While working in the Wagu village, many came to Christ. Instead of making a list of behaviors, the missionaries advised the Wagu people to go to God for wisdom and direction regarding how they should act, what they should do or not do, what ceremonies or parts of their culture should be kept, which should be dropped. The missionaries tended to be impatient about certain activities that were displeasing to God. But, they restrained from expressing their opinion. They wanted the people to develop a relationship with God and to be able to hear God’s voice for themselves.
One aspect of the culture that disturbed the missionaries was polygamy. The older men took several wives which left no women for the younger men. Therefore, not only was there polygamy but also adultery was rampant in the tribe. The Wagu people determined that if they were to love one another, then polygamy was selfish. The developed a law that stated that no man was allowed to take a second wife if there was a single man without a wife. After 15 years, polygamy was non-existent; all the young men had wives; the rate of adultery was drastically cut.
This article convicted me of the arrogance that I carry, thinking I have a right to determine the path of transformation. It taught me that if I will focus on teaching the 3 key principles, the Holy Spirit will step in and create real, sustaining transformation in people and communities. It has rocked my discipleship principles to the core!
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