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My beloved brethren, as we reflect on the wonder and significance of this Christmas season, I feel led to share a simple but profound reminder from Scripture: “Love not the world” (1 John 2:15–16). John’s admonition was directed to believers, and even today, its wisdom remains as fresh and urgent as ever.

As followers of Christ, we have been set apart for Him. We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world—a lamp that must never be hidden under a bushel. This calling demands that we abstain from anything that can stain our testimony as children of light. Paul once wrote to the Roman church, a congregation he had never visited, yet he rejoiced at the testimony that had gone out about them. These believers lived in a society overflowing with immorality, drunkenness, idolatry, greed, and every form of uncleanness. Yet they chose to sanctify themselves for Christ, and their testimony traveled far and wide. Their environment did not define them; their devotion did.

There is something extraordinary about being a Christian: the Spirit of the Lord now dwells in us. We are carriers of divinity. With that awareness, we must be intentional about how we live and how we use our bodies. We live in a world where values are inverted—where many call black white and white black. My prayer is that the light God has kindled in us will never grow dim. We are children of the Most High, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, called to show forth His glory.

Why then must we take John’s warning seriously? First, loving the world exposes us to subtle but dangerous compromises. Many of us desire influence, recognition, or public office. These positions often come with dignity, respect, and power. Yet the path to such roles can involve negotiations that conflict with the Spirit we carry. When we yield to such compromises, our testimony suffers. And that is precisely what the enemy desires—because once your testimony is damaged, your voice loses its authority. When you attempt to preach Christ, people remember the compromise, not the message.

From Scripture and from contemporary life, I have observed two paths to influence. Some are invited into positions because their integrity and competence speak for them. Others struggle and scheme their way in through political maneuvering. But we must always remember: positions are temporary; the Spirit of God is eternal.

If we must be effective witnesses of Christ, people should be able to see Him in us without us announcing it. Someone once told me about a man and said, “He is not a pastor, but if he ever starts a church, I will attend.” That is the power of a consistent testimony.

Secondly, the love of the world robs us of the courage to speak truth to power. Throughout Scripture, God raised men like Samuel, Nathan, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah—men who confronted kings without fear. But in our time, politics has entered the church, and the church has entered politics. As a result, many have lost the boldness to declare God’s word to leaders because of the fear of losing material benefits.

My dear brothers and sisters, my prayer this Christmas is that the Almighty God will help us guard our testimonies, preserve our integrity, and strengthen our witness. May we remain faithful soldiers of Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.

I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas.

Olufemi Obembe