By Francis Kwabena Cofie
La Paz, (G/A), Sept 2, GNA- A 60-page book titled “Think Outside the Box, not outside the Book” has been launched at Liberty Centre, Assemblies of God, La Paz in Accra, with a call on the younger generation to pursue their dreams and ambitions in line with the word of God.
In the attempt to think creatively through innovation to achieve their long-term goals, the book urges young people to apply wisdom in harmony with the will and word of God.
In a keynote address to launch the book, Rev. Dr. Ernest Brinkorang, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God and Senior Pastor, Evangel Assembly, Adabraka, said: “Our responsibility is not only to prepare young people to succeed but we must prepare them to succeed without losing their souls.
“Young people need creativity, but they also need talent, they need ambition, but they also need integrity.”
According to him, the danger in innovation is that “we can become so interested in what is new to the extent that, we forget what is true; we can also become so modern that we become disconnected from God’s word.
“Our methods and approaches may change, he said, but our message should remain biblical.
Rev. Dr. Brinkorang called on readers to apply the principles of the book and use it as a basis for conversation about Christian leadership.
The Assemblies of God Cleric stated: Every new idea must ultimately be tested against God’s word.”
He cited David and Paul in the bible who adopted different approaches in their endeavors and encounters but never compromised on God’s word.
Reviewing the book, Deacon Stephen Asomani, WordBase Assembly, Assemblies of God, said: “As Christians, we are free to think outside the box for innovation but we must be guided only by the book, which is the bible and not from other person, persons, group or any other sources.
He indicated that once creativity and innovation are in line with the scriptures, it would stand the test of time.
He said the book is designed to inspire us to be innovative to address challenges in leadership, society and our personal lives.
He pointed out that there are many biblical examples of people who did extraordinary things through innovation but never deviated from the word of God and experienced victory in the end.
In his address, the author of the book, Rev. Evans Ablysir, Senior Pastor, Wordbase Assembly of God, challenged attendees at the launch not to accept the status quo because, “it is the way we have always done them even if it is not producing the desired satisfactory results.”
He said the emphasis of the book is for its readers “to think creatively and also to ensure that our thinking aligns with the plans and purpose of God for our lives.”
According to him, “we live in a world where we are constantly told to think outside the box, that new ideas and creativity are the engines of progress today.”
However, he said, rather than “great discoveries and achievements” being of benefit to society, a few have brought a lot of troubles.”
“This is because in an attempt to come out with new things, people failed to seek God in their endeavors,” he said.
According to him, he discovered the title of the book through prayer, during which he found himself in a chat with someone admonishing the person to think outside the box, which he repeated three times.
He disclosed that a voice told him: “This is the title of a book,” after which he noted it down.
He urged readers to apply the principles of the book to give them better insight into their goals, ambitions, leadership and daily living.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah