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This picture of my Chairman, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, has flooded my mind ever since we closed from the All Ministers Conference last weekend.

It brings to mind an extract from my yet-to-be-launched book on spiritual maturity where I explained, with various quotes from authorities in the field, that one trait of Spiritual Maturity is that SPIRITUAL MATURITY BRINGS SOBERNESS.

“One noticeable element in mature individuals is calmness. A mature individual is surrounded by an aura of dignified comportment, quietness, and calmness. The scripture, in many instances, exhorts believers to be sober. ‘So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert) …’ (1 Pet. 1: 13, AMP).

I must throw in a word of caution here that soberness is not the same as depression. Goldman (2019) writes, “Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life. Major life events, such as bereavement or the loss of a job, can lead to depression. However, doctors only consider feelings of grief to be part of depression if they persist.”

Depressed people lose focus and interest under difficult circumstances. They become restless and may even consider suicide as the best alternative in those difficult times. Such people need help!

Soberness, however, is related to watchfulness. Lee (1991) writes, “Soberness is related to watchfulness. To be sober is to be clear about the situation in which we are fighting. It is to have a proper understanding concerning where we are and where the enemy is. It is to see how the enemy is attacking and how we should fight back. If we are sober, we shall be clear about our direction. To be sober is to be clear about everything related to the battle. It is to be clear about where the enemy is, what the enemy is doing, and how the enemy is attacking. It is also to be clear about how to protect ourselves and how to fight back. Those who are sober are fully clear about their situation.”

Again, soberness is a direct outflow of responsibility. The heavier the responsibility, the greater the soberness that will be reflected. If anyone is in doubt, ask a man who has just lost his job and is faced with the prospect of taking care of a family without a guaranteed source of income.

A lack of soberness in an individual usually signals a lack of challenging responsibility or a reckless indifference to the consequence of neglecting one’s responsibility. Wherever one sees a Christian who does not manifest soberness in the faith, one is most probably observing a believer who does not appreciate the heavy responsibility placed upon the shoulder of every believer by heaven. It shows that notwithstanding the magnitude of the situation I am in, I think there will surely be a light at the end of the tunnel. I will not give up but will continue to press on to the end. The Lord says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

God placed the cross on the shoulder of every believer. That is a very heavy burden. What does the cross signify? The cross symbolizes curse, suffering, shame, and death. The statement “take up his cross” implies directly that every Christian has a cross, and carrying it “daily” implies that every believer must be prepared to daily encounter suffering, shame, and even death as a follower of Christ. The instruction is, “Follow Me,” and whoever wants to follow Him must deny himself and carry his cross daily.

Maltby Says, “Jesus promised his disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.”

Both of these conditions, (carrying the cross and denying self) are lacking in many believers in the church today, which is an indication that the majority of God’s people are still children; mature sons of God are few. By the way, when one carries the cross, where does one carry it to? A man cannot carry the cross and be going round in circles. Whoever carries the cross has only one destination – Golgotha (the Place of a Skull). Would a man have a sentence of death pronounced upon him and not be sober? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:13, “I die daily.”

The soberness of the cross is not reflected in the lives of many Christians. This may be the reason why most believers preoccupy themselves with worldly vanities and expect God to cater for such indulgence. Rather sadly, many ministries are booming and doing “good business” catering to such aberration in the household of God.

Written by Pastor Samuel Avornyo (An Extract from  his book “What Sort of A Son Are You?)

INTRODUCTION

National development is a multifaceted concept that encompasses economic growth, social progress, and the overall well-being of a nation’s citizens. While economic factors such as infrastructure, technology, and capital investment play crucial roles in development, the role of morality in national progress should not be underestimated.

Morality, often rooted in ethics and values, serves as the bedrock upon which sustainable and inclusive development can thrive. In this article, we will explore the principal role of morality in national development and its impact on society.

SOCIAL COHESION AND STABILITY

One of the fundamental contributions of morality to national development is the promotion of social cohesion and stability. A morally upright society is more likely to be cohesive, with its citizens respecting the rule of law, valuing diversity, and fostering a sense of community. In such an environment, social tensions, conflicts, and divisions are minimized, allowing for a more stable and harmonious society. Social stability is a prerequisite for any nation’s sustainable development as it creates an atmosphere conducive to progress.

TRUST AND COOPERATION

Morality also plays a pivotal role in building trust and cooperation among individuals, communities, and institutions. In a society where people trust one another and cooperate for mutual benefit, economic activities thrive, investments flow more freely, and innovation flourishes. Trust is a key ingredient in business transactions, governance, and international relations, all of which are vital for a nation’s development.

ETHICAL GOVERNANCE

Ethical governance is a cornerstone of any well-developed nation. Leaders who adhere to moral principles are more likely to make decisions that prioritize the common good over personal interests. They are accountable to their citizens, maintain transparency in their actions, and work towards reducing corruption. Ethical governance not only ensures that resources are allocated efficiently but also builds public confidence in the government’s ability to foster development.

SOCIAL WELFARE AND INCLUSIVITY

A moral society recognizes the importance of social welfare and inclusivity. It strives to ensure that the benefits of development are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background. Morality compels a nation to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, which can hinder progress. Inclusivity, in turn, fosters a workforce and citizenry that is better equipped to contribute to national development.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental ethics are an integral part of moral considerations in national development. A nation that values the environment and takes steps to preserve it for future generations is more likely to achieve sustainable development. Morality drives policies and practices that promote responsible resource management, reduce pollution, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

GLOBAL REPUTATION AND COOPERATION

The moral standing of a nation on the global stage can significantly impact its development prospects. Nations that adhere to international norms and values are more likely to engage in productive diplomatic relations, trade agreements, and international cooperation. A strong global reputation can attract foreign investments, technology transfers, and collaborations that further a nation’s development goals.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, morality plays a principal role in national development by fostering social cohesion, trust, ethical governance, social welfare, environmental sustainability, and global cooperation. While economic factors are undoubtedly crucial, a morally upright society provides the foundation upon which sustainable and inclusive development can thrive. It is imperative for nations to recognize the intrinsic value of morality in their pursuit of progress and well-being for their citizens. This was reechoed through the comminique issued  during the recently-held All Ministers Conference (AMC), an interdenominational conference for ministers organised by The Church of Pentecost as a follow-up to the National Development Conference (NADEC).

Now is the time for Ghana as a nation to unite and rally together towards this shared agenda, so as to change the fortunes of our beloved nation for ever.

As an election year fast approaches, there is a pressing need for the Ghanaian citizenry to reflect on our past political experiences and collectively chart a new course for our nation’s political future.

As Mahatma Gandhi wisely remarked, “Politics without principles, and principles without politics, are both useless.” This sentiment resonates strongly in the context of Ghana’s political landscape.

In the realm of government’s highest echelons, it becomes increasingly challenging to combat corruption effectively when individuals ascend to power through questionable means and unethical processes. Morality, therefore, stands as the linchpin in the battle against corruption in these influential spheres.

Thus, it is imperative that all political entities, whether it be the NPP, NDC, or independent candidates, come together to establish a consensus centered on a moral vision and a national development agenda. Failure to do so will result in ongoing challenges for our nation, including:

• The unfortunate practice of successive governments abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors.
• The neglect of essential infrastructure projects, such as roads, until election season approaches.
• Continued vulnerability to the influence of neo-colonialists and imperialist international actors. Institutions like the Bretton Woods organizations impose unfavorable conditions to safeguard their interests, while foreign investors and donors prioritise the well-being of their home countries.
• The perpetuation of divisive political discourse along tribal lines and party affiliations, which hinders participation and cooperation, fostering political polarisation.

The recent All Ministers’ Conference (AMC), which was a follow-up to the National Development Conference (NADEC) delivered a clear message, particularly to those with discerning hearts. It is time to heed this call.

For the well-being of our nation, it is crucial that values like contentment, simplicity, and propriety permeate the conduct of individuals in both government and opposition.

Public leadership must align with moral vision and national development goals. Those who aspire to serve the public should understand that practicing morality is an essential ingredient in the process of nation-building for national development.

Our current economic challenges cannot be solely attributed to external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, although they have played a role. The compounding issues of corruption, indiscipline, and irresponsibility within private and public offices since gaining independence have significantly contributed to our woes.

To usher in meaningful change, we must accept responsibility for our actions and prioritise moral vision for national development. Incremental changes like practicing contentment, simplicity, truthfulness, diligence, and propriety will yield transformative results in Ghana’s political, socio-cultural, and economic landscape in the years to come.

We extend our gratitude to The Church of Pentecost and all faith communities for their tireless efforts in repositioning and refocusing political governance in Ghana on the principles of moral vision and national development.

May God bless our nation Ghana and make her great and strong nation.

Written by Elder Elijah Hayford (Kwesimintsim District, Takoradi Area)