Fruitful Living
Living the transformed life (Part 1)
• The Bible reveals God’s truth
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good. – Titus 2:11-14.
INTRODUCTION
Beloved in Christ I am writing to you today as the carrier of a message that is fundamental to our place as Christians in our society. I sincerely pray that after hearing this message, we will all be challenged to do more for God, for country, and for ourselves.
Living the transformed life as a Christian has everything to do with national development. I’ll tell you why.
The transformed life is a life shaped anew by God, to serve and fulfill God’s purpose for mankind. Living the transformed life is a process, a journey that we each embark on when we personally accept and invite Jesus Christ to become Saviour and Lord of our lives. Our lifestyles must reflect the God we profess and embrace.
Where do we start from? By examining and practising some principles that have been clearly spelt out for us in the Bible.
- Let’s Live an exemplary life no matter where you are: Philippians 2:15 advises us to ‘…become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world’.
This Bible verse is clearly telling us to do what is right whether other people are doing it or not. It is telling us to live differently, to strive to live above reproach, so that just as light drowns out darkness, our conduct shall be an example that others will be provoked to respect and to live by.
- Let’s Eschew self-centredness by looking out for the interests of each other: Philippians 2:4 tells us ‘Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.’
This is an indirect way of telling us to be selfless in all our pursuits. As humans, we are naturally prone to selfishness. It is this selfishness that makes us take decisions and carry out certain actions that only favour us even if they are detrimental to our fellow humans.
- Let’s not wait for the government to do everything: James 2:14-16 – “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deed? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?”
There are some things we can do as individuals in our own small way. This, I believe, is intended to make Christians understand that using our resources to assist less privileged people in society is an opportunity for us to exercise our faith and to honour God.
- Stewardship requires faithfulness: Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful – 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Everything we have has been entrusted to us by God and as stewards, He expects us to be faithful in handling/managing what has been given to us. The first thing God entrusted to us from day one of creation was the earth.
- Let’s respect authority and national laws: 1 Peter 2:13- ‘Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honour the emperor. Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.’
This scriptureencourages us to respect authority not just at face value but out of respect for God and hierarchies created to establish order in society. Respect for authority keeps us in check and forces us to exercise discipline in fulfilling our obligations (e.g. payment of taxes, pension contributions, etc.) towards the development of the nation.
- Let’s be content: Hebrews 13:5 tells us ‘Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have’ and 1 Timothy 6:6 says ‘Now godliness with contentment is great gain’. I may be wrong but I believe that contentment is the antidote to greed and covetousness which breed corruption in various forms and at various levels in our society. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious but there is a difference between being ambitious and being covetous. Most of the woes of our nation today could/would be avoided if Christians in diverse positions of authority, influence, and power remember this Scripture and pause in their excessive pursuit of material things. Let’s examine our hearts and our motives in our pursuit of money and material things. Are we seeking to acquire something or more of something because we truly need it or because we want to out-compete someone else? Are we living within our means or beyond it? Only we can truthfully answer these questions.
- Let’s eschew idleness: The Bible is clear on this. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 explicitly puts it this way ‘…if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.’ We all know from our basic economic lessons that employment drives productivity at all levels within the economy. If no one works, nothing gets done, nothing gets produced and revenue generation channels simply cease to exist. Working does not always require us to be employed by others. The fact that God has called us to live a transformed life is no excuse for us to spend 24 hours in church when we should be at our workplace offering our services and/or generating income/revenue. There is time for everything. Jesus Christ Himself gave us this counsel in Mark 12:17‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s’.
- Let’s pursue justice and fairness in all our dealings: God expects us to be fair, honest, and truthful in all our dealings.
Colossians 4:1 says “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven”.
To be continued!!
Stay blessed!
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By Dr. Joyce Aryee, the author
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
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