Recently, the internet was filled with the sermon of a confident man of God, Rev Korede Komaiya, who preached during the Seven Days of Glory organized by the Commonwealth of Zion in Abuja, Nigeria. He said many things concerning money, but I wish to give attention to the aspect of his sermon where he noted that the holiness of a poor man cannot be trusted.
I am writing to elaborate on the notion that individuals have faithfully served God throughout history regardless of their material wealth or lack thereof. In a recent sermon by Pastor Komaiya, he suggested that the criteria through which God assesses a person’s character and faithfulness are closely tied to their possessions. He argued that the sacrifices and choices one makes in times of prosperity are a true reflection of one’s godliness. In an effort to inspire the congregation to strive for financial success, the pastor put forth the idea that the authenticity of our relationship with God cannot be fully understood unless one has experienced wealth. This perspective raises important questions about the nature of faith and how it is tested in abundance and scarcity.
Ruth’s decision is a profound testament to loyalty and compassion, especially during a moment of deep despair for Naomi. As we reflect on their story, we see that Naomi faced unimaginable loss in the foreign land of Moab. She suffered the heart-wrenching grief of losing her two beloved sons, who had journeyed there in search of food during a severe famine that had befallen their homeland of Israel. To compound her sorrow, Naomi also lost her husband, leaving her in a state of profound desolation.
When the famine finally lifted and Naomi resolved to return to Bethlehem, Ruth stood steadfastly by her side. Despite the overwhelming grief surrounding Naomi and the unsettling implications of their family’s history — a pattern tinged with untimely death — Ruth chose not to abandon her mother-in-law. Instead, she demonstrated unwavering commitment, a choice that could have easily been interpreted as folly in the face of potential danger. Ruth’s determination to accompany Naomi back home shines as a beacon of loyalty, challenging us to reconsider notions of familial duty and the strength found in choosing solidarity, even in the darkest of times.
Ruth embodied the spirit of the downtrodden, her loyalty unwavering even in the bleakest of circumstances. Her steadfastness shone through, reminiscent of the Hebrew boys who faced King Nebuchadnezzar’s decree. This trio boldly proclaimed their refusal to worship the king’s imposing golden image, standing resolute in their faith. They declared that even if God chose not to rescue them from the flames, their commitment to Him would remain unshakeable. In that defining moment, they chose the path of defiance, willing to face death rather than compromise their beliefs. Despite their lack of political power or status, these young men exemplified true courage, steadfastly following their convictions in the face of overwhelming adversity. If Pastor Komaiya’s thesis holds true, both Ruth and the Hebrew boys had the opportunity to choose differently—yet they steadfastly opted for faith over convenience.
This article is not an attack on any person but sheds light on the issues of faith.
To be continued….
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