REAL WEALTH

I once taught in the church that I pastored that God cannot and will not make you rich if you don’t have what it means to be rich within you.

One of the things that has destroyed so many people in the world today and made them unproductive most especially the Christians and the so-called Born Again Christians is the fake message of prosperity started by Late Arch Bishop Benson Idahosa in the 80s and later spread far and wide by so many Preacher who saw that as the opportunity to enrich themselves and their family and leave millions of their followers with fake faith for prosperity and some of them die in poverty.

I’ve read the entire Bible more than Forty times, and I’ve never seen a place where God made one person who is not wise and determined to be wealthy is an inward deposit, not divine connection or impactions, and if you don’t have some levels of strategy, meaning, and a strong mind, you will never be wealthy.

Life is all about using someone or something to get what you need or get to where you are heading in life. Failure to use people to get to where you are going means you automatically make yourself a tool for others to use, and I bet you they will use you and dump you.

No one, I mean no successful goal-oriented person allows just anyone to hang around them. People who have a place in life surround themselves with individuals who are going places, and that is the reason why you see them progress now and then. But one thing these individuals will never tell you is how they come about their wealth.

Let’s take a journey through the Bible to establish some facts about how the wealthy ones in the Bible came about their wealth and the things they did to be wealthy.

Family Business

Abraham became wealthy by lying about his Wife. Claiming that his Wife was his sister. In Genesis 12:10-16 it was recorded that “Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down into Egypt to live temporarily, for the famine in the land was oppressive (intense and grievous). And when he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai, his wife, I know that you are beautiful to behold. So when the Egyptians see you, they will say, This is his wife, and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Say, I beg of you that you are my sister so that it may go well with me for your sake, and my life will be spared because of you.
And when Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into Pharaoh’s house. And he treated Abram well for her sake; he acquired sheep, oxen, he-donkeys, menservants, maidservants, she-donkeys, and camels.”

From the gifts Abraham got from Pharaoh lying about his wife, it was recorded in Genesis 13:2 that “Now Abram was extremely rich in livestock and in silver and gold.” With the livestock gift from Pharoh, Abraham started livestock farming, digging wells and selling water. He dug holes, and instead of people going to the stream to get water for their animals, they went to Abraham’s well, paid a token and got water for their animals.

Isaac became wealthy through inheritance. In Genesis 25:5 it was recorded that “And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.” But Isaac did not just inherit Abraham’s wealth; he also continued with the business Abraham was doing in his days as it was said in Genesis 26:14-23 that “He owned flocks, herds, and a great supply of servants, and the Philistines envied him. Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had closed and filled with earth. And Abimelech said to Isaac, Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we are. So Isaac went away from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. And Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the names by which his father had called them. Now Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of living water. And the herdsmen of Gerar quarrelled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours. And he named the well Esek because they quarrelled with him. Then dug another well, and they quarrelled over that also, so he named it Sitnah. And he moved away from there and dug another well, and for that one, they did not quarrel. He named it Rehoboth, saying, For now, the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
Now he went up from there to Beersheba.”

The funniest thing is that the prosperity preachers are very smart to deceive us with Genesis 26:12-13 where it was said, “Then Isaac sowed seed in that land and received in the same year a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favoured him with blessings. And the man became great and gained more and more until he became very wealthy and distinguished…” But Isaac did not become wealthy, sowing seeds of money and material things in the church as they are telling you to do. There was no church in the days of Isaac. What Isaac was sowing in his days was business, and the business was bringing him a hundred times as much as he had planted, and the Lord favoured; how? He was doing what no one had ever done before, and people were patronizing his business; he was making more money, and the large amount of money he was making was what the Bible author translated as blessings. The more money he made was great and popular, and as he made more money, he became very wealthy and distinguished.

You can never become wealthy doing nothing but sowing seeds in the church. That is an act of foolishness.

Jacob scammed his Uncle Laban. For Fourteen years, he experimented with all kinds of roots to take over all that belonged to his Uncle. After he had gotten the idea he needed, he approached his Uncle with a proposal, and in Five years, he reaped his Uncle’s business and wealth.

Jacob broke the record of what it means to continue with family business. The business started with the seed fund of livestock and gold from Pharoh; Isaac expanded the business, but Jacob turned it into a conglomerate, adding research and technology to the business, and with this twotheseal, hidealspidealisedan of all his wealth.

Go back in history and see how wealthy family businesses had made some people super wealthy. At $305 billion, the Al Nahyan family—oil tycoons, politicians, and royalty—is the richest family in the world.

The Waltons are the second richest family in the world with a fortune estimated at $259.7 billion thanks to their massive stake in Walmart (and only recently, in 2023, were usurped by the Al Nahyan family for the top spot.)

The Hermès family—purveyors of scarves, neckties, perfumes, and handbags—is the third-richest family in the world at $150.9 billion.

The fourth generation of the Mars family—the fourth-wealthiest family, with a fortune worth $160 billion—currently runs the eponymously named Mars candy company.

One of the fastest ways to become wealthy is to establish a family business. A business that can continue after the founder of the business is no more. A business that can be passed on to the coming generation.

Politics Business

Politics is a business and if you don’t know how to play your card well, it can ruin you. Many people think politics is only meant for the politicians but that is not true. Politics runs everywhere, including in religious circles, but for this article, I’m focusing on the business aspect of politics.

King David became wealthy not because he was a King but because he married wealthy Women and waged wars with innocent nations, taking over their lands and resources and placing them under heavy tax. The same thing many developed countries are doing today. Invading innocent nations under the pretence of peacekeeping and killing the leader of the country, look at their economy and take over their mineral resources.

While King David was somehow reasonable in his days, King Solomon, his son, was economically brutal in his tenor. King Solomon was a politician and a great scammer, all his wives were wealthy Women. None of his wives came from a poor background and according to the law in his days as a Man, whatever a Woman possessed belonged to her husband. So, some percentage of his wealth came from his Wife, his scamming people to sub-change in business deals, over-taxing the citizens, not paying his workers and his importation and exportation business.

Politics and scamming business did not start today. They had been in existence a long time ago and they will continue to be nothing anyone can do to stop it. To be a good politician and scammer, you must be a convincing and unrepentant liar.

I know many people have been taught that lying is a sin. But the fact is, it’s not. In 1 Samuel 16:1-2, God told Prophet Samuel to lie about his mission into the city as it was recorded in the Bible saying, “The Lord said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided for Myself a king among his sons. Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take a heifer with you and say, I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.”

As if that was not enough, in John 7:2-10 it was said that “Now the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was drawing near. So His brothers said to Him, Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples may also see the works that You do. For no one does anything in secret when he wishes to be conspicuous and secure publicity. If You do these things, show Yourself openly and make Yourself known to the world! For His brothers did not believe in or adhere to or trust in or rely on Him either. Whereupon Jesus said to them, My time (opportunity) has not come yet, but any time is suitable for you, and your opportunity is ready any time. The world cannot hate you, but it does hate Me because I denounce it for its wicked works and reveal that its doings are evil. Go to the Feast yourselves. I am not going up to the Festival, because My time is not ripe. Having said these things to them, He stayed behind in Galilee. But afterwards, when His brothers had gone up to the Feast, He went up also, not publicly, but by Himself quietly and as if He did not wish to be observed.”

Lying is not a sin so long it doesn’t hurt or destroy anyone. Lying can be wisdom to accomplish the desired dreams and goals. Lying is one of the tools used to grow businesses and develop the economy, and so many business people use it to grow their businesses and build wealth for their families and the generations after them.

All business owners lie about one thing or the other depending on whatever it is. Even religious leaders who teach people not to lie sometimes lie just to validate their point and make whatever they are teaching look realistic.

Sowing seeds in the church cannot and will never make you rich. And for your information, some of the people giving heavily in the church are into dubious deals. Some of them that you think had relocated abroad are in Prison serving jail terms while some are on the run.

Some preachers are in the habit of citing Rockefeller as the first Christian billionaire. But what they failed to inform you is the fact that Rockefeller was a terrible businessman. One who always goes after his competitors and crashes their businesses. No one crosses his path. He was a ruthless Man.

Rockefeller lived between 1839 to 1937, and he was the founder of the Standard Oil Company, became one of the world’s wealthiest men and a major philanthropist. Born into modest circumstances in upstate New York, he entered the then-fledgling oil business in 1863 by investing in a Cleveland, Ohio refinery. In 1870, he established Standard Oil, which by the early 1880s controlled some 90 per cent of U.S. refineries and pipelines. Critics accused Rockefeller of engaging in unethical practices, such as predatory pricing and colluding with railroads to eliminate his competitors to gain a monopoly in the industry. In 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court found Standard Oil in violation of anti-trust laws and ordered it to dissolve. During his life, Rockefeller donated more than $500 million to various philanthropic causes.

In 1865, Rockefeller borrowed money to buy out some of his partners and take control of the refinery, which had become the largest in Cleveland. Over the next few years, he acquired new partners and expanded his business interests in the growing oil industry. At the time, kerosene, derived from petroleum and used in lamps, was becoming an economic staple. In 1870, Rockefeller formed the Standard Oil Company of Ohio, along with his younger brother William, Henry Flagler and a group of other men. John Rockefeller was its president and largest shareholder.

Standard Oil gained a monopoly in the oil industry by buying rival refineries and developing companies for distributing and marketing its products around the globe. In 1882, these various companies were combined into the Standard Oil Trust, which would control some 90 per cent of the nation’s refineries and pipelines. To exploit economies of scale, Standard Oil did everything from building its oil barrels to employing scientists to figure out new uses for petroleum by-products.

Rockefeller did not become wealthy by sowing seeds in the church for wealth or fasting and praying jumping from one church program to another like a monkey. He was very decisive, determined and focused on what he wanted for his life. The question is, do you?

Once in your life, sit back and ask yourself why you are not wealthy after all these years of sowing this seed and that seed. How come your life is still the same?

Stop borrowing money to pay vows in the church, or support a church project. Those are wasted investments. That’s you using your resources to help someone build his empire. You don’t build the Kingdom of God with bricks and cement. The Kingdom of God is you. The church of God is you.

It doesn’t matter how well you fast, pray or give money in your church. If you don’t have what it takes to multiply money and be definite about it, you will never be wealthy in your life. I hope one day you will learn.
Wealth is primarily acquired through strategic business acumen, inheritance, and sometimes unethical practices rather than divine intervention. I deliberately used biblical figures to illustrate these points, just to emphasize the importance of human agency and strategic thinking in achieving wealth.
Wealth is acquired through human effort and strategy, not solely through faith: Biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob achieved wealth through business acumen, inheritance, and even deception.
Prosperity gospel is misleading: It is a false doctrine that has led to financial ruin for many.
Politics and business are intertwined: The political power and business acumen often go hand-in-hand, and wealth accumulation can be influenced by political decisions.
Ethical considerations: Some methods of wealth accumulation involve questionable ethics, such as deception and exploitation.
Potential Issues and CounterargumentS
Oversimplification of complex issues: The text presents a simplified view of both biblical narratives and economic realities. Wealth accumulation is often a complex interplay of factors, including luck, market conditions, and social networks.
Moral implications: The emphasis on unethical practices for wealth accumulation raises ethical concerns. While the text acknowledges this, it does not delve deeper into the moral implications of such actions.
Neglect of other factors: This article is primarily focuses on business and politics as avenues to wealth, that does mean that I neglecting other factors such as talent, education, and social capital. These also play majority roles in building credible businesses.
Talent
Let me throw more light on the roles of talent in building businesses.
Talent is the lifeblood of any successful business. It’s the human capital that drives innovation, problem-solving, and growth. Let’s delve into the pivotal roles talent plays in building businesses:

1. Innovation and Creativity
   Generating new ideas: Talented individuals are often the wellspring of innovative concepts and solutions.
   Adaptability: They can quickly adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
   Problem-solving: Their ability to think critically and creatively helps overcome challenges.
2. Driving Business Growth
   Market expansion: Talented sales and marketing teams can expand market reach and customer base.
   Revenue generation: Skilled professionals can increase sales and profitability.
   Operational efficiency: Talent can streamline processes and reduce costs.
3. Building a Strong Company Culture
   Positive influence: Talented employees can inspire and motivate others.
   Teamwork: They foster collaboration and cooperation.
   Employee engagement: Their enthusiasm contributes to a positive work environment.
4. Customer Satisfaction
   Exceptional service: Talented customer service representatives enhance customer satisfaction.
   Building relationships: They create strong customer bonds.
   Brand loyalty: Their efforts contribute to customer loyalty and advocacy.
5. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
   Employer branding: A talented workforce attracts other top talent.
   Knowledge sharing: A culture of learning and development fosters talent retention.
   Employee satisfaction: A positive work environment leads to higher employee morale and retention.
6. Risk Mitigation
   Crisis management: Talented leaders can navigate through challenges and uncertainties.
   Business continuity: Their expertise ensures business operations continue uninterrupted.
   Competitive advantage: Their skills help maintain a competitive edge.
7. Enhancing Business Reputation
   Industry recognition: Talented employees can bring recognition and awards to the company.
   Thought leadership: They can position the company as an industry leader.
   Public image: Their positive contributions enhance the company’s reputation.
   In essence, talent is the catalyst for business success. By investing in talent development, fostering a positive work culture, and recognizing the value of human capital, businesses can achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
   EDUCATION
   Education is the bedrock upon which successful businesses are constructed. It provides the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to navigate the complex business landscape. Here’s how education contributes to building credible businesses:
8. Foundational Knowledge:

• Business fundamentals: Education imparts essential knowledge about finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and law.
• Industry-specific knowledge: Understanding the nuances of a particular industry provides a competitive edge.

1. Skill Development:

• Analytical skills: Education hones the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Problem-solving: Developing critical thinking skills to overcome challenges and find solutions.
• Communication skills: Effective communication is crucial for building relationships with clients, employees, and stakeholders.

1. Strategic Thinking:

• Long-term vision: Education fosters the ability to develop comprehensive business strategies.
• Risk assessment: Evaluating potential risks and developing mitigation plans.
• Opportunity identification: Recognizing and capitalizing on market opportunities.

1. Leadership and Management:

• People management: Understanding how to lead and motivate teams.
• Organizational behavior: Building a positive and productive work environment.
• Change management: Adapting to industry changes and evolving business models.

1. Ethical and Legal Compliance:

• Business ethics: Understanding ethical principles and their importance in building trust.
• Legal framework: Adhering to regulations and protecting the business from legal issues.
• Social responsibility: Contributing positively to the community and environment.

1. Continuous Learning and Adaptation:

• Lifelong learning: Education promotes a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Staying updated: Keeping up with industry trends and technological advancements.
• Agility: Adapting to changing market conditions and consumer preferences.

1. Building Credibility and Trust:

• Expertise: Demonstrating knowledge and competence builds trust with clients and stakeholders.
• Professionalism: Education fosters a professional image and demeanor.
• Reputation: A well-educated business owner enhances the company’s reputation.
  Education is an indispensable asset for building credible businesses. It provides the foundation for success, equips entrepreneurs with essential skills, and fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability.

SOCIAL CAPITAL
The Role of Social Capital in Building Credible Businesses
Social capital, often overlooked in traditional business models, is increasingly recognized as a critical asset. It refers to the value derived from relationships, networks, and trust. Here’s how it contributes to building credible businesses:

1. Building Trust and Reputation

• Strong relationships: Trust is the cornerstone of business. Social capital helps build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Positive word-of-mouth: Satisfied customers and partners are more likely to recommend a business with a strong social capital foundation.
• Crisis management: A strong network can help mitigate the impact of crises through support and understanding.

1. Access to Resources

• Networking opportunities: Social capital provides access to potential customers, investors, and partners.
• Knowledge sharing: Sharing information and best practices within a network can lead to innovation and growth.
• Financial support: Strong relationships can facilitate access to funding and investments.

1. Risk Mitigation

• Shared risks: Collaborating with trusted partners can help distribute risks.
• Early warning signals: Network members can provide early insights into market trends and potential challenges.
• Crisis support: A strong support network can help a business weather storms.

1. Innovation and Creativity

• Diverse perspectives: A broad network brings together different viewpoints, fostering innovation.
• Knowledge exchange: Sharing ideas and best practices can lead to new product development.
• Collaboration: Working with others can lead to groundbreaking solutions.

1. Employee Morale and Retention

• Strong company culture: A positive work environment built on trust and collaboration attracts and retains top talent.
• Employee engagement: Social capital fosters a sense of belonging and purpose among employees.
• Mentorship and development: Strong relationships can provide opportunities for career growth and development.
  In essence, social capital is a powerful tool for building and sustaining a credible business. By investing in relationships and networks, businesses can enhance their reputation, access resources, mitigate risks, foster innovation, and create a positive work environment.
  The Interplay of Faith, Hard Work, and Wealth
  The relationship between faith, hard work, and wealth is a complex one, often sparking passionate debates and diverse perspectives. Let’s explore the key components of this equation:
  Faith: The Foundation
• Belief and Hope: Faith provides a foundation of belief and hope, which can be a powerful motivator for individuals and communities.
• Values and Ethics: Many faiths emphasize values like honesty, integrity, and compassion, which are essential for building trust and long-term success.
• Resilience: Faith can foster resilience, helping individuals overcome challenges and setbacks.
  Hard Work: The Engine
• Effort and Dedication: Hard work is the driving force behind most achievements. It involves perseverance, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
• Skill Development: Consistent effort leads to skill improvement, which can enhance productivity and earning potential.
• Opportunity Creation: Hard work can create opportunities by building a strong reputation and a loyal customer base.
  Wealth: The Outcome
• Financial Abundance: Wealth is often seen as a measure of financial success, but it’s important to note that it can take many forms.
• Purpose and Impact: How wealth is acquired and used is crucial. Many individuals use wealth to create positive change and make a difference in the world.
• Balancing Materialism: It’s essential to maintain a healthy perspective on wealth and avoid excessive materialism.
  The Interconnectedness
• Faith as a Catalyst: Faith can inspire individuals to work hard towards their goals, believing in a higher purpose.
• Hard Work as a Blessing: Many faiths view hard work as a blessing and a means of honoring one’s abilities.
• Wealth as Stewardship: Some believe that wealth is a stewardship, to be used wisely and responsibly.
  Important Considerations
• Individual Circumstances: The relationship between faith, hard work, and wealth varies widely across individuals and cultures.
• Defining Wealth: Wealth encompasses more than just financial resources. It includes relationships, health, and personal fulfillment.
• Ethical Considerations: The means by which wealth is acquired is crucial. Ethical practices and social responsibility are essential.
  In conclusion, while there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, the interplay of faith, hard work, and wealth can be a powerful combination for personal and societal growth. It’s essential to cultivate a balanced perspective that values both material and spiritual well-being.
  THE ROLE OF FAITH IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  Faith, often a personal and deeply held belief system, can significantly influence an entrepreneur’s journey. While it’s a subjective topic, many entrepreneurs attribute their success to their faith. Let’s explore some key roles:

1. Motivation and Purpose

• Higher Calling: Many entrepreneurs find their motivation in a sense of purpose beyond profit. Faith can provide this higher calling.
• Resilience: Faith can offer a strong foundation for resilience, crucial in overcoming the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.
• Vision and Goals: Faith can help in setting long-term goals aligned with personal values and beliefs.

1. Ethical Framework

• Moral Compass: Faith often provides a moral compass, guiding ethical decision-making in business.
• Trust and Reputation: Operating with integrity, a core value in many faiths, builds trust and a strong reputation.
• Social Responsibility: Faith can inspire a commitment to giving back to the community and operating sustainably.

1. Risk-Taking and Innovation

• Courage: Faith can provide the courage to take calculated risks, essential for entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Innovation: A belief in a higher power can foster creativity and innovation.
• Overcoming Fear: Faith can help overcome fear of failure, a common challenge for entrepreneurs.

1. Community and Support

• Networking: Faith-based communities can offer valuable networking opportunities.
• Mentorship: Mentors within the faith community can provide guidance and support.
• Shared Values: A sense of belonging to a faith community can foster a strong support system.

1. Work-Life Balance

• Prioritization: Faith can help prioritize work-life balance, preventing burnout.
• Gratitude: A focus on gratitude can enhance overall well-being and job satisfaction.
• Sabbath: Observing a Sabbath or similar practice can provide rest and renewal.
  It’s important to note that the role of faith in entrepreneurship is highly personal. While many entrepreneurs find it a source of strength and guidance, others may not. Regardless of religious affiliation, the principles of integrity, perseverance, and a focus on higher purpose are valuable for any entrepreneur.
  THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF WEALTH ACCUMULATION
  The ethical implications of wealth accumulation are a complex and multifaceted issue, with arguments both for and against the pursuit of wealth.
  Arguments in Favor of Wealth Accumulation
• Individual Liberty: Many argue that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their economic goals without undue interference.
• Incentivization: The prospect of wealth can motivate innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
• Philanthropy: Wealthy individuals can be significant contributors to charitable causes, improving society.
  Arguments Against Wealth Accumulation
• Inequality: Excessive wealth concentration can lead to significant economic inequality, with negative social and political consequences.
• Exploitation: Wealth accumulation often involves complex systems that can exploit workers, consumers, and the environment.
• Corruption: The pursuit of wealth can sometimes lead to unethical or illegal behavior, undermining trust in institutions.
• Social Responsibility: There’s a growing expectation that those with wealth should contribute more to society, beyond philanthropy.
  Key Ethical Considerations
• Means of Acquisition: How wealth is acquired is crucial. Wealth gained through ethical means, such as innovation or hard work, is generally viewed more favorably than wealth obtained through exploitation or corruption.
• Distribution of Wealth: How wealth is distributed within society is another key ethical concern. Progressive taxation and social programs are often proposed to address inequality.
• Use of Wealth: The way wealth is used has ethical implications. Responsible investment, philanthropy, and support for social causes can mitigate the negative impacts of wealth concentration.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Businesses have a role in ensuring their operations are ethical and sustainable, contributing to the well-being of society and the environment.
  It’s essential to strike a balance between individual liberty and societal well-being when considering the ethics of wealth accumulation. A just and equitable society requires careful consideration of how wealth is created, distributed, and used.
  For when we were with you we instructed you with these words: “Anyone who does not want to work for a living should go hungry.”
  2 Thessalonians:3
  Holy Bible (TPT) The Passion Translation

Sam Adeoye