Fruitful Living
Making one’s calling and election sure
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you willreceive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 1:3-11.
INTRODUCTION
The power to live a godly life comes from God because we don’t have the resources to be truly godly, God allows us to “share His divine nature” in order to keep us from sin and help us live for Him. When we are born again, God by His Spirit empowers us with His own goodness.
A. EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS
No additional human wisdom, no technique or theory is needed to supplement or complete the message of God’s Word that reveals His perfect plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The words of Jesus, along with the faith and teaching of those He used to communicate His original message as we have it in the New Testament, were adequate in the early days of the church to reveal God’s grace and meet the needs of the spiritually lost. The same message is just as adequate today. Absolutely nothing can offer more depth of insight or power to help people find true life than what God has already revealed to us through His Word. Jesus Christ alone is “the way and the truth and the life” – John 14:6.
B. PARTICIPATE IN THE DIVINE NATURE
Our participation in God’s very nature is another description of the new birth – being spiritually “born again” by which we receive God’s life and spiritual salvation. We have the privilege of sharing in God’s nature, so we can fulfil the responsibility of conforming to His character and standard of holiness.
C. ADD TO YOUR FAITH
Peter lists the positive character traits that a Christian must develop in order to be spiritually victorious, effective and productive in serving God. But false teachers had been teaching just the opposite: their special knowledge made some of these traits, such as self-control, unnecessary. But Peter makes it clear that Christians are to develop these traits. The phrase “make every effort” clearly explains that believers must be actively involved in their personal Christian growth.
Those who become Christians should make it their goal to develop in their faith the list of seven qualities:
1. Goodness
2. Knowledge
3. Self-control
4. Perseverance
5. Godliness
6. Mutual Affection
7. Love
Note that godly characteristics do not automatically grow without our dependence on God and our diligent effort to develop them.
D. IF YOU POSSESS THESE QUALITIES IN INCFREASING MEASURE
Peter is not implying that a Christian has to develop these traits in a precise order, one after the other, until they reach maturity or perfection. Instead, all of these qualities are to be cultivated all together and continually.
The Christian experience (a continuous relationship with the living God) should never remain stationary or stagnant. In fact, it could be said that if a person is not growing in faith, he or she is withering and dying spiritually. A person certainly cannot be productive to the fullest measure in serving God apart from consistent growth in faith, character and personal companionship with Jesus. If we ever find that we are not being effective in our service to God, we must examine our lives to ensure that we are, indeed, growing in the character traits mentioned.
E. HOW TO MAKE OUR CALLING SURE
Our faith and salvation must not be taken for granted. We must continue to persevere in our faith and grow in our relationship with God. By diligently developing the godly character traits mentioned – which is only possible as we grow closer to Christ and rely on the Holy Spirit – we will show that we are truly God’s people. God’s calling is to a life of obedience and holiness. Those who continue to follow Christ and grow in these disciplines will ensure their faithfulness to the end.
F. RICH WELCOME INTO THE ETERNAL KINGDOM
Because of their negligence, some Christians will barely make it into the kingdom of heaven. Other Christians, who remain firm and faithful in their spiritual growth and character, will be welcomed richly with honour.
CONCLUSION
Faith must be more than belief in certain facts; it must result in action, growth in Christian character, and the practice of moral discipline, or it will die away. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. – James 2:14-17.
Peter lists several of faith’s actions: learning to know God better, developing perseverance, doing God’s will, loving others. These actions do not come automatically; they require hard work. They are not optional; all of them must be a continual part of the Christian life. We don’t finish one and start on the next, but we work on them all together. God empowers and enables us, but He gives us also the responsibility to learn and to grow.
The love of our heavenly Father, salvation through Jesus Christ, Christ’s intercession for us in heaven, the inner presence of and baptism in the Holy Spirit, the companionship of other Christians and God’s inspired Word are sufficient to meet all our needs for life and godly character development.
Stay blessed!
For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615
Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org
By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author
Fruitful Living
Institution of Marriage in Islam (Pt.3)
Regarding sexual intimacy, it is also prohibited for a wife to demand money or gifts before allowing her husband to engage in sexual relations. Islam views this as a form of exploitation and sin. A marital relationship must be based on mutual love, respect, and affection rather than material gain.
Prohibition of sexual intercourse during menstruation
Islam has clear guidelines regarding sexual relations during certain times, particularly when a woman is menstruating. The Qur’an prohibits sexual intercourse during menstruation, stating:
“And they ask you about menstruation. Say: ‘It is harm, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves’” (Qur’an 2:222).
This verse emphasises the importance of refraining from sexual activity during menstruation due to physical and spiritual reasons. However, all other forms of affection and companionship are allowed, and husbands should continue to care for their wives during this time with love and respect.
Islamic law encourages cleanliness and personal hygiene, especially in matters related to physical intimacy. After the menstruation period ends, it is recommended that the wife perform ghusl (ritual purification) before resuming sexual relations with her husband.
Rights of Children on Parents
Islam emphasises the rights of children on their parents, as marriage is the foundation of family life. Parents are obligated to provide their children with proper care, education, and moral guidance. The Qur’an states: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones…” (Qur’an 66:6).
This highlights the parents’ responsibility to raise their children with a strong sense of morality and faith. Children have the right to a good name, religious upbringing, and education, and they must be treated with fairness and love.
In Ghana’s law, there is Children’s Right Act, Act 560 (1989) which states among other things,
• Section 4, Right to Name, Nationality and secure a Birth Certificate for the child
• Section 6(3) (a&b), protection from neglect, provide good guidance, care etc
• Section 8(1&2), Right to education and wellbeing (medical care, diet, clothing, shelter).
How Do Married Couples Resolve Their Differences in Islam?
Islam provides clear guidelines for resolving marital conflicts in a just and compassionate manner.
The Qur’an instructs that in the event of marital discord, both parties should seek reconciliation:
“If you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people and an arbitrator from her people. If they both desire reconciliation, Allah will cause it between them” (Qur’an 4:35).
The goal is always to preserve the marriage and restore harmony. If reconciliation is not possible, Islam permits divorce as a last resort, but it is considered the most disliked permissible act in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
Rewards of Marriage in Islam
Marriage in Islam is not only a social institution but also an act of worship that brings great rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear Allah regarding the remaining half” (Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman).
Married couples are rewarded for fulfilling their marital responsibilities, showing kindness to each other, and raising righteous children who contribute positively to society.
Scholarly Thoughts About Marriage in Islam
Islamic scholars, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, have discussed marriage as a means of controlling desires and fulfilling one’s spiritual obligations. Modern scholars like Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi also stress the importance of mutual respect and understanding in marriage, ensuring that both partners can grow spiritually and emotionally within the marriage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marriage in Islam is a divinely ordained relationship based on mutual love, respect, and responsibility. By following the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and observing the legal frameworks in place, such as Ghana’s Mohammedan Ordinance, we can establish strong and harmonious marriages that contribute to the moral and spiritual development of society. May Allah (SWT) guide us to fulfill our marital responsibilities with sincerity and love.
The Writer is Kpone Katamanso Municipal Chief Imam, Democracy and Governance Law Student, UCC, Member of Ghana National Association of Certified Counsellors Certified by Ghana Psychology Council
References:
1.Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rum (30:21)
2.Qur’an, Surah An-Nisa (4:34, 4:4, 4:19, 4:35)
3.Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187, 2:221, 2:222, 2:223)
4.Qur’an, Surah At-Tahrim (66:6)
5.Ibn Majah, Hadith 1845, 1905
6.Tirmidhi, Hadith 1162, 1084
7.Bukhari, Hadith 5090
8.Children’s Right Act, Act 560 (1989)
9.Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman
10.Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulum al-Din
11.Qaradawi, The Lawful and Prohibited in Islam
Fruitful Living
Adansi North DCE marks birthday on Farmers’ Day
It was a momentous day for the Adansi North District Chief Executive, Eric Kwaku Kusi, last Friday November 8, as the 40th National Farmers Day district level celebration held here at Adansi Adokwai coincidentally fell on his birthday.
On a low-key, Mr Kusi momentarily took to the floor, to exhibit his dancing skills responding to cheers of “Happy Birthday to you” from the audience, to which he also responded with a gesture of thanks and praises to God, as he stepped out to address the gathering.
He was joined on the dancing floor by the assembly members singing praises to God for the life of their indefatigable DCE.
In his address, Mr Kusi commended farmers in the Adansi North and the country as a whole “who tirelessly cultivate the land to feed all of us in our communities.”
He said the government realising the important role agriculture played in the economy and the challenges facing farmers due to the effects of climate change was rolling out initiatives and policies to support climate-resilient agriculture, including agriculture insurance programme for farmers.
In all 16 farmers were awarded various prizes for their contribution to food sufficiency in the country.
Francis Appiah, 41, who hails from Adokwai was adjudged the District Best Farmer for 2024, and took home a tricycle and other assorted items. The first runner-up prize went to Sakyi Kwabena also from Adokwai and the second runner-up went to Kwame Gyamera from Dompoase.
From Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahaman, Adansi Adokwai
