In Nigeria, there have been many strategies and mechanisms to alleviate poverty yet the country continues to exhibit high rates of poverty. Corruption remains the most critical obstacle to poverty alleviation and economic development in my country - Nigeria. Over 70% of Nigerians live in abject poverty. Corruption in Nigeria has its root in permissive culture.
If we (Nigerians) fail to deal with behavior through reorientation programs, Nigeria cannot be fine. Many people in my country, have improper and slavery attitudes toward money & wealth. We have so much people with dishonest behaviors, unstable minds, ever ready to trick or deceive, and carryout unlawful acts for material gain.
Most youths in the country are not interested in fighting corruption – they want to make money. The federal government may succeed in building strong institutions but may not be able to deal with the root cause of poverty in the country. Corruption in Nigeria is deeply rooted in greed for money & power. This has actually given birth to what Transparency International described as petty corruption. Petty corruption often has its root in poverty. Most poor people in the country survive by giving and accepting bribe.
Church can help solve this problem. Nearly 50% of Nigerians are Christians. Church has no reason to be quiet about this evil called - corruption.
The Bible says:
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Defend the poor and fatherless, do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; rid them out of the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:3-4).
Esther used her influence with the king to advocate for her Jewish people (Esther 4:16).
Church can help control corruption in Nigeria, that is, if we – Christians in the country, go back to the Bible to take back our values, and start making real disciples, and begin to promote public integrity. Christ did not just preach the good tidings, he led by example – advocacy is found in his ministry.
“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind… Luke 14:13”. Christ said this to a chief Pharisee and other prominent people in a feast He was invited.
Although a majority believe that churches in Nigeria lack the integrity to resist corruption, that many are only interested in their own numerical and financial growth, plus gaining influence and access to people in power, that many are not truly committed to alleviating poverty.
My anti-corruption Christian initiative "Voice of God Movement" is a movement of the gospel for church reform & societal renewal. We promote often neglected scriptural truths among believers; and we challenge believers in Nigeria to stand up and help control corruption in the country. We produce useful, helpful, and inspiring materials (both audio & print) and we give out free.
The fact is, most of us – Christians and preachers in Nigeria really need to change our style & approach towards Christianity to avoid fueling corruption in the country. The great commission is not earthly business; it is a heavenly business (Luke 2:49). Our profit is not material but spiritual and goes to God.
The thoughts of the corrupt mind are incapable of perceiving heavenly things. All its desires, delights, cares, and fears are wrapped up in this present world. What people believe about God plays the major role in their lives. At this present time, the word salvation mean different thing to many people.
Christ warned about the temptation of wealth, so we as Christians really need to be on guard always against this kind of temptation. Wealth if idolized may hinder the believer from entering God’s kingdom.
Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23).
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:33).
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon who will commit to your trust the true riches (Luke 16:11)?
I’m inviting followers of Christ worldwide to support “Voice of God Movement” and help alleviate poverty in Nigeria by faith – alongside some holy actions. Corruption in my country is worst than corona-virus.
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For more information and getting involve contact:
Peter Mathias
Founder/Coordinator
Voice of God Movement, Lagos, Nigeria
+2349021298496 mathiaspeter38@yahoo.com
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