Fruitful Living
Godliness with contentment is great gain
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. – 1 Timothy 6:6-9
INTRODUCTION
Most people still believe money brings happiness. If we have enough let us be content, but when is enough enough? For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:10.We hear about ‘sakawa’ boys and girls who come and tell us harrowing tales of what they go through and we hear of young people who get arrested, we hear of older people working in the bank, ladies and gentlemen working in the bank stealing from the bank, we hear of people robbing their masters and so on all because they don’t have contentment.
How Do We Get Contentment
Contentment originates from inside of us and how do we get contentment? It’s the assurance of salvation, the assurance of protection, the assurance of provision, the assurance of the presence of God to give us everything we need for life and Godliness which the Holy Spirit gives us that is what enables us to have contentment.Philippians 4:4-9 says Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
We get contentment from a deep relationship with God because that relationship gives peace in our hearts, it is the peace that makes us understand that we can go to God with our petition and we can even thank Him ahead of time because we know He will respond to our petitions.That is what gives us the peace and it’s peace that gives us contentment.
‘I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ –Philippians 4:10-13.
Instead of complaining so much let us practise contentment by allowing the Holy Spirit to control our lives. If we surrender to Him and recognise that He is God Himself then really we will let Him have His way in our lives.
1. Contentment is not based on circumstances, like happiness. Let me say that happiness is based on things that happened to us. This is quite different from contentment which is based on inner joy.
2.When we are contented we avoid complaining– What we need to do is to recognise that God is with us and that He has our best interests at heart. As Jesus says when we seek His kingdom first and His righteousness He will give us all things. This doesn’t mean we should not talk about something that is going wrong. We should but we ought to talk about it with the sole purpose of wanting it done right and sometimes even going out of our way to lead the charge to correct what we think is wrong.
3. Contentment is a work of grace. If contentment is inward, then it can only be by the grace of God. Grace is unmerited favour, it means we don’t deserve this good that is happening to us but God gives it anyway. As someone beautifully puts it, GRACE is;
G- God’s
R– Riches
A– At
C– Christ’s
E- Expense.
If it is God’s riches at Christ’s expense then it’s true that we get this favour because of what Christ has done. Meaning that contentment is given by God as we surrender to Him.
Remember what Jesus says in John 14:23: Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.This means the presence of the Holy Spirit in us “EMMANUEL” God with us.
Grace enables us to actually experience contentment in spite of outward circumstances. So yes we can be contented even in the face of difficulties that is why we can say. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13. That is why again we can boldly say that the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard my heart and mind on Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:7;because I’ve taken everything to Him.
4. Contentment enables us to joyfully rest in God’s providence. God is our Father, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, He is the Sustainer of everything and the One in charge of everything. We can be totally contented because we know God will provide the things that we need to be able to live to bring glory to Him.Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? – Matthew 6:25-26.
When did birds get involved in planting for food and searching for jobs, they haven’t but tell me when a bird did not find food to eat.The birds are contented because they know God has given them wings and the wings take them to the food and water source.Whether we buy our clothes at a “bend down boutique”, the mall or some high end boutique, we are all wearing clothes. Contentment is very important that’s why Jesus says for the best contentment. We should just put our trust in God who says “seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all other things will be given to you” – Matthew 6:33.
Conclusion
Beloved why don’t we practise contentment. Now remember the God of heaven and earth, the Creator of everything has given us everything for life and godliness. We are blessed; therefore, we should honour God and centre our desires on Him and be content with what God is doing in our lives.Let’s try to put our trust totally in Him and let Him through His Holy Spirit direct us and fill our hearts with contentment.
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
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Though debated, women’s leadership is not prohibited in Islam if practiced within Islamic ethics. Muslim women historically influenced governance through education, economic power, and advisory roles (Ahmed, 2021). Contemporary Muslim women in public office embody the Qur’anic principle of justice (Qur’an 4:135).
Islam encourages professions that benefit society. Female physicians, gynecologists, and nurses are essential in Muslim societies, ensuring culturally sensitive healthcare (Shaikh, 2015). Similarly, Muslim women in education, media, and business embody the Prophetic principle of service to humanity.
The Ghanaian context
In Ghana, Muslim women play a pivotal role in sustaining both families and communities. Beyond managing households, many women assume the role of primary breadwinners, paying school fees, supporting relatives, and financing community projects. Their contributions extend into professional and public life. In academia, Dr Rabiyatu Armah, an Islamic educationist and lecturer at University of Ghana, has championed girls’ schooling and equal opportunities in religious studies. In politics and governance, Hajia Samira Bawumia, Ghana’s former Second Lady, has promoted literacy, health, and women’s empowerment through nationwide initiatives. In the media, Madam Shamima Muslim, who serves as Deputy Presidential Spokesperson under President John Dramani Mahama, stands as a role model for young Muslim journalists. Her career reflects how Muslim women can excel in public communication while upholding modesty and Islamic values. These examples affirm that empowering Muslim women in education, media, and governance strengthens both families and national development.
Education and economic empowerment
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The best of you are those who are best to their women.” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162). Honouring women means enabling them to access education and livelihood. Denying women education contradicts both the Qur’an and Sunnah and weakens the Muslim ummah (Barazangi, 2008).
A call to rethink our attitudes
Muslim societies today must critically re-examine cultural practices that continue to restrict women’s potential and return to Islam’s authentic message. The Qur’an and Sunnah affirm women as not only homemakers but also scholars, professionals, and leaders in society. True empowerment lies in realising the framework Islam already provides.
The role of Muslim scholars (‘ulama) is crucial. Those trained in Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) must guide women in balancing modesty with participation in business, education, and public service. History offers powerful precedents: Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA), one of the Prophet’s wives, transmitted over 2,000 hadiths and was a leading authority in law; and Fatima al-Fihri founded the University of al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, the world’s oldest existing university. Their legacy demonstrates how knowledge and faith combined to shape civilisations. Equipping today’s Muslim women with similar guidance will strengthen families, uplift communities, and ensure a prosperous ummah.
Conclusion
Islam dignified women at a time when they were devalued, transforming them from marginalised figures to partners in faith, family, and society. From Khadijah (RA), who invested her wealth in the Prophet’s mission, to Aisha (RA), who transmitted knowledge and shaped Islamic scholarship, women have always stood at the heart of the ummah. The Qur’an enshrined their rights to inheritance, education, economic participation, and spiritual equality (Qur’an 4:7; 33:35).
Equally significant is the role of Muslim women in marriage and family life. The Qur’an describes spouses as “garments for one another” (Qur’an 2:187), highlighting marriage as a bond of comfort and protection. As wives and mothers, Muslim women nurture faith, instill moral discipline in children, and create homes rooted in mercy, patience, and cooperation. This domestic leadership complements their contributions in business, education, health, and governance, ensuring balance in both private and public life.
Allah reminds us: “For men is a share of what they earn, and for women is a share of what they earn.” (Qur’an 4:32). Empowering women in marriage, education, and work is therefore central to building thriving families, resilient communities, and a strong ummah.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
“Again Jesus call the crowd to Him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.” – Mark 7:14-16 (NIV)
Introduction
The Lord is really awesome in His wisdom and as Moses said when they were led to cross the Red Sea – “Who is like unto you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” – Exodus 15:11 (KJV)
CHANNEL
The word channel connotes action – real action because as a verb, it means:
- to direct
- to show the way
- shepherd
- lead
- train; among others.
And as a noun it can mean:
- a conduit
- an access
- an artery
- a pipeline
- a means of.
But the other words I found in the Thesaurus which really thrilled me and gave me a greater understanding of who we are called to be as Christians are meaning of channel as
- Advertiser;
- Delegate;
- Witness;
- Narrator;
- Go between;
- Spokesman,
- Communicator;
- Publiciser;
- Speaker.
Fascinating isn’t it. This reminds us of our calling as stated in Acts 1:8 that we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes and we will be His witness here on earth – we are to be those through whom others come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. So as I found in the Thesaurus, we are Jesus’ delegates here on earth – we represent Him. We are His spokespersons. His go between when He wants to reach out to people. We are His communicators – we are really the ones who should be on radio each day telling people about the Lord Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation and redemption from sin. Alas, political party communicators seem to have the upper hand because media houses prefer their cacophony and not our soothing but very powerful words that ONLY Jesus saves.
By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
