A time to open a new spiritual page

. The first week of a new year is the perfect time to energise oneself for the months ahead. Some spiritual leaders share tips on how to build oneself spiritually this year.

As we usher in the New Year, it is our obligation, in regards to our different religious affiliations to keep in touch with our spiritual side and possibly reconnect for those that seem to have lost it. Our misdeeds and errors of the past year should be a standing point for us to change our lives and reconnect with our faith. As part of our resolutions for the coming year, we must all ask ourselves; what can we do to improve our spiritual life?

History repeats itself
Pastor Frank Butaayi, of Restoration Assembly Church in Nakulabye, says as Christians, we have to bear in mind that history will always repeat itself. There is nothing that has happened in the past years that will not happen in the coming year. “One should instead ask themselves what lessons they have learnt from the year 2012 and use these as a stepping stone to know what to do in the New Year. One cannot utilise the opportunities in the coming year if they have not learnt anything from their experiences in the previous year(s),” he says. He adds that one should also change their thinking and think like they have never thought before. “One’s thinking determines their behaviour and behaviour alternatively determines the person that one becomes. It is hard for one to move to another level without changing their thinking,” he says.

He also says one is bound to keep blaming those around them for their mistakes in the long run, if they fail to change their thought process. Lastly, he advises Ugandans to be more faithful and serve God more. This can be done through being more involved with the church, by giving tithe, attending services/ mass, joining the choir, contributing both financially and spiritually to church programmes.

Finding yourself through prayer
Fr. Julius Sebolo of Mwereerwe Church, Kampala Arch-diocese in Mattuga, cautions Christians to be repentant and be one with their God, as a way of improving their spiritual life in the year 2013. He adds that being engaged in spiritual activities and also showing support for the church is very important.

“As Christians we also need to love, in the deepest meaning, one another, just as God our lord commanded us to. Without love, there is no development as people are filled with vices like selfishness, hatred, greed and anger,” he says.

He points out, people should be more involved in morning prayers to guide them through the day and evening prayers to thank God for helping them make it through the day, and hopefully make the next day better. Parents on the other hand, need to instill the aspect of prayer in their children.

This can be done through saying prayers during meals, before bed time and other scheduled times. One can also enroll their children in church prayer groups and Bible study groups during the holidays.
Beware of the number 13.

“Ugandans need to be aware of the fact that the year 2013 is going to be a very hard year. This is mainly because of the number 13, which according to biblical history is associated with rebellion, strikes and civil war,” says Pastor Martin Ssempa of the Makerere Community Church.

He adds that the number 13 has been linked to major disastrous occurrences in the Bible, for instance there are 13 famines mentioned in the Bible, the killing of all male children during the birth of Jesus occurred on the 13th day and so many others. He therefore cautions Christians to strengthen their spiritual walk and build their lives on a foundation of Christ.

He also asks Christians to reflect on Mathew 25:1-13 that talks about the 10 virgins. “We need to be careful so that we do not end up like the five foolish virgins that forgot extra oil to fill up their lamps,” he adds. He believes we need to prepare extra fellowship, prayer and spiritual strength this year.

Planning is crucial
“It is very important for people to plan, especially as they get into the new year,” says Hajji Ibrahim Hassan Kirya. He emphasises that one has to plan, for instance, if they plan on making a pilgrimage. In the same way, there is need for us, as Ugandans to plan for the New Year accordingly. He says we ought to know that each passing year brings us closer to our grave, so we must revise our lives and change, if need be.

“We must live exemplary lives as we are not aware of when our end will come.” Hajji Kirya also points out the calamities that are befalling our country and says it is our duty as Ugandans to pray intensely and redeem ourselves.

“We are living in an era that is full of immense immorality. Rampant corruption, sodomy, killings and widespread hatred and betrayal are eating up our nation and that is why we need to engage in prayer if we are to improve our lives spiritually in the coming year,” he concludes.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com