The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, has called on Christians to make 2026 a year of deep commitment to God while also warning against syncretism
He made the call while delivering a soul-searching sermon on January 1 at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral.
Despite the overnight “Watch Night” service ending only hours earlier, the service saw a good turnout of the Anglican faithful.
Bishop Odedeji commended the congregation, noting that while it was physically inconvenient to return so soon, their presence showed their deep commitment.
A Year of Divine Possibility
Reflecting on the year ahead, the Bishop assured the congregation that 2026 holds great blessings for those who align with God’s will.
”The beginning of any adventure is crucial to its success,” he remarked, citing the significance of Epiphany which is the first six days of the year
He referenced several scriptures to remind listeners of God’s faithfulness in 2025 and encouraged them to trust that He will do even greater things in the new year.
He also cautioned against social pressures: “People will want to put you under pressure, but you must not succumb. Simply ensure you are aligned with God’s purpose.”
”Who is on the Lord’s Side?”
Drawing from the Diocesan theme for the year, “Who is on the Lord’s Side?”, the Bishop emphasized that being on God’s side ensures a well-ordered life.
”When you are on the side of God, He will not mismanage your life,” Odedeji stated.
He recalled how Moses pleaded for God’s presence, receiving the assurance that the Almighty would go before him.
Keys to Cultivating God’s Presence
Bishop Odedeji highlighted several practical ways for Christians to prioritize their spiritual lives in 2026:
He urged them to be prayerful, stating that an intimate relationship with God is non-negotiable. “If you make prayer a priority, you will become a ‘prayer machine.’ Where others crawl, you will fly; where others struggle, you will find ease because God will show you what ordinary eyes cannot see.”
He emphasized that “iron sharpens iron,” and encouraged believers to participate in fellowship, whether in person or online.
The Bishop warned against divided loyalties, urging the congregation to serve God alone. “Even if it costs you your life, let God be your God.”
Using the life of Job as an example, he noted that God was proud of Job because he was a man of integrity.
”Enough of unreasonable service and hiding under excuses,” Odedeji concluded. “The world is not your standard; God is.”