The General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi, has charged Ghanaians, particularly those in positions of authority, to be patriotic and contribute to national development and nation-building.
According to the General Secretary, until citizens love and cherish the nation, the country could not be set on the path of progress and prosperity.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi made this admonition on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at a service held at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC), Atomic. The service had in attendance the national leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who had joined the Church to thank God for the first anniversary of their appointments.
Delivering a sermon on the topic “Patriotism,” Apostle Kumi-Larbi explained that a patriotic citizen is one who loves, supports, and defends their fatherland, that is, their country of nativity or residence.
“A patriotic citizen is one who is willing to give all their resources for the benefit of the nation. Patriotic citizens stand as father-figures to defend the territorial sovereignty and integrity of the nation,” he said.
Drawing from the story of the centurion in Luke 7:1-10, Apostle Kumi-Larbi noted that from the glowing testimony the Jewish elders gave about the centurion, it is evident that the man possessed some fine character traits that those in authority ought to emulate to make more impact through public service.
He emphasised that the centurion, though a man in a position of authority and power, displayed genuine care for his ailing servant.
The General Secretary observed that, in most cases, people with power, influence, and wealth pay little or no attention to their servants at their homes, offices, and others around them who assist them in carrying out their duties.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi, therefore, urged Ghanaians to emulate the noteworthy character of the centurion by demonstrating empathy, sympathy, and humility towards others in their daily lives.
The General Secretary also pointed out that the centurion’s contribution to the development of the community by putting up a synagogue for the Jewish people.
He said that, likewise, public officials should use the resources at their disposal to address societal issues and promote the welfare of the vulnerable.
“Use the little resources you have to fix the problems of the society,” he urged.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi also charged people in authority to use their position to protect and help those under them and not for personal gains.
Highlighting the responsibilities of patriotic citizens, Apostle Kumi-Larbi stressed the need to respect and submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), avoid disrespectful behavior towards leaders (Numbers 12:1-15), intercede in prayer for the nation (Jeremiah 29:7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3), and contribute to national development through the payment of taxes (Romans 13:7).
He called upon the Christian community to prioritise praying for the welfare, progress, and development of the nation and to pray for leaders to make wise decisions for the nation’s benefit.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi also addressed unpatriotic behaviours such as bribery, embezzlement, fraud, favouritism, and other forms of corruption, urging citizens to reject such practices and uphold integrity in all aspects of life.
Concluding his message, the General Secretary underscored the collective responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the nation’s development in order to create a Ghana that evokes pride in all Ghanaians.
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