Wisdom For The Day Devotional 3 January 2026 By Bishop Mike Okonkwo – No Place For Ethnicity In Christ
Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES by Bishop Mike Okonkwo
TOPIC: No Place For Ethnicity In Christ (TREM Devotional 3 January 2026)
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” – Ephesians 4:4–6 (KJV)
MESSAGE
Beloved, we are called the new creation, a new nation birthed through Christ. If this is true, where then did we get the mentality of ethnicity and division within the body of Christ? “I am Yoruba.” “I am Hausa.” “I am Igbo.” “You are from my place.” Where did these distinctions come from? Certainly not from our identity as new creations in Christ.
If believers do not end tribalism and ethnic bias, it will never end in the world. We cannot expect the world to model unity when the Church, the very body of Christ harbors division. Sadly, even among born-again Christians, discussions about ethnicity are often avoided or defended.
Yes, it is true that we were all born into earthly tribes and cultures. That is normal. But who told you that being from a particular tribe means you must show favoritism to your own? Where did you learn that? Such behavior is inconsistent with the nature of Christ. If you find yourself functioning that way, it’s time to re-examine your faith.
Scripture says, “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). He loved the world that rejected Him, every tribe, every tongue, every nation included. So, where did you get the idea that leadership or opportunities should be reserved only for people from your own tribe? When you choose sentiment over competence, everything eventually suffers. Organizations, churches, and even nations fail when tribalism dictates their choices.
If your mindset is limited to helping only those from your background, you will remain a local champion, never able to reach the fullness of what God has called you to be.
As believers, we must rise above ethnic and cultural divisions. Be open-hearted and open-minded. Embrace people for their character, faith, and ability. Not for their tribe or surname. Value every person as a child of God who carries divine potential.
Remember: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
You are a brand-new species, born not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. Live like it.
FURTHER READING
1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
Wisdom For The Day Devotional was Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.
Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus’ name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to trem@trem.org, Phone: +234 1 773 8584
