OBEDIENCE TO THE CHARGE
There was once a lantern entrusted to a servant by his
master. The master said, “Take this lantern and go into the village each night
to light the way for travelers. Many will walk in darkness, and this light will
guide them home.” The servant accepted the charge with enthusiasm and carried
the lantern faithfully. Each night, he lit the lantern, and weary travelers
found their way safely through the dark paths.
But over time, the servant grew tired. “Why must I go every
night?” he thought. One evening, he decided to stay home and leave the lantern
unlit. That night, many travelers stumbled and were lost, unable to find their
way. The master returned and said, “I entrusted you with this light not for
your convenience, but for their salvation. Your obedience was the difference
between safety and ruin.”
The servant wept and vowed never again to abandon his
charge. From that day, he carried the lantern without fail, knowing that
obedience to the master’s command was not about his comfort but about
fulfilling a greater purpose.
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus proclaims, “You are the salt of
the earth…You are the light of the world.” These words are not mere
affirmations but a divine charge—a sacred call to action for believers to
transform lives, dispel darkness, and reflect God’s glory in a world yearning
for hope. To embrace this charge is to align with God’s purpose, living as His
transformational leaders. However, fulfilling this mandate requires complete
obedience, as we intentionally embody God’s expectations for His chosen representatives.
Yet, why do we struggle to bring souls into God’s Kingdom?
Why do our Christian values often appear diluted by societal pressures? To
answer these questions, we must examine the nature of God’s sovereignty, His
expectations for us as His children, and how the life of Jesus Christ offers
the perfect model of obedience, leaving us without excuse for complacency.
God is the Creator of the universe, and
the ultimate standard of righteousness and love. His sovereignty is absolute;
He reigns supreme over all creation, orchestrating every detail according to
His perfect will (Psalm 115:3). Despite His unmatched power, God lovingly
invites us to partner with Him in His transformative work, granting us the
privilege and responsibility of being His representatives on earth.
God’s sovereignty does not minimize our role but amplifies
it. By calling us to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,”
He entrusts us with a sacred mission. Our obedience to this charge demonstrates
our trust in His authority and our reliance on His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
Neglecting this responsibility not only questions God’s sovereignty but also
wastes the opportunities He provides for His glory.
What Does God Expect from Us?
Obedience to His Word
Jesus declares, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John
14:15). God’s expectations for us are clear: to live in alignment with His Word
and to pursue holiness. Obedience is not optional but foundational to transformational
leadership. It requires humility, discipline, and a willingness to submit to
God’s authority, even when it challenges our comfort zones. Without obedience,
our efforts are hollow and our witness ineffective.
Living as Salt and Light
Salt preserves, enhances, and prevents decay, while light
dispels darkness and reveals truth. To be the “salt of the earth” means to
uphold godly values in a morally decaying world. To be the “light of the world”
is to expose sin and guide others toward righteousness. Our lives must embody
these roles, demonstrating God’s transformative power. Have we retained our
saltiness, or have we blended into the world? Are we shining as lights, or have
we hidden under a bushel?
Winning Souls to the Kingdom
The ultimate expectation is for us to actively participate
in the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew
28:19). Winning souls is not a task reserved for pastors or evangelists; it is
a mandate for every believer. Are we prioritizing this eternal mission, or have
temporal pursuits taken precedence over the Kingdom of God?
Why Are We Failing?
§ Some
of us have succumbed to complacency,
prioritizing personal comfort over spiritual responsibility. We rationalize our
disobedience, ignoring opportunities to share the gospel. Yet James 4:17
reminds us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do
it, it is sin for them.” How often are we guilty of this sin?
§ Instead
of transforming the world, we are often transformed by it. In seeking
acceptance, we compromise our values and dilute our witness. Romans 12:2 warns,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind.” Have we allowed societal norms to erode our Christian
identity?
§ Fear
frequently hinders us from sharing our faith. We fear rejection, criticism, or
failure, forgetting that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and
self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). If we truly believe that the gospel is “the
power of God that brings salvation” (Romans 1:16), why do we hesitate to
proclaim it?
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of obedience and
transformational leadership. Philippians 2:8 says, “And being found in
appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even
death on a cross.” His life offers invaluable lessons for us as we seek to
fulfill our charge.
Jesus’ mission was clear: “The Son of Man came to seek and
to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He remained steadfast in His purpose, even when
faced with betrayal, suffering, and death. Are we willing to obey God’s call,
no matter the cost?
Answering the Charge
§ Spend
time in prayer, asking for guidance and strength to fulfill His mission. Study
the Bible to understand His will and draw inspiration from the lives of
faithful leaders.
§ Share
the gospel in your daily interactions, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through
you. Live a life that reflects Christ’s love, drawing others to Him through
your example.
§ Strive
for integrity, compassion, and humility, embodying the qualities of Christ.
Repent of compromises and recommit to living according to God’s standards.
§ Cast
a vision that inspires others to pursue God’s purpose for their lives. Take
bold steps of faith, trusting God to provide and guide you.
Obedience to the charge is not optional; it is the essence
of our calling as God’s transformational leaders. We are His hands and feet,
tasked with preserving His truth, illuminating His love, and drawing others
into His Kingdom. As 1 Corinthians 15:58 urges, “Always give yourselves fully
to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in
vain.”
The world is
watching, and the time for complacency is over. Will we rise to the occasion,
or will we allow the salt to lose its flavor and the light to be hidden? The
choice is ours, but the mandate is clear: obey the charge and transform the
world for God’s glory.
Samuel Elijah Boateng
sam.boateng600@gmail.com
0593876208
John C. Maxwell Leadership
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