Christian faithful have been urged to re-dedicate themselves to living according to biblical teachings in order to please God, which is the ultimate purpose in life.
Archbishop Prof. Leonard Kawas of World Harvest Ministries gave this charge during a Sunday sermon in Abuja.
Addressing the congregation, Archbishop Kawas warned, “We are created to give God pleasure, and if you refuse, God will give you pressure.” He shared the story of Nebuchadnezzar, who, after rebelling against God, was humbled and transformed until he recognized, “There is no God like the God of Israel.”
Citing Revelation 4:11, he reminded the faithful, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Living to please God means following the Bible as our ultimate guide, rather than living to satisfy personal desires.
He urged believers to stop self-centered living and prioritize pleasing God first. Drawing from Psalm 149:4, “For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people; he will beautify the meek with salvation,” he explained that meekness is closely related to humility, which is not weakness but a spiritual strength rewarded by God.
Highlighting Psalm 149:5-9, the Archbishop emphasized the rewards of humility. Using 2 Chronicles 7:14, he called on God’s people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness to receive healing and forgiveness.
He encouraged members to surrender their dreams and struggles to God rather than blaming others, warning against living double lives that conceal one’s true character. Quoting Jeremiah 5:26 on the dangers of widespread wickedness, he stressed the need for spiritual vigilance.
The sermon identified four key principles to please God: humility, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from wicked ways.
Archbishop Kawas also referenced 1 Samuel 19:9-10, highlighting the spiritual battles believers face, praying that no one in his congregation would fall victim to evil or be exploited for political gain.
He concluded with a solemn reminder: “After God has created you, if you cannot give Him pleasure, your creation is wasted.”
The event also featured the child dedication of Princess Fiona Kawas and Janice Margaret Liga, marking a joyful highlight of the service.