Ademola olashore,team lorenzo guest contributor, has touched upon a sensitive issue of the rotten nature of Nigerian pastors. Have they really abandoned serving God for money and worldly goods?
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: That whatsoever ye may ask of the father in my name, he may give it to you” John 15:16.
Unfortunately, the modern trend suggests, that nowadays Nigerian pastors rather prefer to enrich their pockets, not their souls.
Contrary to the teachings of the Bible, a lot of those whom we consider “men of God” have abandoned their “divine” mission and turned to hanging around with politicians for the inordinate desire for money.
Modern Nigerian pastors would like to be recognized for their wealth, private jets and yachts, expensive suits and golden wrist watches rather than for the words of salvation coming out of their mouths. While more than 80 percent of their congregations can hardly afford to send their children to the “free” government schools, the “men of God’s” children study abroad in the best and most expensive schools in the world.
Though Nigerian pastors are close to politicians and political office holders, they will never intercede for the unemployed and impoverished members of their church. However, they are quick to collect their own share of the “National cake”. Although the Bible says that “…..money answereth all things”, the Holy Book also talks about the superiority of wisdom over money. “For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his soul” Mark 8:36. No wonder poverty, hunger and unemployment reign in the country.
Nowadays, when half of Nigeria is besieged by Boko Haram insurgents, we need our “men of God” to pray together for the peace be finally brought to the country. My South African friend, who has always been passionate about Nigeria, once said: “Imagine a prayer vigil with pastors like Bishop Okonkwo, Chris Okotie, T.B. Joshua, Chris Oyakhilome, E.A. Adeboye, W.F. Kumuyi, David Oyedepo and others, under one roof. Boko Haram or whatever they call themselves would all perish before daybreak”. Nevertheless, our “men of God” come together only to celebrate someone’s birthday or wedding. Evil always persists when good men do nothing.
In a multi-religious society like Nigeria pastors are always supposed to remain politically neutral to prevent clashes between different religious groups. However, recent scandal concerning the Christian association of Nigeria and some notable pastors being allegedly bribed N7 billion to ensure their support of the incumbent president has revealed the rotten nature of Nigerian “men of God”.
One would probably expect that these pastors would be more concerned with the well-being of their congregations, support that government or political office seeker who would uplift the living standard of their congregations, create jobs, build schools, etc. However, they continue to sell their endorsements sacrificing the well-being of Nigerians. “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel” proverbs 20:17.
I believe this is the time for the church to return to God in repentance
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: That whatsoever ye may ask of the father in my name, he may give it to you” John 15:16.
Unfortunately, the modern trend suggests, that nowadays Nigerian pastors rather prefer to enrich their pockets, not their souls.
Contrary to the teachings of the Bible, a lot of those whom we consider “men of God” have abandoned their “divine” mission and turned to hanging around with politicians for the inordinate desire for money.
Modern Nigerian pastors would like to be recognized for their wealth, private jets and yachts, expensive suits and golden wrist watches rather than for the words of salvation coming out of their mouths. While more than 80 percent of their congregations can hardly afford to send their children to the “free” government schools, the “men of God’s” children study abroad in the best and most expensive schools in the world.
Though Nigerian pastors are close to politicians and political office holders, they will never intercede for the unemployed and impoverished members of their church. However, they are quick to collect their own share of the “National cake”. Although the Bible says that “…..money answereth all things”, the Holy Book also talks about the superiority of wisdom over money. “For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his soul” Mark 8:36. No wonder poverty, hunger and unemployment reign in the country.
Nowadays, when half of Nigeria is besieged by Boko Haram insurgents, we need our “men of God” to pray together for the peace be finally brought to the country. My South African friend, who has always been passionate about Nigeria, once said: “Imagine a prayer vigil with pastors like Bishop Okonkwo, Chris Okotie, T.B. Joshua, Chris Oyakhilome, E.A. Adeboye, W.F. Kumuyi, David Oyedepo and others, under one roof. Boko Haram or whatever they call themselves would all perish before daybreak”. Nevertheless, our “men of God” come together only to celebrate someone’s birthday or wedding. Evil always persists when good men do nothing.
In a multi-religious society like Nigeria pastors are always supposed to remain politically neutral to prevent clashes between different religious groups. However, recent scandal concerning the Christian association of Nigeria and some notable pastors being allegedly bribed N7 billion to ensure their support of the incumbent president has revealed the rotten nature of Nigerian “men of God”.
One would probably expect that these pastors would be more concerned with the well-being of their congregations, support that government or political office seeker who would uplift the living standard of their congregations, create jobs, build schools, etc. However, they continue to sell their endorsements sacrificing the well-being of Nigerians. “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel” proverbs 20:17.
I believe this is the time for the church to return to God in repentance
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