When I was still a bivocational pastor, a church steward asked to miss a Friday vigil to take an aptitude test for a multinational company. I granted permission, unaware that I was also shortlisted for the same test. After leading the all-night vigil, I showed up at the test venue. We both passed, and his respect for me grew. I knew to be a better Christian while succeeding secularly.
Friend, if you become a better Christian, you will become better at all other things you do (Psalms 119:98-100). Don’t let the devil cheat you, and don’t let people fool you. Christianity is never a distraction to your success and greatness on the earth (Psalms 1:1-3). It is actually an advantage. You only need to take advantage of your advantage.
Do you know how to take advantage of your advantage? Christians fail, not because God is unfaithful or Christianity is a scam. Christians fail because they fail to maximize the advantage they have in Christ and the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27). The Holy Spirit is your advantage. Why do life without Him? Why jettison His help when you could have done better with Him by your side (2 Timothy 1:7)?
Don’t be tempted to choose between serving God and succeeding on earth. They are not mutually exclusive. You can enjoy the best of both worlds (Matthew 6:33). You can succeed as a student while maintaining a sound Christian life. You can build a thriving business or career by the Holy Spirit. Most times, people see Christianity as a burden and distraction rather than as a blessing and advantage (1 John 5:3-4).
I respect people who balance spirituality and success (Daniel 1:20, 6:1-3). If you make a first class in school at the expense of your walk with the Lord, I have no respect for you. If you are a billionaire who does not know God or a company executive with no heart for God and His kingdom, you are not worthy of emulation. God wants you to be a better Christian while succeeding on the earth (1 Timothy 4:12-15).
Don’t reduce God to Sunday services. If the experiences you have in church on Sunday cannot be translated to success and effectiveness at work or business on Monday, you are just another religious fanatic (Psalms 84:7). A 21st-century Christian is one who has been able to maintain a balance between life in the Spirit and life in the secular (Matthew 5:13-16). Can this be said of you?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria