The annual conference of the Diocese on the Niger Women in Anambra State began on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with a call for Nigerians to refrain from excessive pursuit of worldly possessions and instead embrace godly coexistence.
Participants were urged to cultivate contentment and dedicate themselves to serving God, the nation, and fellow citizens, with the assurance that despite national shortcomings, God desires Nigerians to have a prominent place in heaven. The Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, Diocesan, delivered this message during his homily marking the start of the conference at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Omagba, Onitsha.
He criticized the relentless pursuit of materialism, warning that an excessive desire for earthly goods obstructs one’s ability to heed divine guidance, potentially leading to a hardened conscience. Bishop Nwokolo stressed the importance of resisting selfish desires that fuel excessive material cravings, urging people to prioritize God’s aspirations over self-serving interests.
According to Bishop Nwokolo, the love for worldly things is akin to embracing evils such as immoral customs, anti-human belief systems, and ungodly lifestyles. He cautioned that such attachments can estrange individuals from religious devotion and humility.
Quoting from 1 John 2:15, the bishop reminded listeners, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” He emphasized that love for worldly possessions can hinder one’s capacity to love both God and fellow humans.
Addressing parenting, Bishop Nwokolo advised that nurturing children in genuine worship of God and guiding them towards a tradition of divine brotherhood is crucial. He expressed concern over situations where ostensibly religious parents’ children may stray into spiritual and moral darkness, underscoring the need to draw youths closer to God to foster mutual love among Nigerians and alleviate current waves of insecurity.
“Through this approach,” he concluded, “both parents and children can value human life, nurture love for God, and find fulfillment in worshipping Him wholeheartedly.”
