The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called upon Christians to work hard to improve their livelihoods while identifying and overcoming obstacles that could hinder them from attaining salvation.
Bishop Asiimwe made the call while preaching during a confirmation service for 151 Christians at St. Paul’s Church of Uganda, Kasoroza, in Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry.
Preaching from Mark 10:17–23, the Bishop reminded Christians that God Almighty alone is truly good and urged them to remain focused on their relationship with Him.
He encouraged Christians to work hard to improve the welfare of their families, noting that there was nothing wrong with being wealthy. He urged them to provide their children with quality education and meet their families’ basic needs through hard work.
However, Bishop Asiimwe cautioned Christians against allowing wealth and possessions to become barriers to inheriting the Kingdom of God. He observed that people could be distracted from salvation by their attachment to material possessions, alcohol, children, cars and other worldly interests.
He challenged Christians to reflect on what they valued most, warning that anything loved and exalted above God could become an idol.
“Whatever you love and exalt more than God becomes your god and idol,” he emphasised, urging the faithful to examine their hearts and priorities to ensure that nothing takes the place of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
The Bishop further challenged Christians to consider whether their love for God was greater than their attachment to wealth and possessions, reminding them that their choices and priorities could determine their spiritual journey.
At the same event, Bishop Asiimwe expressed his condolences to the seven families that lost their loved ones in a tragic road accident along Ishaka Road in September due to reckless driving.
He urged Christians to caution drivers while travelling with public means and observe road safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
The Archdeacon of Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry, the Ven. Ronald Natuwhera, thanked the Bishop for his presence, describing it as a source of spiritual encouragement to the Christians.
He urged parents to remain committed to nurturing their children in the Christian faith, noting that following confirmation, the candidates needed continued guidance and prayer to withstand spiritual challenges.
The Ven. Natuwhera also encouraged the newly confirmed Christians to put into practice the teachings they had received and allow themselves to be moulded in Christ.
Representing their fellow candidates, Ainebyoona Trevor, Ariyogaba Lavinia Nakato and Kirabo Daniella thanked their parents for introducing them to Christ at an early age and supporting them to be confirmed in their faith.
They said they had learnt important Christian teachings, including the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments and the importance of honouring the Sabbath day. They pledged to put the teachings into practice and live according to their Christian faith.
