By Emmanuel Nyatsikor
Ho, Feb. 19, GNA – The Reverend Eric Dzansi, Pastor in charge of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Kodzi near Aflao, has advised Christians to ensure that their religious activities reflect the character of Christ.
“The world should see in us not in performance but Christ,” he stated.
Rev Dzansi gave the advice in an online sermon to mark Ash Wednesday.
The day marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season in Western Christianity and serves as a solemn period of prayer, fasting and repentance for Christians preparing for Easter.
The sermon, on the theme “True fasting, prayer and almsgiving,” was based on Psalm 51:1–17, Isaiah 58:1–12, 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:10 and Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21.
Rev Dzansi said devotion would only be credible when the lives of believers embodied the message they proclaimed, adding that “true devotion happens in secret.”
He called on Christians to be ambassadors of reconciliation in their homes, marriages, families, congregations, workplaces and communities.
Rev Dzansi noted that when Christians fast and pray yet continue to live in bitterness, dishonesty and exploitation, it becomes an empty ritual.
He explained that true fasting goes beyond the body to the heart and to the people around them, saying, “It is not merely personal discipline; it is social responsibility and should align with love, justice and forgiveness.”
Rev Dzansi entreated Christians to use the Lenten season to forgive and reconcile with those who had wronged them, adding that their actions should reflect visible signs of mercy.
“We cannot practice fasting, prayer and giving while living in rebellion to God or harbouring unforgiveness,” he said.
He further urged Christians not to allow their spiritual activities to become clichés, showmanship or a quest for human approval.
Rev Dzansi advised them to shift their focus from human approval to pleasing God, so that their hearts would treasure the Kingdom of Heaven more than worldly pleasures.
“The Lord is not searching for an impressive religion but for transformed hearts. Authentic spirituality is proven in character, not display,” he stated.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu