Years ago, I was in a conference where the senior pastor made a shocking revelation. He said; “When you see people jumping here and there, serving God in this church, don’t ever think they are nonentities.” Then he began to point to some wealthy and influential people serving and doing menial tasks in church. I left that meeting with a lesson on discipleship and kingdom wealth.
Friend, you need to handle kingdom wealth as a disciple. The issue with God is not about making you wealthy but about making you stay focused on Him and His kingdom despite your wealth. Money is not the root of all evil; the love of money is (1 Timothy 6:10). God wants us to love Him and use money, not love money and use Him. We must pass this test if we would ever handle true kingdom wealth (Luke 16:11).
People do not naturally live right unless they are rightly taught and instructed (1 Timothy 6:17). People need a strong pastoral voice in their lives. Unfortunately, this is lacking in some churches today. Sadly, we have pastors who cannot properly disciple their wealthy and influential members; either for fear of being misinterpreted or sheer ministerial and moral weakness.
Don’t go to a church where the pastor is afraid of you or intimidated by what you have become in the flesh (Hebrews 13:7, 17). When God leads you to His ordained church for you, make up your mind to submit to the pastoral authority in that church. Don’t make it difficult for your pastor to speak to you. Don’t posture as someone who would not regard or heed the pastor’s word. You cannot go too far with that kind of life.
When we have the right pastoral input in our lives on the road to wealth and success, it helps us to avoid the pitfalls on that road. There is the pitfall of pride or high mindedness. It is beautiful to see someone who is wealthy and humble at the same time. It is attractive to see an unassuming upwardly mobile young man or woman (Luke 18:18-27).
When you posture as a proud person before God and men, you have already put a limit on how far the Lord can take you (1 Peter 5:5-6). Don’t make your wealth an excuse for not serving God or for downplaying on pastoral voice. Your wealth or success does not move God; He made you who you are!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria