Fruitful Living
Living the transformed life (Part 2)
High angle shot of an unrecognizable man reading his bible while sitting outside
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
The transformed life is a life that has been renewed 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. What better way can we do this than by conducting ourselves as best as we can in the manner that Jesus Christ did while here on earth.
Let’s recap some principles we can practiSe to live a transformed life.
1. Live an exemplary life no matter where we are. (Philippians 2:15)
2. Eschew self-centredness by looking out for the interests for each other. (Philippians 2:4)
3. Don’t wait for the government to do everything. (James 2:14-16)
4. Stewardship requires faithfulness. (1 Corinthians 4:2)
5. Respect authority and national laws. (1 Peter 2:13-18)
6. Be content. (Hebrews 13:5)
7. Eschew idleness. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
8. Pursue justice and fairness in all your dealings. (Colossians 4:1)
Most of these principles are not easy to follow especially if we find ourselves in the company of friends and/or fellow believers who have no sense of patriotism or people who have lost faith in Ghana’s ability to stand tall again. Nevertheless, there is hope because God’s grace is always sufficient and because with Him all things are possible. God empowers all those who are willing to do the right thing.
To overcome these realities that discourage us from conducting ourselves responsibly and responsively as Christian citizens in this nation, we need to remember:
- God has given us His Holy Spirit: With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can pray for our leaders at the workplace, in Parliament, and at the Presidency, even if we don’t feel like it or even if we don’t want to. The Holy Spirit is able to turn any disappointment and bitterness in our hearts against them into intercessory tears and prayers that are precious in the sight of God, and which can avail much for the nation. With the Holy Spirit we can work with excellence.
- God is watching us: The Bible tells us that the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch over good and evil. He sees and knows how you are wasting or productively using your employer’s paid time, resources, and opportunities you have been given. He sees and knows if and whether you sabotage your colleague, your supervisors and your employers. He sees and He knows if, how and when you deliberately underpay your workers, mistreat your workers, withhold their salaries unduly, etc. Maybe, from time to time we must play Bette Midler’s song ‘From A Distance’ to remind us about this.
- God has entrusted us with diverse gifts (Rom.12:6-8): Each of us carries a unique set of gifts, knowledge and experiences that no one else does. Some carry the grace to teach, others carry the grace to encourage/motivate others, while others are graced with the ability to lead, to give, and to show mercy (Rom.12:6-8). That is why we have been placed in different sectors of the economy and country to contribute in ways that no one else can. The Waakye Vendor can prepare delicious waakye that you can never successfully emulate no matter how beautiful or well-fitted your kitchen is. The Farmer has physical stamina and endurance that most people in the corporate sector can only wish for. The Engineer can build things that will make even the most respected medical doctor envious. The housewife can nurture and nourish her family in ways that the Corporate Woman may not have the opportunity to do. The Clergy can provoke the conscience and the gifting within their church members to spur them on to walk in entrepreneurship, accountability, integrity, and responsibility no matter what their professions or vocation may be. In short, we are different but let’s respect our differences, and use those differences to make a positive difference wherever we are. Indeed our differences should enrich us not destroy us.
- God determines the boundaries of where we live (Acts 17:26): There is a reason God allowed us to be born in Ghana and live in Ghana. Although this reason may not be clear to us (in fact we may never discover it), yet God expects us to make the most of our situation no matter what Ghana’s current circumstances are. He tells us in His word that if we are willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19). In other words, if we are willing and obedient to do what He tells us (that is, to pray for our leaders [1 Timothy 2:1-2], to seek the good of our leaders and our nation [Jeremiah 29:7]), He will surely cause us to enjoy the best that our nation can offer us. Proverbs 27:18 confirms this: ‘Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit;…’. This Scripture is simply telling us that we will partake of everything and anything we help to build. Therefore, if you and I contribute our quota to develop this nation, you can be sure that by God’s own divine mandate, we will prosper as this nation prospers.
Conclusion
As Christians, the power of God at work in us empowers us to live a transformed life can and will empower us to play our part in advancing the development of Ghana, our motherland.
We are therefore Society’s Asset. No wonder Proverbs 11:11 says that “Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.”
Every city has a mood, or perhaps an ethos, an attitude, or a culture. Whatever environment it has created for itself has enormous potential to shape the lives of its residents and form their perspectives. As much as we like to think we are independent individuals unaffected by the attitudes and decisions of the people around us, we are all part of a community. Our lives are interconnected.
That’s why Scripture tells us that upright citizens are good for a city and the negative talk can rip it apart. Our cities may not have the same dynamics as those in the ancient world when this proverb was written, but they are still built on relationships. A society filled with people who are invested, positive, constructive and dedicated to God’s ways will prosper, even when its citizens don’t understand why. A society filled with apathetic, negative, destructive, and amoral people will never have a short of problems. The differences between the two may not be readily apparent on the surface – prosperity takes different forms – but the long-term health of a culture stands or falls not on its majorities but on the level of involvement of its godly remnants. A little salt and light can have a huge effect on its surroundings.
As conventional as it sounds, God has called His people to be upright citizens. Society needs us to contribute our ethics and gifts to its well-being. Doing so puts us in a position of service and influence and seasons the whole culture. It’s one of the ways God extends His grace to this world and creates avenues for reaching others hearts and lives.
Let us never underestimate our significance as godly members of the society. We may think our contributions are unnoticeable, and we may never see tangible effects of our influence. But we are part of God’s Kingdom on earth that is never unimportant. Our city – or town or region – has its own atmosphere, and we have a hand in shaping it.
God bless our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong because we God’s children, Living The Transformed Life, are right here in this country.
Hymn: A Charge to Keep I Have – MHB 578
1 A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
2 To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master’s will!
3 Arm me with jealous care
As in Thy sight to live,
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!
4 Help me to watch and pray,
And on Thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall for ever die.
Charles Wesley (1707-1778)
Stay blessed!
By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
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“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; no one seeks God. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe. For there is no difference.” — Rom. 3:10, 21–22 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
We bring you this week the concluding part of “A Righteousness Revolution,” published last week. For ease of reference, we recap the last paragraph of last week’s article. Please enjoy and pass it on!
THE GOAL OF THIS TRANSFORMATION
What is the goal of this metamorphosis? Scripture states it in a number of different ways, which overlap and can be seen as different ways of expressing the same basic concept. Scripture often does this because our minds are inadequate to comprehend, and our language inadequate to express, the full scope of God’s revelation to us.
TO BECOME LIKE GOD IN CHARACTER
The whole concept can be summed up in the simple and astonishing statement that we are to become like God. Not like God in power; we can never aspire to that, although we can move in much greater power than many Christians have ever imagined. But like God in character.
We are to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” — Eph. 5:24; the “new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” — Col. 3:10. “We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” — 2 Cor. 3:18. “When He appears we shall be like Him” — 1 John 3:2. We are to “participate in the divine nature” — 2 Pet. 1:4. We can have “the mind of Christ” — 1 Cor. 2:16; Phil. 2:5. (Emphasis added in each case.)
Adam and Eve were created in the image of God — Gen. 1:26. With Adam’s Fall, much of that image was lost. But with Christ’s sacrifice for us, those who accept Him as Lord and Saviour can be restored into God’s image.
“Just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [the first Adam], so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven [the second Adam, Jesus Christ]” — 1 Cor. 15:49.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” — John 14:12.
We think of this (if we dare think of it at all) as meaning that we can heal, cast out demons and even raise people from the dead. It does mean that, and people who have faith in Jesus Christ are doing that now. But does it not mean more?
Jesus said that He did only what He saw the Father doing and spoke only the words the Father gave Him. Can we, should we, expect to do the same? He said, “I and the Father are one.” Can we expect this for ourselves? He said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” — John 14:9. Can this be said of us?
Paul told the Corinthians that they were “clearly an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” — 2 Cor. 3:3 (NKJV).
Is this not part of what it means to “be” His witness — Acts 1:8 — so that people can look at us and see Christ? We are to be witnesses by who we are, not just what we say. Jesus expects that there will be something different about us, that people will be able to look at us and know that we are His disciples — John 13:35.
He said of His disciples, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” — John 17:16.
His demands are to imitate and model Christ’s behaviour and to be clear reflections of the Lord — Matthew 5:16.
ESTABLISHING OUR ATTITUDE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Writing from a prison cell in Rome, the apostle Paul wrote about the attitude a Christian should have: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” — Philippians 1:27.
He is telling us that no matter what unexpected disruptions, frustrations or difficulties come our way, we are to respond with a Christ-like attitude.
Paul later writes, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ” — Philippians 2:5. He also encourages us in Ephesians 5:1 to be “imitators of Christ as dearly beloved children.”
As children love to imitate what they see and repeat what they hear, we also are charged to imitate and model Christ’s behaviour and to be clear reflections of the Lord.
Jesus maintained a perfect attitude in every situation because He prayed about everything and worried about nothing. We, too, should seek God’s guidance about every aspect of our lives and allow Him to work out His perfect will without interference.
Jesus’ attitude was never to become defensive, discouraged or depressed because His goal was to please the Father rather than to achieve His own agenda.
In the midst of trials, He was patient. In the midst of suffering, He was hopeful. In the midst of blessing, He was humble. Even in the midst of ridicule, abuse and hostility, He “made no threats . . . and did not retaliate. Instead He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” — 1 Peter 2:23.
MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS: LOVING MUHAMMAD MEANS FOLLOWING MUHAMMAD
We say: “We love the Prophet.”
Alhamdulillah.
But the real test of love is not how loudly we shout when someone insults him.
The real test is: Do we behave as he behaved?
Allah says: “Indeed, you are surely of outstanding character.” (Qur’an 68:4)
And Allah says: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” (Qur’an 33:21)
Therefore, if we claim to defend Muhammad (pbuh) but abandon his patience, mercy, justice and wisdom, we must ask ourselves:
Are we really defending him or are we betraying his example?
AN INSULT DOES NOT MAKE A PRIVATE PERSON A JUDGE AND EXECUTIONER
This point must be understood clearly.
Islam has laws concerning crimes.
Islam has courts.
Islam has legitimate authority.
Islam does not turn every angry individual into judge, jury and executioner.
The Qur’an says: “O believers! Stand firm for justice.” (Qur’an 4:135)
And the Prophet gave severe warnings against unlawful killing.
He said: “Whoever kills a person under covenant will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 3166)
Therefore, no Muslim should stand in a mosque and mobilize ordinary people to kill another person because of an insult.
That is not prophetic leadership.
That is not emotional courage.
That is not the Sunnah.
And it is certainly not a license for vigilantism.
If an offence has been committed, report it.
If a crime has been committed, let the competent authorities investigate it.
If punishment is legally warranted, let lawful judicial institutions determine it.
The Ghana Police Service has itself reminded religious leaders and the public that freedom of religion or expression cannot be used to justify inciting violence or encouraging people to harm others.
For Muslims, this is not merely a question of Ghanaian law.
It is also a question of taqwā (fear of Allah).
THE PROPHET TAUGHT US HOW TO SPEAK
Allah says: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the best manner.” (Qur’an 16:125)
This is the Islamic methodology of da’wah:
Wisdom.
Good counsel.
Best argument.
Not abuse.
Not threats.
Not mob action.
Not revenge.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN SOMEONE INSULTS THE PROPHET MOHAMMED (PBUH)?
Servants of Allah, remember these SEVEN STEPS.
1. PAUSE
Do not react while you are angry.
Allah praises those: “Those who restrain anger and pardon people.” (Qur’an 3:134)
2. VERIFY
Do not forward every video.
Do not believe every audio.
Do not react to an edited clip without knowing the context.
10 | P a g e
Allah says: “Then verify.” (Qur’an 49:6)
3. DO NOT RETALIATE WITH AN INSULT
Remember Qur’an 6:108.
We do not insult Jesus (Peace be upon him).
We do not insult Christianity.
We do not insult churches.
We do not insult the Bible.
We can disagree theologically while remaining respectful.
The author is the chief Imam of katamanso Municipal and Certified Counsellor and Governance Exper
