The other day, I tried to correct my son for what he did. While correcting him, he stretched his hand to offer me the biscuits in his hands. I looked away from the biscuits and ensured I was done with the correction. When he got the message, he began to cry. This is how we sometimes relate with God as Christians. You cannot bribe God.
Friend, you cannot bribe God. When it comes to your walk with God, always remember that God cannot be fooled (Galatians 6:7). There are three people you cannot deceive in this life; God, devil, and yourself. God, devil, and you know what you do per time, even when people don’t know. Live a life that is sincere with God and yourself (Psalms 51:6).
In the Old Testament, people tried to bribe God into accepting them. But none of those efforts and sacrifices yielded results (Hebrews 10:1-6). This is why Jesus came. Jesus Christ became the perfect sacrifice for the sin of man. He became our access to God. Because of Jesus, we can now come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:15-16).
In the New Testament, anytime you try to access God and the provisions of the kingdom outside of Jesus Christ, you are only attempting to bribe God (Romans 10:1-4). In our dispensation, we are not supposed to bribe God. We are to believe God. This is what the work of God is all about (John 6:28-29).
Sometimes, people attempt to bribe God by bribing those whom God has placed over them. Unfortunately, many parents, pastors, and leaders have been bribed (2 Peter 2:15-16). They have been bribed and pocketed by members who would not yield to correction. Dear leader, don’t let anyone one buy you over (2 Kings 5:15-19). Like my son, don’t collect the biscuits that will shut your mouth.
Anyone who cannot correct you cannot pastor you. The word of God is for correction, not only for exhortation. Until you allow the word of God to correct you, you have not started your journey with God (2 Timothy 3:16). God is not asking you to give Him money or material things. He wants you to give Him your heart (Psalms 51:17, Proverbs 23:26). He wants Him to obey Him by yielding to correction. You cannot bribe God.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria