1 Corinthians 15:58
2 Timothy 4:1-5
Matthew 9:35-38
INTRODUCTION
Beloved in Christ, today is no ordinary Sunday. It is International Father's Day, a sacred opportunity to celebrate the pillars of our homes, churches, and communities: our fathers, uncles, mentors, and brothers in the Lord. Today, we salute the men of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and across the globe who have laboured and continue to labour in faith, in love, and in hope.
Our theme, "Celebrating Our Heritage: Persisting in Mission — Men, Go Labour On," is both a celebration and a call. A call to rise, to serve, and to continue the good work entrusted to us by Christ, no matter the season of life we find ourselves in.
So, fathers and men of faith, are you ready to labour on?
1. Our Heritage as a Springboard
In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul encourages us:
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.”
This is not just an instruction; it is a celebration of a heritage. We come from a long line of faithful men, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Peter, Paul… and closer home, the early indigenous Ghanaians who journeyed with the Basel and Scottish missionaries, accompanied by the Caribbean Christians, endured hardship, cleared bush, built schools, churches, hospitals and raised generations in faith.
My questions for your reflection;
What legacy are you, as a father, building for your children? What would your household, church, and society remember you for?
Our heritage is not in positions, plaques or pews, but in persistent faith, passed from generation to generation. Let us honour the past by continuing its mission.
Prof. Kwame Bediako would say, “We must not be content to admire our Christian heritage; we must inhabit it and live it forward.”
2. Faithful Labourer Despite the Odds
In 2 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul, an old warrior of the faith, speaks to young Timothy. His charge to him is clear:
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season… endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Paul knew what it meant to persist, being beaten, imprisoned, abandoned, yet not discouraged (2 Cor. 4:7-10). Many of our fathers today may not be facing persecution like Paul, but we face economic pressure, social ridicule, spiritual fatigue, and the temptation to give up.
But, men, hear me: God’s call is not seasonal, it is eternal. Paul admonished, "Be prepared in season and out of season." We must uphold our calling even during our lowest periods.
Yes, the challenges may persist, but the mission remains in view: to raise godly families, to be the salt and light in a dark world, and to lead our communities in righteousness.
“We are not called to be successful in the world’s eyes, but faithful in God’s mission.” John Piper
So, brothers, do not give up. When your prayers seem unanswered, when your work is unappreciated, when your strength is failing — remember this, your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
3. Men, Go Labour On: The Harvest Is Plentiful
Matthew 9:35-38 paints a vivid picture:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few… Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers.”
This is a direct challenge to men: Will you go and labour on?
Our families need spiritual leaders.
Our churches need faithful elders and committed young men.
Our nation needs men of integrity, justice, and love.
Our children need fathers who will pray and study the Word with them, not just pay school fees.
Jesus, at the sight of the crowds and was moved with compassion. He didn’t just stand and weep, He sent workers. And today, He is sending you.
Let me share with you some practical places our attention is needed to labour on for God:
1. In the Home – Lead with Love and Prayer.
Be present. Pray with your family. Read the Bible with your children. Speak life to your spouse. Let your home be a worship altar of God.
2. In the Church – Serve Faithfully.
Be an active member of the Men’s Fellowship, YAF or YPG, not just to socialise but to fellowship for maturity. Mentor young ones by carrying them along (discipleship). Support the mission work. Help shape the church's future to open doors for many souls to be saved.
3. In the World – Be Salt and Light.
In your workplace, business, and community, stand for truth. Be a role model of integrity. Let your life preach Christ.
Brothers, maybe you feel you’ve failed as a father, as a husband, as a Christian. Maybe you have fallen. But let me tell you: Truly, truly, failure is not your final destination.
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again...”(Proverbs 24:16)
God does not call perfect men. He calls willing men and qualifies them for His work. And when we labour in Him, He strengthens us.
“Go labour on; spend and be spent,
Thy joy to do the Father's will;
It is the way the Master went,
Should not the servant tread it still?”
– Horatius Bonar
CONCLUSION
Fathers, our mission is not done. Let us celebrate the heritage of faith we have received and persist in the mission with passion and purpose. Let us go labour on, in prayer, in love, in sacrifice, until our Master returns.
Let’s rise as men of God. Let’s build a righteous home, not vagabonds. Let’s raise a Christlike generation.
And on the day we meet our Lord, may we hear the words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant…”(Matthew 25:21)
Shalom aleikhem...
