A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO GROWING WEALTHIN A PERVERSE SOCIETY

A CHRISTIAN APPROACH TO GROWING WEALTH

IN A PERVERSE SOCIETY

Catholic Pharmacy Students Association of Nigeria (CAPSAN), University of Benin Chapter,

CAPSAN GRACE & GRIT SERIES – SCROLL 2, JULY 26^TH 2025

By

Prof. Sylvester Idemudia Odia

Professor of Philosophy (Epistemology & Philosophy of Culture), University of Benin, Nigeria

(Founder/CEO Epistemic Concept: https://epistemicconcept.com/wp)

Email: sylvester.odia@uniben.edu  Phone: +234-8037192977

Introduction:

Many Christians wonder if it is possible for one to practice Christianity and be wealthy in a world troubled by the magnetism of evil. Many also wonder if it is possible to be wealthy and make heaven at the end of one’s life on earth. The main reason for this wonder and sometimes confusion is lack of knowledge of what Christianity is, what wealth is, and how one can grow wealth as a Christian and use it to gain heaven.

This talk will clarify the concepts of Christianity, wealth and perverse society. Thereafter, it will recommend some principles derived from some Christian virtues towards creating wealth, and using such wealth to gain heaven.

What Is Christianity?

            Defining Christianity from the perspective of how Christians practice it is problematic. Different denominations, churches or Christian groups have conflicting teachings and practices attributed to Christianity. However, below are some basic teachings and practices that are fundamental or essential to Christianity:

• Christianity is a religion founded by Jesus Christ (Matt. 28: 16 – 20), and it consists in living the life of Jesus Christ in the socio-cultural milieu the Christian lives in.
• Christianity is Trinitarian, that is, it believes in the Blessed Trinity and the values of communal life based on mutual love and respect. Hence there is love and unity in the three (3) arms or parts of the Church: (i) Militant (ii) Suffering (iii) Triumphant
• Christianity is the practice of love of God and neighbour (Matt. 22: 37 – 39; Mk 12: 30 – 31; Lk10: 27). Love of God and neighbour summarizes all the virtues and give birth to the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

What Is Wealth?

            Wealth is defined in terms of assets and liabilities. Assets are things or values that generate more of themselves or other values. Liabilities are things that consume more of themselves or other values. If one has more assets compared to liabilities one is a wealthy person. One can be wealthy in three ways: (a) Physical energy: health quotient (b) Aura: energy field (c) Spiritual energy or quotient.

• Physical energy: Your physical energy determines your health quotient. A healthy person is physically strong and mentally alert to grow wealth. Your physical energy determines your intelligent quotient (IQ) necessary for learning and developing new ideas, and physical zest or power to learn and develop practical skills for greater exploits. All the physical wealth we possess depends largely on physical energy tied to our health quotient. Hence, if we are ill, we sacrifice physical wealth to regain health. It is foolish to sacrifice health or certain values that devalues our personhood in the pursuit of wealth.
• Aura: Your energy field attracts certain persons, objects or things to you, or repels them from you. It is similar to the laws of magnetism. Our genealogy or lineage along with certain virtues or vices we have imbibed over time increases or diminishes our aura. A strong and positive aura enhances the growth and advancement of physical wealth.
• Spiritual energy or quotient: A personal relationship with the Trinity increases our spiritual energy or quotient. It begins with the reception of the sacraments and enhanced by Christian virtues. It is very efficacious in growing physical wealth through the principle of sacrifice. It negates or diminishes the influence of the magnetism of evil through restitution.  It also serves as a catalyst, yeast, or enhancer (called grace) in growing wealth.

Perverse Society:

            We currently live in a perverse society. Human persons deliberately negate the virtues that sustains human coexistence in the society to gain physical wealth and social power to the neglect of their aura and spiritual energy. We currently practice vices with pride and arrogance in search of physical wealth and power. We now practice the vices of (i) lies and falsehood, (ii) shortcuts via magic and cultism that ultimately dehumanizes the dignity of the human person, (iii) dishonesty to one’s work and country, and (iv) creating a class of elites that destroys social institutions.          

In the face of the above, the Christian is challenged to redeem the society through the practice of Christian virtues like (i) Truthfulness and Proficiency, (ii) Diligence and Hard work, (iii) Loyalty to work and country, (iv) Charity as Sacrifice, and (v) Support for Social Institutions. When adequately practiced, Christian virtues sustain the three (3) elements of wealth: Physical, Aura, and Spiritual.

Growing Wealth Through The Practice of Christian Virtues:

            The starting point of growing wealth is knowing your purpose. Your purpose is the reason for your existence. It is your primary duty to discern it towards the end of your secondary school, and it should shape your tertiary education. Your genealogy, temperaments, gifts and talents, and what you enjoying doing effortlessly can be your starting point. We can learn from the following biblical personalities:

• Abraham: He was wealthy but his wealth was tied to leaving his father’s house and property and going to a land God will show him (Gen 12). Can you blossom where you are currently planted?
• Jacob worked diligently and conscientiously with his father-in-law, Laban for years to gain wealth (Gen. 29 – 31). Are you a good steward? Are you currently cheating on your boss you are learning from, or working with?
• Joseph was a faithful man who feared God and kept God’s commandments. He was also gifted in managing persons (Potiphar’s house, and prisoners), and he developed his gifts of interpreting dreams that were largely revelations. He ended up becoming wealthy as governor of Egypt (Gen. 39 – 41). Are you faithful in little things? Have you developed your knowledge from the subconscious mind?
• Solomon, the wealthiest man in the bible, sought after the essence of life – WISDOM. Through seeking wisdom, God blessed him with wealth (1 Kings 3: 5 – 14). Are you seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness? Are you wise as serpent and innocent as doves?
• Lydia: She was a wealthy woman who traded in textiles. She was generous with her wealth by hosting St. Paul and some of the disciples from time to time. Do you use generosity as sacrifice or restitution to grow more wealth?
• The Shunammite Woman who provided for Elijah from time to time. Do you sense the needs of others, resolve them as much as you can, and offer them as restitution or sacrifices to grow wealth?

Growing Wealth Through The Practice Of Some Principles:

• The principle of sacrificial given: we can learn this principle through the sacrifice of the widow of Zarephath with her handful of flour and a little oil (1 Kings 17: 8 – 16).
• The parable of the talents (Matt. 25: 14 – 30). You must grow your gifts, talents, wealth, etc.
• The parable of the hidden treasure in the field (Matt. 13: 44). Can you make the necessary sacrifices to develop your skills and blossom beyond your imagination?
• Pair with like minds or find mentors who are godly and purpose driven. Avoid people like Delilah and Jezebel so as not to be unequally yoked.
• Marry someone whose purpose can enhance or grow your purpose.
• Avoid stinginess, greed, and extravagance. Learn from the mistakes of the Rich Fool (Lk. 12: 16 – 21), the Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk. 16: 19 – 31), and the Rich Young Ruler (Matt. 19: 16 – 30; Mk. 10: 17 – 31; Lk. 18: 18 – 30).

Conclusion:

            We need to constantly invoke the Holy Spirit to lead us daily to the complete truth as we journal towards heaven growing physical wealth, our aura, and our spiritual quotient. Everything is possible for a willing heart. Keep practicing the Christian virtues and remember to offer those little sacrifices and sufferings we endure each day for Christ’s sake to grow wealth in all aspects of our lives.