General Overseer Stresses Firm Leadership, and Spiritual Wisdom at Annual Gathering in Egbeda, Lagos.
The Faith Cathedral International Ministry, located in Egbeda, Lagos, recently concluded its annual Men’s Convention, where the General Overseer, Pastor Fred Obetoh, delivered a challenging message on the critical role, position, and spiritual posture of men in contemporary society.
The theme of the convention, drawn from Acts 13:22, was centered on the biblical mandate: “God is looking for a man after his own heart.” Pastor Obetoh used this foundation to call men to exhibit Christ-like leadership and discernment in their homes and communities.
The Mandate for Smart Leadership
Pastor Obetoh emphasized that spiritual wisdom, rather than mere physical or financial strength, defines a godly man.
“The Bible does not say strong men must keep to the scriptures, it says smart men must keep to the scriptures,” Pastor Obetoh stated. He referenced the scripture from Proverbs urging believers to “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” He cited the story of Abraham as the ultimate reference point for trusting God in all circumstances.
Confidentiality and the Danger of Disclosure
A significant portion of the address focused on the need for men to exercise discretion and guard their past. Pastor Obetoh cautioned men against oversharing personal history, even with their spouses.
“Every man should guard their past. Don’t share everything about your past,” he advised, noting that some matters are best kept private. He drew a sharp parallel to the story of Samson, whose greatest undoing came from disclosing his secret to Delilah. “As a man, don’t talk too much! If you talk too much, your lapses would be visible.”
He further added that an excessive eagerness from a wife to uncover every detail of her husband’s past is not a sign of wifely devotion but “super inquisitiveness.”
Call for Firmness in a Changing World
Addressing the cultural shifts of the modern era, the General Overseer urged men to stand firm against external pressures, specifically mentioning materialism and what he termed “wokeism.”
“If you want to be a man, be firm! A Christian man must be firm, especially as the world is tilting towards materialism,” he asserted. He stressed that a man must be able to stand by decisions that are good for himself and his family, recognizing that “every woman wants a man that is firm.”
Mutual Respect and Marital Harmony
While challenging men, Pastor Obetoh also directed advice toward the women in the congregation. He encouraged them to respect their husbands’ biblical position, citing Colossians 3:23.
He advised wives to avoid creating unnecessary problems, stressing that there are “no two bosses in the house.” He sternly cautioned married women against taking counsel from “confused souls” on social media, warning that such advice often leads to marital instability.
Personal Discipline and Integrity
Finally, Pastor Obetoh shifted focus to the internal disciplines necessary for excellence. He gave a sharp warning on Time Management, urging men to treat their minutes as currency: “Time is money, and we must be very careful. If we don’t spend our time well now, we will regret it in the future.”
This commitment to self-respect extends to Self-Acceptance, where men were encouraged to celebrate their accomplishments, regardless of size, and refuse to live a “fake life” driven by external pressure.
This integrity must be rooted in Honesty,
compelling men to be truthful to themselves, to “start smelling the coffee,” and to refuse to condone what they cannot do, ensuring they remain honest and factual. Crucially, he noted that this journey requires careful Association, advising men to surround themselves only with people of quality and value to support their pursuit of spiritual and personal growth.
