THE TRAGEDY OF LABOURING TO BE RICH AND IT'S DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS ON FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND CHURCHES

 Extraordinary financial help shall locate you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: THE TRAGEDY OF LABOURING TO BE RICH AND IT'S DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS ON FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND CHURCHES

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   Scripture gives a sober warning against an unhealthy pursuit of wealth. “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth; stop dwelling on it” (Proverbs 23:4–5, AMP). Labouring to be rich as a life obsession slowly erodes families, weakens communities, and compromises the Church. Wealth itself is not evil, but when riches replace God as the object of trust, devotion, and meditation, destruction follows.

   Revelation 3:17 exposes the inner consequence of this mindset: “You say, I am rich… and do not know that you are wretched and miserable.” The Greek word translated “miserable” is ἐλεεινός (eleeinos), meaning pitiable, spiritually distressed, and deserving of compassion. This reveals a lack of emotional and spiritual intelligence. Such people may appear successful yet remain inwardly broken. The text also says they are “naked” (γυμνός, gymnos), meaning exposed and vulnerable—open to witchcraft attacks and demonic manipulation due to the absence of spiritual covering. They are called “poor” (πτωχός, ptōchos), indicating mental and spiritual poverty that drives an unhealthy obsession with riches while neglecting emotional commitment to spouse and family.

   Sadly, many modern preachers celebrate this imbalance as virtue. The result is visible in failed marriages and fractured families among the wealthy. Riches must never take God’s place in prayer, meditation on the Word, and obedience (Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:9–10). Wise believers with large portfolios intentionally dedicate time to prayer, Scripture, and evangelism.

   Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Daniel, Esther, and Dorcas controlled immense resources yet maintained deep fellowship with the Holy Spirit. True satisfaction comes from discovering purpose in Christ and stewarding resources to fulfill it. “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money” (Ecclesiastes 5:10–11). In the end, wealth is temporary; purpose in Christ is eternal.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and wisdom to manage God's resources in our care .

PRAYER; Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome poverty.

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