous woman. Look at her, God is indeed using her o"
These were the words one could hear in whispers from the congregation. It went on and on until Mirabel finished ministering. She had the voice, the charisma, the beauty and all other attributes that one could think she's sent from above or called. Mirabel had served in St. Philemon most of her life, starting from the kindergarten class where she also led in the children's choir, the teenage choir and now the youths choir. She was presently in her early 20's and had the high spirit of a youth. She was also highly recognized in that department and was always given the podium to minister. The church loved it when she ministered because she always gave them what they wanted - 'the happening songs', 'the jimjim style'. But no one knew the person behind this person. The inside within the outside. I guess it wasn't all about how well you ministered but how many souls you win to the kingdom. It takes someone with a spiritual eyes to discern this.
Mirabel: 'Jay stop it, it's painful. How about we try the doggy style? At least we'll both enjoy it that way'
Jayson: 'Baby but you know I love it that way, its either this or nothing'
Mirabel: 'Alright, but take it slowly and gently'.
Did he listen? No. He rode on like a horse, not giving heed to her request until she became sore with wounds that she couldn't take it any longer. She had to push him off herself as she gathered strength to pull herself up. As she tried moving towards the restroom to check herself the wounds prevented her from walking uprightly and even though he noticed all these reaction from her, he still insisted on another round. She was willing to allow him though felt reluctant because of the pains she felt. She loved him that much that she could risk her body condition just to give him the satisfaction he desired.
The whole week was from one parade of immorality to the other with combinations of fornication, clubbing and masturbation. Even with all these activities no one was aware because she did it secretly, ensuring to mask her marks in order not to be revealed. Her parents weren't aware too because she included lies to her excuses to leave the house before indulging in any of her activities. From going to rehearsals, to visiting the library to meeting up with a friends were the many excuses she gave and the more she did all these she didn't feel any atom of guilt inside on misleading the church or it's members or on herself in going against her beliefs or self worth. She was being led by a false spirit, an evil spirit that she had no idea about. She has been lost in its embrace. She was an angel on Sunday and the devil through the other days, only being differed by her physical presentation and was she beautiful? Yes she was. She had it all but was so consumed by youthful exuberance and lost the pride she should have on herself. She was enjoying earthly glorification and admonition but dying spiritually. The spirit of God had left her. That spirit that dwelt with her as she went through her kindergarten and teenage ages has departed from her though still hovering around waiting till she turns away from her sins. She was nothing other than a living body with a dead spirit. All that was left of her was to leave the church and rather focus on her immoralities, at least that would be more comforting than her abuse to the church or the course of Christ. And when all these acts are revealed, are we still to judge or appraise her for her deeds?
Then it took one look by a once lover of hers to see beyond the physical into the spiritual only to see the darkness in her assumed light. I guess the spirit of God had to work through him. It came like a dark cloud hovering around the atmosphere drawing near to consume the souls that were lust in her songs and physical appearance. He tried challenging this dark spirit by tongues of fire coming out unconsciously from his mouth. One would think that he was a mad man or demon possessed. But it was a battle of light and darkness, the power of God in manifestation. It led him to go as far as interrupting the praise section in order to have a one-on-one encounter with her. Even the Bishops couldn't understand what was going on probably because they were also lust to her. They could only watch to see the end of it. The moment he rebuked her, she fell only to be forced to confess all her transgressions. She cried and wailed like someone trying to break free out of bounds. It was like a different experience altogether for everyone. They couldn't believe what they were hearing especially since it was coming from her but only felt overwhelmed by it. It soon came to an end and that was like a new turn for her. She soon realized that she felt empty as though there was a heavy burden lifted from her. There was also an inner peace dwelling within her, one she once felt when she was a child. The holy spirit had took his place in her life and his fruit manifested. All those hidden secrets that were all burdened up within her are now mere words to the hearing of every one. She felt free again. And then I repeat...
'Should we then judge this book by it's cover having read from it's content?'.