Fighting Corruption
Lawrence Temfwe January 22nd, 2007
As a nation we are not doing well in the fight against corruption. Our President who declared war on corruption in 2002 is concerned that his vision on zero corruption has yielded limited success. The Post in its editorial yesterday stated, “It is good that Levy (President of Zambia ) has realized that all is not well in the fight against corruption, especially in the civil service and among civil servants.” The editorial suggested that dealing with corruption will require an appropriate legal and organizational framework that is designed to stop corruption.
The Post suggestions are limited in what they can do to deter people from being corrupt. The bible says that “the human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked” (Jere.17:9). God makes it clear why we are corrupt - it’s a matter of the heart. No government on the face of the earth has yet invented a piece of legislation to regulate the heart or a program to teach a man or woman honesty and integrity. The responsibility to end corruption lies squarely upon the shoulders of individuals who have been changed by the grace of God.
Transformed lives in action are the key to transforming our civil service, political decisions and ultimately our communities and our nation. The biblical characters of Nehemiah and Daniel show us how changed lives can reshape our society. It was their character of honesty, integrity, wisdom and fear of God that opened doors for them to serve in government. Even though the government of Babylon had no respect for the God of Nehemiah and Daniel, this wicked government had systems that recognized personal traits as being important qualifications for jobs in the king’s palace.
Currently, the recruitment to a position of governmental or political position does not take into account qualities of dedication, commitment, perseverance, honesty, integrity, patriotism, servant-hood and faithfulness. More often than not, the only qualification considered for an influential position in government today is loyalty to the appointing authority and not experience of unswerving service and love for the people of Zambia .
President Mwanawasa’s refocus on war on corruption is a clarion call to Christians to join in the fight against corruption by living out our faith in everyday life. More importantly, it is a challenge to church leaders to model what a corrupt free community looks like by pursuing and teaching righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. The church must be strong in teaching about godly leadership. This includes training leaders to perform for right motives and appointing leaders who are contented with God’s provisions and placement. Zambia is not short of leaders who can stand up for what is right.
Zambia is not short of servant leaders. What Zambia lacks is effective systems to identify such people who can serve our nation with a selfless attitude. May the church join in the fight to make Zambia a safe and decent place in which to raise our families by developing Joseph’s, Nehemiah’s, Esther’s and Daniel’s.
