By Burnett Munthali
Tony Yolamu Nyirenda, President of the Malawi Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church, has called on national and traditional leaders to serve their people with both reverence and love. Speaking at a service at the SDA Malamulo Mission Church in Thyolo, Nyirenda emphasized that leadership, whether secular or religious, is a divine responsibility and should be conducted with respect for God rather than personal desires.
Nyirenda stated, “Leaders must recognize that both governmental and religious authority comes from God. Therefore, they should fear Him and not merely pursue their own agendas.” He criticized leaders who view divine laws, such as those of the Lord, as obstacles to fulfilling their personal ambitions, including corruption and promoting unjust practices.
In his sermon titled “Mphyophyoneni Mwanayo” (Psalms 2:9-12), Nyirenda urged leaders to adhere to moral and ethical standards in their governance. His message was reinforced by the presence of Dr. Michael Usi, the current leader of Malawi, who attended the service.
Nyirenda’s address underscored the importance of integrity and service in leadership, stressing that true leadership should be grounded in a genuine commitment to serving others with fairness and compassion.
