Among the Hao Tangkhul Nagas, faith has always been the heartbeat of our community. Long before the coming of Christianity, our ancestors believed in the Creator, in the sacredness of nature, and in the spiritual balance that kept the land, the people, and the seasons in harmony. With the coming of the Gospel, our understanding of God deepened — and the role of religious leaders became even more central in guiding our lives.
The Influence of Spiritual Leadership
As ordinary people, we often listen closely to what our pastors, elders, and evangelists teach. Their words carry weight because they interpret the Word of God for us, helping us navigate right and wrong, good and evil, peace and conflict. Just as Proverbs 11:14 says,
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
This verse captures the essence of how religious leaders shape our moral path. Their leadership influences our decisions, our family life, our youth, and even our community values. A wise leader does not just preach — they live out the Gospel, showing what humility, honesty, and compassion look like in real life.
Leadership Through Example
The Bible reminds us that true greatness in leadership comes through service. Jesus Himself said,
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” — Matthew 20:26.
For the Tangkhul community, where respect for elders and leaders runs deep, this teaching resonates strongly. Our leaders are called not to rule over people but to walk beside them — to lead with example, with gentleness, and with love that builds unity rather than division.
When our leaders embody these values, the church becomes a source of healing, not fear; of unity, not separation. Their influence reaches beyond sermons — it touches the way we treat one another, forgive others, and care for the vulnerable.
The People’s Role in Faith
But leadership is not a one-way path. As believers, we too carry responsibility. The Apostle Paul urges the church in 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13,
“Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord… esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”
At the same time, we are also called to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Faith is not blind obedience; it is discerning obedience — one that listens, reflects, and acts according to God’s truth.
A Living Faith in Tangkhul Society
As Hao Tangkhuls, our community life is closely woven with faith. Whether in our fields, our gatherings, or our homes, the presence of God’s Word should be visible in our daily actions. The strength of our society depends not only on our leaders’ faithfulness but also on how we, the people, live out the message of Christ in humility and love.
In the end, our faith journey is a shared walk — leaders guiding with wisdom, and people following with understanding. Together, we form a living testimony of God’s grace. And when both leaders and followers live in truth, justice, and compassion, our society becomes what Christ intended — a light on the hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14).
Hao Tangkhul 
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