Wealth Looks Like a crime in Africa

In Nigeria — and most parts of Africa — we have mastered the art of demonizing success. We equates poverty with holiness and wealth with wickedness

If a young man is rich:

“Yahoo boy!”

If it’s an older man:

“Ritualist!”

If a young woman is living well:

“Runs girl!” or “Prostitute!”

If she’s older and still doing well:

“Retired prostitute” or “witch!”

At this point, I’m wondering — must someone be hungry and tattered before we believe they are holy?

We have romanticized poverty and baptized it as spirituality — forgetting that riches, too, are a blessing from God.

Let’s flip through the Bible real quick:

Abraham was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2).

Isaac sowed in the land and reaped a hundredfold — the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy (Genesis 26:12-13).

Jacob left with a staff and returned with a nation.

Joseph moved from prison to prime minister, handling the entire wealth of Egypt.

David and Solomon? Their riches would make billionaires today look like beginners. Solomon literally made silver "as common as stones" (2 Chronicles 1:15)!

Now flip to the New Testament:

The wise men who came to Jesus brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh — expensive gifts. They didn’t come with suffering and salt.

Joseph of Arimathea, who gave Jesus his tomb, was a rich man and a disciple (Matthew 27:57).

Lydia, the seller of purple, was a businesswoman who hosted Paul — and purple wasn’t cheap back then (Acts 16:14-15).

Even Jesus Himself had a treasurer (Judas), which means… there was something to manage!

So tell me again — where did we get the idea that being rich means being evil?

God blesses those who worship Him, not only with peace and salvation but also with provision.

Wealth is a tool, not a trap — it depends on the heart of the holder.

Instead of casting stones at the wealthy, let’s ask:

“God, bless me too — and prepare my heart to carry it wisely.”

Because poverty is not a spiritual gift. And heaven is not broke.

Rev Fr Prince Chidi Philip