The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Tamale, Right Reverend Dennis Dabukari Tong, has challenged Christians to demonstrate their faith through obedience to God’s word, saying genuine Christianity is reflected in actions rather than merely listening to sermons.
Delivering his weekly homily to parishes across the Diocese on Sunday, the Bishop urged believers to allow the teachings of Scripture to shape their daily conduct and produce positive change in their lives.
Preaching on the theme, “Let the Word of God Grow in You,” Right Reverend Tong said Christians today have no excuse for ignorance of the Bible because the word of God is readily accessible through churches, radio and television stations, markets and other public spaces.
He noted that hearing God’s word alone was insufficient unless it translated into obedience and righteous living.
Quoting 1 Samuel 15:22, he reminded the congregation that God places greater value on obedience than outward religious rituals.
“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams,” he said.
The Bishop observed that many believers often allow personal desires, temptations and life’s challenges to influence their decisions, leading them away from God’s instructions.
Drawing lessons from the biblical story of Esau in Genesis 25:32, he said Esau lost his birthright because he allowed temporary hunger and immediate gratification to override wisdom and self-discipline.
According to him, the account serves as a reminder that disobedience often carries lasting consequences despite knowing what is right.
Right Reverend Tong also encouraged Christians to emulate the “good soil” described in the Parable of the Sower, explaining that those who hear, understand and practise God’s word are the ones who bear lasting spiritual fruit.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown,” he said.
He called on members of the Anglican Church and Christians generally to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ, stressing that faithful obedience should be reflected in their service to humanity and everyday relationships.
The Bishop urged believers to move beyond passive listening and become living examples of the values and teachings of the Gospel in their homes, workplaces and communities.
