Christianity, Churches, Nigeria & Daddy Freeze: Richest And Poorest Pastors -By Nneka Okumazie

Any true Pastor can be more privileged than any true Church member. Any true Church member can be more privileged than any true Pastor. But the focus of genuine Christianity is Christ. [Hebrews 12:2, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.]

The controversy about richest Pastors is voided if there is genuine Salvation and the Holy Spirit.

Yes, there are coveted privileges and poverty can be devastating. But NO, wealth is not the mark in genuine Christianity. The fruit of the Spirit is far more valuable than any wealth, or technology or whatever else.

If a Church has to grow, resources are needed. It could be for space, transport, facilities, maintenance or for those full-time into it, but it takes resources to go.

[Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive Power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.] [Mark 16:15, And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.]

After the Holy Ghost and Power, resources are vital. It may seem like Pastors benefit immensely from giving to the Church, or being given to – personally, but a true Pastor’s wealth – or privilege is not a qualifier before GOD.

Though, it seems unlikely for a true Pastor to lead a large Church and be poor. As long as the Pastor continues to affect lives positively, there are those who by choice would gift the Pastor as often as possible. However, most giving in Church are to GOD, not to Pastor.

If a Church desires means of better transport, or building, and they begin contributions – and later on achieve it; when the leader utilizes it for the gospel, it is a great thing.

As long as the facilities of the Church of GOD aren’t for show, or to induce laziness, or to intimidate, or to take the glory from GOD, it is OK.

No matter how much money anyone has, no one can convert or change any heart – by themselves. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.

So luxury, no matter how it is used to criticize genuine Christianity, is almost negligible in what matters to Worship – in Spirit and in Truth.

Richest Pastors are not the model of Christianity. Poorest Pastors too are not the model of Christianity. Jesus Christ is the model of Christianity.

Everyone comes to Jesus – for Salvation, no matter the status, location, education, type, or kind. The physical or professional situation isn’t a barrier, but genuine Salvation bears righteousness regardless.

So it is possible to be rich, healthy, and truly follow Christ. It is also possible to be poor, sick and truly follow Christ. No one can use either case to discriminate against others – if there’s the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance).

[Luke 21:1, And HE looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.] [Luke 21:2, And HE saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.] [Luke 21:3, And HE said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:] [Luke 21:4, For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of GOD: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.] [Matthew 5:23, Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;] [Matthew 5:24, Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.]

So there were rich people in the Temple, but a poor widow was also there and gave. She gave to GOD – regardless of how much the Temple had progressed, or because others were rich, or because she also needed help.

Life had been tough on her, she was poor, widowed, maybe helpless – but came, Worshipped the LORD, and gave.

She may have seen the rich, or perhaps the Priest looked affluent, or could have seen the Temple, and said, Oh, these people are so fortunate, but she came to GOD, and gave – sacrificially.

[Acts 10:1, There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band].

[Acts 10:2, [A] devout [man], and one that feared GOD with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to GOD alway.]

This individual was a giver. But feared GOD. Though it wasn’t mentioned, he would also have been a supporter of the Church he belonged, as a giver.

Genuine Christians are wished to prosper and be in health.

[3 John 1:2, Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.]

[Philemon 1:14, However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like for you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.] [Philemon 1:21, Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.]