Some weeks back I saw so many people commenting on David Ibiyeomie For Saying “God Hates Poor People”. Dr Abel Damina Fires Back on that statement and even makes fun of his insensitivity.
I’m not here to support, against or deny the motion of whether God hates the poor or not because I know what Jesus Christ said in Luke 14:12–14, “Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
And in Matthew 25:35-40, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”
He did not stop there. In John 12:8 He said, “For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”
Jesus Christ or God was never against the poor but at the same time, He never supported the idea of someone being poor.
Poverty is a state of mind. It is often viewed as a circumstance, a set of external conditions that affect individuals, families, or communities. However, it’s increasingly recognized that poverty can also be a state of mind, a mindset that perpetuates limitations and restricts potential.
The purpose for this article is to explore the psychological and emotional aspects of poverty, and how shifting one’s mindset can be a powerful tool for overcoming adversity.
The poverty mindset refers to a set of beliefs, attitudes, and thought patterns that can hold individuals back from achieving their full potential. This mindset can manifest in various ways, such as scarcity mentality. A focus on lack and limitation, rather than abundance and opportunity.
Fixed mindset is another way to wish poverty destroys people believing that one’s circumstances are unchangeable and that success is reserved for others. God created all human beings to prosper and be wealthy.
Short-term thinking is what I call the present and future killer of destiny. Prioritizing immediate needs over long-term goals and planning is the fastest way to end yourself before you ever embark on the journeys of life for your life.
Lack of self-efficacy is anyone feeling powerless to effect change in their life. When it is widely believed that the only constant thing in life is change. And anyone who will not change, most importantly mentally, psychologically, and physically will definitely not experience any financial stability not to talk of financial increase.
The poverty mindset does have far-reaching consequences. It offers its victims limited opportunities. A narrow focus on survival can prevent individuals from pursuing education, career advancement, or entrepreneurship.
Anyone with a poverty mindset will suffer from poor financial management. Short-term thinking and lack of planning will always lead to financial instability and debt.
Poverty mindset have a means of straining relationships. A scarcity mentality that fosters competition and mistrust, rather than cooperation and support.
Poverty mindset creates mental health concerns due to the stress and anxiety associated with poverty which often take a significant toll on mental well-being.
Studying Luke 16:24–25 made me hate poverty more. According to Dr Luke, Jesus Christ said, “And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.”
This is a total disgrace. Lazarus was poor here on earth and he was also poor in heaven. So poor that he didn’t even have his place in heaven and he had to stay in Abraham’s bosom.
Not only that, the wealthy man on earth who died the same day as Lazarus had to still order Lazarus around in heaven to bring him water to drink. That’s preposterous!
I checked all the friends of God in the entire Bible they are all rich and wealthy individuals. Not a single one of them was poor. They were wealthy and of high social status. Starting from Abraham, the patriarch and wealthy nomadic herdsman Genesis 13:2.
To Job, a righteous and wealthy man who suffered greatly but was restored to prosperity Job 1:3; and then to Solomon, a king of Israel known for his wisdom and wealth 1 Kings 3:13; then Boaz, a wealthy landowner and relative of Naomi who showed kindness to Ruth, Ruth 2:1, and of cause Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus who provided his tomb for Jesus’ burial in Matthew 27:57-60 and then Cornelius, a Roman centurion and devout follower of God who was wealthy and generous Acts 10:1-2 to mention few.
King David was so outstanding to the point that he single handedly made preparations for the Temple, the house of God, which demonstrated his enormous wealth, devotion, and commitment to worshiping and honoring God. In 1 Chronicles 22, 28-29.
Gathered materials: David collected vast amounts of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones for the Temple’s construction.
Made plans: He provided detailed plans and designs for the Temple’s architecture and furnishings.
Assigned tasks: David entrusted the construction to his son Solomon and gave him instructions.
Provided resources: He donated generously from his wealth and encouraged others to do the same.
David’s actions and preparations laid the foundation for the Temple’s construction, which would become a central place of worship for the Israelites.
These individuals demonstrate that wealth and spirituality are not mutually exclusive and that one’s relationship with God can thrive regardless of socioeconomic status.
Poverty smells and so also is wealth. Isaiah 3:24 describes a shift from fragrance to stench, symbolizing a change in societal values.
Isaiah 3:24-25 TPT “A stench will take the place of seductive perfumes; a rope will take the place of a sash, baldness for braided hair, rags instead of a fine robe, and the brand of a captive instead of beauty. Your men will fall on the battlefield and your heroes will die in war.”
What is a stench? A stench is a strong and very unpleasant smell. Only the poor smell stenchy.
While the poverty mindset can be deeply ingrained, it’s not insurmountable. By adopting a growth mindset, individuals can begin to shift their perspectives and unlock new opportunities.
To break free from poverty, education and self-awareness is key. Recognizing the poverty mindset and its limitations is the first step towards the desired change.
After that set a goal and have a plan. This is one thing many people don’t know how to do. Setting clear, achievable goals and developing a plan to achieve them can help build confidence and momentum.
Then build relationships with supportive individuals and mentors, this will provide one with valuable guidance and encouragement. Then back that up with practicing mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-care, this will help mitigate stress and anxiety.
Please, recognize the fact that poverty is, in part, a state of mind, and individuals can break free from the limitations that hold them back. A mindset shift is all we need to empower ourselves and other people to reframe challenges as opportunities, to view obstacles as chances for growth and learning. And then develop resilience; cultivate coping strategies and learn from setbacks.
Pursue education and personal development, invest in yourself and acquire new skills. Build a support network, surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals.
In conclusion, poverty is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By acknowledging the role of mindset in perpetuating poverty, individuals can take the first steps towards breaking free from limitations. A growth mindset, education, and support can empower people to overcome adversity and unlock their full potential. Ultimately, recognizing that poverty is a state of mind can be a powerful tool for transformation and empowerment.
