Dear beloved congregation,
Today I stand before you to remind us of our divine purpose on this earth and the authority that God has entrusted to each one of us. As Christians, we are called to lead disciplined lives, diligently working and being a blessing rather than a burden to those around us. This is not just a mere suggestion; it is our destiny, our purpose, and our responsibility.
As followers of Christ, our Heavenly Father desires us to lead disciplined lives, diligently working and striving to not be a burden upon others. In the book of 2 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul addresses a critical issue that plagued the believers in Thessalonica—laziness and lack of productivity. Paul’s words teach us a vital lesson about the significance of taking responsibility for our own lives and making positive contributions to society. You see, idleness and dependency hinder not only our financial and spiritual growth but also tarnish the witness of the church. It is our divine calling to be industrious, trustworthy, and self-sufficient in all that we do.
However, it also brings great joy to the heart of God when we utilize the blessings He has bestowed upon us to benefit others, the church and its mission. In the first book of Corinthians, Paul passionately defends his right to be supported financially by the church. He cites examples of other apostles who received material support and affirms that it is not wrong to reap physical benefits from our spiritual labour. Yes, dear brothers and sisters, God blesses us through one another. It is through the generosity and provision of God’s people that His work is carried out effectively in this world.
As we delve deeper into the significance of these teachings. It is not enough for us to simply claim authority in Christ; we must actively live it out. We must embrace our divine calling with conviction and dedication. God has entrusted us with talents, skills, and resources, and it is our duty to use them wisely and purposefully. The impact of our diligent work and responsible actions extends far beyond ourselves. It touches the lives of those around us and influences the witness of the church to the world.
As children of God, we are called to be different. Let our lives be a testament to the transforming power of Christ within us. Let our hard work, integrity, and self-sufficiency shine brightly as beacons of hope and inspiration, even as we serve as a source of support and encouragement to one another, recognizing that God blesses us through one another. Let us rise up to the challenge. Let us embrace the authority and responsibilities given to us by our Heavenly Father. I want you to know that failure to fulfill our God-given duties is a failure to walk in alignment with our divine destiny and purpose on this earth.
Failure to fulfill our God-given duties is a failure to walk in alignment with our divine destiny and purpose on this earth. Prophet Akintunde Akinniyi
May the Lord empower us today to embrace His authority, fulfill our duty, and be a blessing to the world around us. In doing so, we will not only experience personal growth and fulfillment but also bring glory to God and advance His kingdom on earth.
Oh! Lord help me to proclaim your Word more than your Name.