GIVING FOR GOD'S WORK

Deuteronomy 8:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 11:28-30

Introduction

Celebrating our heritage is a necessity from generation to generation. It is said that "A nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for." Beloved, celebrating heritage is a period of giving recognition to the efforts people make to add value to our lives. As I have already indicated in our previous message, [Progressing In Live], that, celebrating our heritage is not just in monuments and singing songs of past glory, "but in preserving lives and sustaining people's faith in Christ." 

The entrance of Christianity into our societies foresaw the crucial role of leadership in nation-building and therefore instituted schools (Basel, Breman, Catholic, Wesleyan Mission Societies). Schools are among the greatest custodians of the heritage of the churches in Ghana and beyond. They shape minds, condition hearts, and build skills for the future. Our focus today on the role of leadership in our schools is to highlight, beyond the administrative work to the "formative" responsibility; that is, the sacred duty of nurturing the next generation in truth, knowledge, wisdom, and in humble service.

Let me mention that leadership is all about influence. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” (John C. Maxwell). If leadership is all about influence, this means leaders, parents, the elderly, managers, teachers/lecturers, administrators, and anyone who has influence must live out values worth celebrating and impact others to carry into the world. More specifically, leadership in our schools is not only about producing grades but about producing people of character. In the words of Rev. Dr. Opuni-Frimpong, "...education without morals and spiritual values breeds intelligent criminals." Therefore, the role of leadership in our schools must be viewed well in the spectacles of Christ, the head of the Church.

1. Discipline, Our God-Given Heritage

In Deuteronomy 8:1-5, Moses reminded the Israelites to remember the Lord who led, fed, and disciplined them in the wilderness. "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." (Deuteronomy 8:2) 

This was more than a heritage public lecture, but a solemn reflection on God's leadership through the exodus: "Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you." (Deuteronomy 8:4-5). God wanted His people to pass on the lessons of faith, discipline, and obedience to the next generation. 

In the Boys' Brigade, we say, "A combination of Bible and discipline." This must be the focal point of our school leaders today. We must understand our roles in the schools as spiritual stewards. Education is not just about literacy but legacy. Just as God disciplined Israel to strengthen their faith, so must educational leaders create disciplined environments that form character, resilience, and gratitude.

Social media has shown us the products of our schools nowadays, and leaves so much to be desired. My College principal used to tell us, "Let the college pass through you, don't just pass through the college." We see final year SHS students warning married women that "we are coming for your husbands" after school is enough to know that the children are just passing through the schools without the school passing through them, and that is if the schools had any discipline to pass through them at all. What are we doing about this?

Again, the Public Accounts Committee sitting in Ghana is revealing the kind of leaders our schools have produced to handle the affairs of the nation. The Akans say, "The crab does not give birth to a bird." If our children are being trained by corrupt institutional leadership, should we be surprised at the social media trends of our day? By no means, NO! 

School leadership that forgets the moral and spiritual focus of education risks producing intelligent minds with lost souls. I urge stakeholders of our educational institutions to intentionally work towards the preservation of moral values left behind by our Christian forebearers before we get consumed by the evil and uncultured environment we are creating.

2. Standing Firm in Purpose

We reflect on Apostle Paul's encouraging words: 'Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.' I know a school teacher or educationist reading this may be saying, 'but it is not all our fault.' Yes, I know the kind of difficulty school leaders go through to uphold discipline in our schools today. That is why Paul says, in the midst of all the difficulties, stand firm in what is right without shaking, for your work in the Lord shall not be in vain. Leadership in schools requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be stable amidst changes, perseverance amidst challenges, and faithfulness amidst fatigue.

The reality is that, yes, educational leadership today faces pressures from all areas: academic results, behavioural issues, resource shortages, political demands, public judgment, and emotional fatigue. But, I pray that we shall stand firm, knowing that our God will surely remember our legacy towards the building of the next generation.

Practically, this means that when a teacher stays after hours to mentor a struggling pupil, or when a headteacher encourages a discouraged staff member, such acts are divinely motivated. As a teacher myself, I boldly say educational leadership is a divine mandate, and when done with a compassionate heart of service the hand of the Lord never leaves us.

3. Leading with Meek Hearts

In Matthew 11:28-30, we see Jesus’ invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened," (Matthew 11:28) to be speaking directly to weary leaders in our schools today. Christ's promise of rest is not an escape from the challenges but a renewed empowerment to handle our particular leadership situations. Jesus is a model of a gentle leader, so He says, "I am gentle and humble in heart." (Matthew 11:29).

The Greek word translated as “meek or gentle” (πραΰς) does not indicate weakness, but means power under control. Jesus leads with warmth and calm strength, guiding His followers rather than driving them. That is why He offers us to take His yoke and learn from Him.

The lesson I wish to share with you today from Jesus' leadership example is that true leaders listen more than they shout, they inspire rather than intimidate, they show compassion rather than complain, and bear others’ burdens rather than bashing at them. 

A school leader who prays with and for their staff, who welcomes a crying pupil/student, or who models humility, reflects someone who carries Christ's yoke, which is lighter to bring about the needed result. Leadership in our schools should, therefore, mirror Christ’s heart, gentle yet firm, compassionate yet consistent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, precious one, celebrating our heritage is a call to continue the legacy our Saviour left for us. It is about carrying forward the faith in resilience and integrity that build our schools to produce Christ-centred individuals for nations. We have learnt from today's reflections that the future of education depends on leaders who serve with divine conviction, consistently firm and fair, and with Christian compassion. Amen!

Shalom aleickhem...