Giving and Sharing

So today I woke up feeling like sharing with you all the concept of giving. Giving is and has always been a huge bother and part of my life. I mean I grew up with a giving father who would give time, energy, attention, the word, money (if he had it and may promise when he doesn’t even have, lol). I remember mostly around the end of year/Christmas season, my dad and mum would have us all sitting around the dining table, dividing bags of rice into nylon bags of about 20 – 30 and also include onions, maggi, salt and tin tomatoes to give to our neighbors on the street, widows at church and just people we felt needed it. Now those were memorable days when we felt we were contributing something and touching someone’s life.

Trust me, I don’t intend to preach in here but just a quick reminder of John 3:16, God gave us his son Jesus. His son Jesus also kept the giving legacy alive when he miraculously turn 5 loafs of bread and two fishes to feed the multitude who followed him (mind you not all of them were his true believers or Christians). He always had compassion for people. Now the act of giving is born out of compassion for the needy.

Now facts that you may have heard or know or don’t know. Do you know that Bishop Oyedepo (Living Faith Chapel AKA Winners Chapel) was named the world’s richest pastor in 2014  http://dailypost.ng/2014/10/08/bishop-oyedepo-named-worlds-richest-pastor/ with Net worth of 150million, among others are Chris Oyakhilome, Mattew Ashimolwo, T. B. Joshua and I must not forget E. A. Adeboye http://www.naij.com/55285.html There are others mind you.

I know what you are going to say, “oh great, here come another judgmental b”, “get over it, we’ve heard all this it before”. True but hear me out, I have a different approach. Believe me when I say, that it is totally our rights as Christians to be rich in this life. I would never judge someone because he/she is rich. In fact God has given us the power to dominate this world and that includes the economy. He wishes above all things that we PROSPER and be in good health (mine is on its way, lol).  

I don’t know what charity ventures these, wonderful spirit-filled men of God are involved in, but do know how much one private jet cost? The cost of maintenance and parking it in a hanger annually? A private jet, just one cost between N2.1b to N8.2b http://www.informationng.com/2012/09/top-ten-private-jets-owned-by-wealthy-nigerians-and-how-much-they-costpastor-adeboye-made-the-list-html Now think of this with me, If one of these pastors were to sell one of his private jets (some even have two or more) for let’s just say N1b and decides one day to give members (Old and Young) of his church some business and entrepreneurship seminars, and share the 1b among them to start up something no matter how small. Also imagine what as little as N20,000 will do for an old woman who sells pepper and onions that is worth less than N3,000 at the market.

Please do not start with how church members bless them by sowing seeds of cars and jets. No problems, he (the pastor) should be able to bless/pray for the member, and say, “I have so much already, you know what? Liquidate this car or jet or clothes or house and bless people in the church”. See am not judging, just suggesting. NB: this article is not even about the pastors, it is about us all and our (whatever religion you practice) collective show of love and compassion to one another. I could use politicians but who else is best for references if not Christians?

We must all remember that compassion and giving is a Christ-like attribute and we do not need to be as rich as bill gate to give and share the little we have. Please give a random person a smile, a hug, money, time, an advice, attention, food, prayers and more today and God will bless you in his abundance. Make the world a better place. 

Remember your views are important. Please share it and we might all just learn something from you.