Christians in Nigeria have continued to face a high level of insecurity as disparate perp groups swell up over the years. In 2026, Christians majority communities in the Northern States of Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, and others have had their peace threatened. Attacks were successfully made on Churches. Many Christians have deserted their homes due to the incessant attacks of kidnappings, killings, violence reports, thefts, and the burning of Churches. With the expansion of these developments across parts of southwestern Nigeria. The question that needed to be answered is, “What should Christians Do?”
The level of fear from insecurity can render Christians who are not strong prostrating to these challenges, which could be a disappointment to the God of the Holy Bible. In times like this what should Christians do? Should Christians continue to live in fear? Should they only pray and wholesomely depend on God to fight on their boons? Did God expect other things from us different from prayers? Is faith in God a cage from taking actions? Or God did not want any actions from us.
Unfortunately, most Christians gravitate to faith in all matters, leaving behind some responsibilities. When failure appears, then God becomes judged. God would be put to serious questions by Christians who have neglected their responsibilities for faith. The Bible is not one-sided in addressing Christians’ problems, such that, faith solves problems that we find out to be affecting us on earth. God presented to us spiritual directions and practical wisdom for believers in their troubled times. This means that if a Christian does not utilize wisdom in the area of wisdom, it is likely he will fail. God must not be held accountable for that. Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
The insecurities that persist in Nigeria could also be solved when Christians wake up to responsibility and stop alleging every bad incident to be what God wills. Though, God is aware of the developments. The same developments could be permitted if we think we are powerless about them.
The Bible Is Not Silent About The Reality Of Trouble
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus Christ himself admitted that the earth is not a soft ground for soft people. It is a tough world full of tribulations. The answer to the tribulations it has is confidence that Christ won the major battle that stood at the end of the last bus stop of life for people who are saved in God.
From the scriptures, there is a candid declaration of revelation; eternal life does not mean you will live free from danger, threats, and instability. Christians in the past were persecuted for their faith. They were beaten, maimed, and martyred. Acts 5:40. Acts 16:37. Christians in Nigeria face a similar case from terrorists and so-called bandits. Some have been killed. Deborah Samuel was killed, John Arum after being tortured and made to deny Jesus Christ was released but a ransom was paid, and Leah Sharibu who has been in captivity for more than 10 years, was married off to terrorists, all of these for their faith.
Acknowledging insecurities in our society is not a show of faithlessness but an acceptance of a reality undressed. The unacceptability by a Christian does not mean that one is spiritually mature.
In The Face Of Insecurities, The Bible Wants Christian to Exercise Faith, Not Fear
In the context of insecurity, fear is against faith. While the Bible presents that we are susceptible to danger, we are told to live in faith. Fear is an instrument in the hand of the devil. When fear is nursed, then panic becomes nurtured. After fear and panic, believers begin to have their peace of mind affected, their decisions, and spiritual instability. In an uncertain space and condition like an instance of insecurity, believers must have faith in God by trusting in God’s presence. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
There is no case as bad as being put into a lion’s den and a fiery furnace when these faithful Jews had to face persecution for choosing faith in God over what people prescribed as their gods. Here, faith prevailed and God saved them. They do not panic from fear. In the case of insecurity, Christians must remain in faith in God.
2 Tim 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” A sound mind includes wisdom. Wisdom, the principal thing.
Christians Should Invest In Prayer, But Not The Only Solution
Prayer is a foundational to Christians in all matters, including insecurity. The Bible says, Pray without ceasing. Prayer should not have a stopping point. Prayer as a foundation as it is should not be mistaken as overruling other essential things. A student who wants to write exams in the next few days does need prayers alone. It is required of a student to prepare. It is required of a student to exercise wisdom. When a Christian student prioritizes only prayers and leaves behind preparations and the place of wisdom, failure is inevitable.
Christians should not substitute prayers for indispensable roles. Prayer works when actions back it up. Not because prayer is empty of itself, but prayers can not fix your role. Church leaders who preach only prayers even over Christian roles in ending insecurity are making the matter worse.
Nehemiah prayed while rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem. But he posted guards to ward off criminal threats of attacks. The conspirators are many, but prayers and actions were rather chosen. “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon with the other.” Nehemiah 4:17. Christians must do the needful. Secure with what you have against terror. Insecurity at most is to be wasted not necessarily for your faith. Imagine being wasted for nothing. Not for your faith just for continuing to exist.
Discerning, Acting, And Playing the Intercessory Role
Matthew 10:16, “Be wise as serpents be harmless as doves.” Christian must be discerning. Not all Christians killed are to the pleasure of God. Just did not say that for a person to believe in Him. He would be killed for his faith. Jesus Christ himself prayed, John 17:15, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Belief is not a death sentence. Jesus Christ prayed for everyone’s safety. Those who believed in Him.
The prayer Jesus Christ made becomes reality when a Christian is discerning. He is wise. The wisdom required of you to avoid dangerous routes and times, being alert in public places, making informed travel decisions, and not ignoring warning signs. Wisdom is not faithlessness. It is a spiritual application in the physical realm.
In times of insecurity, Christians must not act on fake news that keeps spreading. Either by circulation or by believing in them. Christians are called to be wise to live with a heart of peace, and leave behind fears over nothing. Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Running should be for the wicked. In Nigeria, it becomes contrast, the righteous flee and the wicked are bold as a lion.
At every time, Christians must act on intercessions. Pray for the victims. Speak less of evil. No matter how dark the situation may appear, Christians must not lose hope. In times of politics, Christians must prioritize dominance. Not being intimidated or throwing their roles to be played by others. The consequences await.
