Fruitful Living
How should Christians view politics? ( Final Part)
There is no doubt that our responsibility to government is to obey the laws and be good citizens (Romans 13:1–2). God has established all authority, and He does so for our benefit, “to commend those who do right” (1 Peter 2:13–15). Paul tells us in Romans 13:1–8 that it is the government’s responsibility to rule in authority over us—hopefully for our good—to collect taxes, and to keep the peace. Where we have a voice and can elect our leaders, we should exercise that right by voting for those who best demonstrate Christian principles.
One of Satan’s grandest deceptions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials. A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class. The church has made a mistake if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend, to advance, and to guard biblical truths and Christian values.
The church’s unique, God-given purpose does not lie in political activism. Nowhere in Scripture do we have the directive to spend our energy, our time, or our money in governmental affairs. Our mission lies not in changing the nation through political reform, but in changing hearts through the Word of God. When believers think the growth and influence of Christ can somehow be allied with government policy, they corrupt the mission of the church. Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time. Only as the hearts of individuals in a culture are changed by Christ will the culture begin to reflect that change.
Believers throughout the ages have lived, and even flourished, under antagonistic, repressive, pagan governments. This was especially true of the first-century believers who, under merciless political regimes, sustained their faith under immense cultural stress. They understood that it was they, not their governments, who were the light of the world and the salt of the earth. They adhered to Paul’s teaching to obey their governing authorities, even to honour, respect, and pray for them (Romans 13:1-8). More importantly, they understood that, as believers, their hope resided in the protection that only God supplies. The same holds true for us today. When we follow the teachings of the Scriptures, we become the light of the world as God has intended for us to be (Matthew 5:16).
Political entities are not the saviour of the world. The salvation for all mankind has been manifested in Jesus Christ. God knew that our world needed saving long before any national government was ever founded. He demonstrated to the world that redemption could not be accomplished through the power of man, economic strength, military might, or politics. Peace of mind, contentment, hope, and joy—and the salvation of mankind—are provided only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
CONCLUSION
Political systems may influence society, but they are not the solution to the world’s deepest needs. As Christians, our hope lies not in political agendas but in the life-changing power of the gospel. Our mission is to be the light of the world, shining Christ’s love and truth in every area of life, including our civic duties. By focusing on the gospel and changing hearts through God’s Word, we carry out our divine calling. True transformation and salvation come only through Jesus Christ, and it is through Him that lasting change will impact our world.
Stay Blessed!
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By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Be mindful of false prophets
The Country Director of Changing Ways Bible College and Seminary in Accra, Bishop Dr Frederick Adjei, has advised Christians and Ghanaians to be mindful of activities of false prophets, who God would expose in His own time.
Bishop Dr Adjei said these false prophets have adopted strategies that played on the intelligence of their victims and made money, and sexually exploited women.
The Country Director gave the advice at a special graduation ceremony of two church leaders, who successfully completed a Doctorate degree programme in Bible Studies and Divinity from the Changing Ways Bible College and Seminary in Accra.
The ceremony was held at Asikuma in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern region last Sunday.
The graduates were the Leader and Founder of Alleluia Mission International Church at Asikuma in the Asougyaman District of the Eastern region, Prophet Dr Mawuli Akorli and Prophet Dr Joshua Abass Osumanu, a Muslim who converted from Islamic religion to Christianity and established the Christ Way Gospel Church at Dzemeni in the South-Dayi District of the Volta Region.
Delivering a sermon at the graduation, Bishop Dr Adjei indicated that prophecies come from God through His prophets, “but the current situation where some self-acclaimed prophets speak as if the power of God is in their hands should be of concern to citizens, and should regard such prophets as occultists.”
According to him, people who mostly fell victim to these category of prophets were women who asked for their help to give them children, husbands and to become successful in their business activities, saying “these victims should rather study the word of God and seek help through prayers.”
He said the false prophets as part of their strategy, would frighten their victims, forcing them to believe in what they do and purchase the anointing water, oil, and other exploitation materials on sale by the church.
Bishop Dr Adjei noted that he knew respectable pastors who God could have used to inform Ghana about the deadly COVID- 19 disease that killed thousands of people across the world but God in His wisdom, did not use them because God did not speak through them.
Moreover, he stated that it was becoming worrying that anytime the country was about to organise national elections and change government, ‘election prophets’ would emerge and challenge one another as to which of the candidates would win.
The Country Director of Changing Ways Bible College and Seminary, stressed that God cannot contradict himself by prophesying differently to prophets about one election, adding that Christians, traditional, religious worshipers and Islamic religion all worship God, and the way these prophets threaten and curse, society needed to take solace in the word of God rather than to believe and follow them.
From Samuel Agbewode, Asikuma
Fruitful Living
Jumma Khutbah: ‘Rights and Responsibilities in Marriage under Islamic and Ghanaian Law’ (Final Part)
Another hadith highlights the Prophet’s disapproval of physical aggression within the family:
“Never hit your wives. They are your partners and sincere helpers” (Musnad Ahmad).
In these sayings, the Prophet (PBUH) reminds Muslims that kindness and gentleness are essential qualities in family relations, reinforcing that abuse has no place in an Islamic marriage.
Legal Protections: The Domestic Violence Act
In Ghana, the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) was enacted to prevent domestic violence, protect victims, and provide legal remedies. This Act defines domestic violence as any form of violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, or economic, occurring within a domestic relationship.
Section 1 of the Act defines violence broadly, including not only physical assault but also acts that harm a person’s psychological wellbeing. Section 2 emphasizes the right to security in domestic relationships, reinforcing that any form of abuse or violence is unlawful and punishable under Ghanaian law.
Legal Framework in Ghana: The 1992 Constitution and Marriage Ordinances
In Ghana, the 1992 Constitution upholds the right to practice and manifest religious beliefs, including marriage in accordance with one’s faith. Article 26 protects Muslims who wish to marry, register, and dissolve marriages under Sharia law. This constitutional right enables Muslims to observe Islamic principles within their marriages, reflecting both religious and legal protection.
Furthermore, The Mohammedans Ordinance CAP 129 governs Islamic marriages, providing legal grounds for marriage, divorce, and remarriage according to Islamic principles, ensuring that Ghanaian Muslims enjoy rights aligned with both Sharia and national law.
Servants of Allah, take note that Islamic Sunni scholars unanimously emphasised the importance of respecting these protections, noting that compliance with both Islamic and national laws strengthen the legitimacy of marriage and protects Muslim families.
Other Ghanaian Legal Regimes on Marriage
Ghana’s marriage regulations are structured to support stable family environments, ensuring respect, mutual support, and individual rights. The Children’s Act (Act 560 of 1989) outlines parental responsibilities, including providing education, healthcare, and a nurturing environment for children.
Under this Act, parents are legally mandated to create a home where children receive proper care, reflecting Islamic teachings, which advocate for the moral and spiritual upbringing of the next generation. Ghanaian law thus aligns with Islam’s focus on family welfare, emphasising the role of marriage as a secure foundation for children.
The Broader Impact of Marriage in Islam and Society
Marriage in Islam is intended to foster piety, strengthen social bonds, and ensure the moral integrity of future generations. Allah (SWT) commands in the Qur’an:
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Qur’an 66:6).
By adhering to the principles of fairness, compassion, and respect within marriage, Muslims contribute to a strong and ethical society. Sheikh Al-Uthaymeen emphasized that a righteous household reflects in the broader community, promoting values of integrity, honesty, and mutual respect.
Conclusion
Servants of Allah, Islam promotes a household based on mutual respect, love, and kindness. Violence within the family stands in direct opposition to the teachings of Islam and is also prohibited by law. As Muslims, it is our duty to follow the principles of compassion as taught by the Prophet (PBUH) and to uphold the legal protections afforded by society to ensure a safe and harmonious family environment.
To conclude, through the guidance provided by the Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and supportive frameworks like Ghana’s constitution and laws, marriage is recognized as a significant trust from Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) has reminded us of the accountability we hold before Allah, especially regarding how we treat our spouses.
May Allah (SWT) grant us wisdom and patience to fulfill our responsibilities within marriage and allow us to create homes filled with tranquility and righteousness.
References:
• Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:228, 2:233)
• Qur’an, Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)
• Bukhari, Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book of Nikah (Marriage), Hadiths 5136, 5138
• Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon
• Mohammedans Ordinance CAP 129, Ghana
• The Children’s Act, Act 560 (1989), Ghana
• Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, Fatwas and Statements on Marriage
• Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen, Islamic Rulings on Family and Marriage
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1BN Michel Camp, Tema
