The importance of history as the foundation of national identity, evil responsibility, patriotism, nation-building, and overall human development cannot be over-emphasized, When the purpose of a thing is known, abuse of such a thing will be avoided. As a nation, we must understand the purpose of history and how it fits into nation-building so that we can contribute to national development, this is why the focus is on this vital subject of history and nation-building

Meaning and the making of history

The word history comes from the Greek word,’historia’ meaning”inquiry,” including the process of that inquiry, David Crabtree defines history as “a story about the past that is significant and true,”Essential words in this definition are story, past, significant, and true, other words, history is not just any story with superfluous details but one that captures the essence of an event. History is being made every day by what people think, say, do, and stand for. A popular saying goes thus:”Every tribe, every country, every nation, past and present, has a history, written or oral.”

Importance of history in general

History is important because it matters for the present and the future. Crabtree argues,”Our ignorance of the past is not the result of a lack of information, but indifference about the importance of history.” Crabtree explains that “our view of history shapes the way we view the present, and therefore it dictates what answers we offer for existing problems….”In other words, we must understand the past to know how to deal wisely with the present and the future.

Disciples need to understand that there is a connection between history nation-building and national progress nation cannot develop meaningfully without a sufficient understanding of its history and what to do with it. Every Nigerian should know and love the history of Nigeria. Basic knowledge of history helps in national planning and to avoid past mistakes.

History should be given the primacy of place in curriculum development by relevant agencies for all levels of learning, particularly from primary to secondary schools. Schools should be equipped with relevant history textbooks and more history teachers to teach the subject. Ayodele Fagbohun argues, “The teaching of history is equally important as well as ancillary subjects like religious studies which are pivotal and strategic to other levels of education by extension to national development should be given the fillip in the scheme of things.

“It is in this light the recent re-introduction of the study of history as “a compulsory subject in the curriculum of the primary and post-primary institutions” is a welcome development. Furthermore, history is vital as the “foundation of life and knowledge to national identity, civil responsibility, patriotism, nation-building, and overall human development….”Thus, the teaching of History in schools is to instill patriotism in students.

Someone rightly says, “History…has been used as the main mirror in which the society sees itself for reappraisal, re-examination, and revalidation.”

In summary, History shows us our roots(origin). Secondly, we are inspired and even challenged by the people of the past and their activities, including the values they cherished and the principles they stood for. Thirdly, we are warned by past mistakes so that we can avoid the same in our time. This is why it is said that he who ignores the lessons of history does so to his detriment.

Sharing Time: Give an example of how knowledge of history has helped to avoid the mistakes of the past.

Importance of church history

In the case of church history, we can appreciate our spiritual heritage and journey of faith. Church history helps us to know the old paths traveled over and over again by godly saints of previous eras. Paul’sadmonition in 1 Corinthians 10:6-13 validates these claims. Note particularly verses 6 and 11:Now, these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did… these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come(NIV).

Again, Church history helps us understand certain fundamental trends, and, with prophetic analysis and interpretation of the past and present, we can project into the future. Similarly, the Roman historian, Cicero, many centuries ago, once said “Not to know what took place before you were born is to remain forever a child.”Buttressing Cicero, the liberal historian, Lord Acton, says,”History must be our deliverer not only from the undue influence of other times but from the undue influence of our own, from the tyranny of environment and the pressures of the air we breathe.”

A Christian should consistently hold on to the conviction that church history started with God before creation. In contemporary times, God has not left us without the witness of the Holy Spirit so that every generation is without excuse about the past, present, and future. People may detest or even try to avoid history, but no one can deny its existence and place in man’s life as a spiritual being.

Sharing Time: Do you think the knowledge of Church history, in general, helps in the way we organize and manage the church today? Discuss.

Conclusion

The Church in Nigeria has been committed to upholding social justice, equality, and people’s welfare, which has helped the country in nation-building. The impact of the church on national development and growth can be seen in the education sector and other areas of the country.

The Church has also influenced the nation in setting the pace for righteousness. She has made efforts to change the narrative of a sinful lifestyle to godliness. The influence of Christian missionaries has contributed to building the nation. The church is one of the famous institutions that have positively influenced many Nigerians.

Prayer: Pray for grace to cooperate with other members to contribute to national development.

Post Group Activity: Share briefly with a friend the history of the church and its contribution to national development.

Prayer section

  • Lord, teach me your way to contribute my knowledge to the development of this nation in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Almighty God, make me a nation-builder, not a nation-destroyer from today in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Lord Jesus, make me a positive influencer to the national development starting from today in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Gracious Father, let me be a great leader who will be reckoned with this time in the special name of Jesus Christ.
  • Father, give me grace to be a good citizen from today in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus, help me to be a good ambassador in my family, church, society, and this nation from today in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Oh God, let my name be included in the history of this nation for good right from now in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Eternal Rock of Ages, make my life a glorious one in this nation from today in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Oh Lord, let my name be mentioned for good in the history of this nation from this time in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • By the power of Jesus Christ, I pray that this nation will move forward from today in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • When to shine in the history of this nation, I will not die, my wife and children will not die in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
  • By the grace of Jesus Christ, it is time to shine in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
  • I thank God for all that is done for me and all that concerns me from today in the name of Jesus Christ.

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