Adeboye urges Nigerians to be thankful amidst challenges, condemns indecent dressing
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has encouraged Nigerians to cultivate an attitude of gratitude to God, regardless of the challenges they face.
Delivering his sermon at the church’s annual thanksgiving service tagged “All Round Praise” at the national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye highlighted the importance of appreciating God’s mercy in difficult times.
Citing the ongoing economic hardships and rising prices, Pastor Adeboye said, “If you don’t know what to thank God for, thank Him for His mercy. You are alive today not because of your ability, strength, or wisdom but because of His mercy. The Bible says, ‘A living dog is better than a dead lion.’ As long as you are breathing, there is hope for you.”
He further reflected on the value of life and the often-overlooked gift of breathing, drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, where many faced challenges with basic respiration. “During the pandemic, those who couldn’t breathe needed oxygen masks to survive. As long as you can breathe, there’s hope, and those who have written you off will be surprised because your tomorrow will be alright,” he assured the congregation.
On the subject of gratitude, Pastor Adeboye shared a poignant message about mental health, clothing, and societal values. “Maybe you didn’t have new clothes for Christmas, but you are not naked, and that shows you are not crazy. Many have plenty of clothes, but they have lost their minds. Nebuchadnezzar was a king with abundant clothing, yet he roamed naked among animals when things went wrong with his mind.”
Pastor Adeboye also criticized the growing trend of indecent dressing, equating it to a form of practical nakedness. “Today, we see people exposing what clothes are supposed to cover. They celebrate this on television, but it’s not right,” he said, calling for a return to modesty and decency in appearance.
RCCG Declares 100 Days Fast.
Meanwhile, the RCCG has announced its annual 100-day fasting exercise, set to commence on January 11, 2025, and conclude on April 21, 2025. Themed “RCCG Fast 2025”, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer, Pastor Oladele Balogun, shared that the spiritual exercise will include 30 days of focused intercession for Nigeria.
Pastor Adeboye emphasized the critical role of prayer during fasting, stating, “Without prayer, fasting is just a hunger strike.” He expressed confidence that the fasting period would bring about a divine turnaround for Nigeria and urged participants to maintain a prayerful attitude throughout.
The event reinforced themes of gratitude, modesty, and spiritual dedication, offering hope for better days ahead for the nation and its people.