In Nigeria, there have been many strategies and mechanisms to alleviate poverty yet the country continues to exhibit high rates of poverty. Corruption remains the most critical obstacle to poverty alleviation and economic development in my country - Nigeria. Over 70% of Nigerians now live in abject poverty. Corruption in Nigeria has its root in permissive culture. Behavior is our main problem - if we (Nigerians) fail to deal with it, Nigeria cannot be fine.
Most people have improper and slavery attitudes toward money & wealth. We have so much people with dishonest behaviors, unstable minds, ever ready to trick or deceive, and carryout unlawful acts for material gain. The federal government may succeed in building strong institutions but may not be able to deal with the root cause of poverty in the country.
Corruption in Nigeria is deeply rooted in greed for money, wealth, & power. This has actually given birth to what Transparency International described as petty corruption. Petty corruption often has its root in poverty. Church can help solve this problem. Nearly 50% of Nigerians are Christians. Church has no reason to be quiet about this evil called - corruption.
The Bible says:
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy (KJV)Proverbs 31:8-9).
Defend the poor and fatherless, do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; rid them out of the hand of the wicked ( KJV)Psalm 82:3-4).
Although a majority believe that churches in the country lack the integrity to resist corruption, that many are only interested in their own numerical and financial growth, plus gaining influence and access to people in power, that many are not truly committed to alleviating poverty.
Church is fast losing her honor in Africa. In Nigeria for example, many people see church as business. Back in the 70s and 80s, it was not so. Our problem is corruption – if we fail to address it now or do something about it – the situation may be more horrible in the future. We have what it takes to influence both state and society. The Bible says, we are the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).
Why is it important to restore church lost reputation in Africa? Restoring church lost reputation can help save millions of perishing converts in the continent. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) can help control corruption in Nigeria by introducing an anti-corruption Christian academy within.
Most of us – Christians and preachers in Nigeria, really need to change our style & approach towards Christianity to avoid fueling corruption in the country. The great commission is not an earthly business; it is a heavenly business (Luke 2:49). Our profit is not material but spiritual and goes to God.
My anti-corruption Christian initiative "Voice of God Movement" is a movement of the gospel for church reform & societal renewal. It promotes often neglected Biblical saving truths. It aims to stir The Christian association of Nigeria to stand up and help control corruption in the country. We do what we do by creating compelling contents that can help raise awareness, reset mindsets, change attitudes, and stir church to take action.
The thoughts of the corrupt mind are incapable of perceiving heavenly things. All its desires, delights, cares, and fears are wrapped up in this present world. At this present time, the word salvation mean different thing to many people.
Christ warned about the temptation of wealth, we as Christians really need to be on guard always against this kind of temptation. Wealth if idolized may hinder the Christian from doing God’s will.
Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23).
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:33).
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon who will commit to your trust the true riches (Luke 16:11)?
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