Dear Editor,

Mainstream Christianity places a lot of emphasis on the afterlife, which often encourages congregants to endure the hardships and perils of this earthly life, as everything is fleeting, and only one’s relationship with Jesus Christ will be of any importance at the end of the day.

Several scriptures support the idea that Christians should be mindful of how they live and the things on which they place emphasis. Matthew 6:19-21 immediately comes to mind: “Don’t store up treasures here on Earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (New Living Translation)

In principle, Neither God nor His word can lie (Numbers 23:19). The posture of one’s heart is of significant importance concerning materialistic things. How much value does one place on these things? Can chasing earthly things be detrimental to one’s relationship with Christ? Absolutely! This is why Mark 10:25 says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

However, was it ever God’s intention for man to live in poverty, be unambitious, and settle for mediocrity, as some churches preach? How do we reconcile a text like Jeremiah 29:11, which states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Admittedly, interpreting the Bible requires careful contextualisation and nuance. However, Bible scholars, teachers, and preachers must be careful how they convey meaning and application to the church communities they serve. Misinterpretation or blatant ignorance of scriptures has led many to suffer and not seize opportunities and maximise on their God-given talents and potential.

Many have achieved great things but are fearful to celebrate their victories because it is considered prideful. It is as though the Church expects its attendees to have a false sense of humility. Imagine going through university, sacrificing a lot of time and money, enduring difficult assignments, and being told to humbly and quietly celebrate your victory.

Imagine being one of the best in your field of work or studies but you refrain from aspiring to attain the pinnacle of your career because it is viewed as earthly gain. What if ascending to the top is a part of God’s plan for your life to drive transformation and combat injustice?

Imagine that the patent to revolutionise your industry lies within your hands and you could become the next leading entrepreneur or businessman, but you have been clouded by the theology with which you have been fed, which limits you from launching out.

The Bible can be used to guide ethical ambition, leadership, and business management.

After Moses died and Joshua took charge to lead the people into the Promised Land, God told Joshua, “I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised to Moses.” (Joshua 1:3) It meant that Joshua and the Israelites were to occupy territory. God equally wants Christians and Christian leaders to possess the land and use their positive influence to drive change.

When Nehemiah was commissioned to oversee the rebuilding of the ruined walls of Jerusalem, he applied strategic management. He carefully positioned men to keep watch and work simultaneously. The enemies were after them to intimidate and discourage them. The task was difficult, but Nehemiah, through godly inspiration, successfully motivated the Israelites to work “early and late, from sunrise to sunset”. (Nehemiah 4:21) They even had weapons to protect themselves from attacks.

In the Bible, the terms wealth and riches are often used interchangeably; however, there is a nuance that can distinguish between the two regarding the heart posture of their owners. Riches encompass self-indulgent and pleasure-seeking hearts, while those who are wealthy view themselves as stewards of God’s gifts and manage their assets in ways that honour God.

Let us consider the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-25. He asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus reminded of the commandments, to which he admitted that he had been observing since his youth. However, Jesus pointed out to him that he was lacking one thing; he needed to sell his possessions and give his money to the poor. The young ruler became very sad because of the vast amount of riches he had, which affected his relationship with God. However, Lydia — a merchant of expensive purple cloth (Acts 16:14) — worshipped God with an open heart and was baptised into the kingdom.

It is quite fine to appreciate one’s material wealth as a blessing from God, especially when it is used in ways that bring honour to Him. However, when this same wealth separates one from God and suffocates one’s spiritual development, this is where it is problematic.

Christians should be ambitious and work hard. Nothing is wrong with ambition, but one must be careful of his or her motive. Godly ambition is characterised by a desire to serve God and others, while ungodly ambition is driven by self-interest, pride, and a hunger for worldly recognition or power.

Additionally, Christians should be wealthy. My wife strongly believes that we are not true representations of Christ if too many Christians live in poverty. She’s right! How can He be such a wealthy God but His children are so poor? Are we possessing the land and occupying until He comes?

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com