IN PURSUIT OF WEALTH AND HAPPINESS OR IN PURSUIT OF GOD THE GIVER OF BOTH? By Adebowale Ibukun Oluwatosin

Adebowale Ibuku Oluwatosin

The devil doesn't bait everyone with unlawful vices, he baits some with legitimate things. I call them ministries of distraction.
While the Lord doesn't want us to lack, He doesn't want us focused on pursuing money either, tweaking every text in scriptures to preach money and material prosperity. As we focus on Him and deepen our walk with Him, He makes our way prosperous by leading us in the path to follow. Psalm 1:1-3 is a classic teaching on how every part of our lives blossom as we blossom in Him and how the fruitful seasons of lives aren't arrived at on a fast lane or through shortcuts.
While the Lord wants us to have great marriages, He doesn't want us focused on marriage more than we're focused on Him. Marriage is between two individuals. As they commit to His word and prayer, they will be transformed enough to be a blessing to one another. The focus and emphasis is on our relationship with God, not with ourselves. We draw nourishment from that to relate well with one another. You really think you can grow spiritually yet have issues of infidelity, domestic abuse or violence, hatred, jealousy, envy, intolerance, selfishness, unhealthy rivalry etc? You really think you can grow spiritually and still find it impossible to say sorry, listen and understand your spouse, bear with him or her? Think again
An obedient preacher, not driven by seeker-sensitive models of ministry, emphasizes what God emphasizes in His word and de-emphasizes what He de-emphasizes.
I see beyond the symptoms of failures in our relationships and marriages. I see the real disease is that of failing in our relationship with God - inconsistency in our devotion to His word and prayer. I don't mean tagging oneself as a prayer warrior, but prayer that fosters intimacy with the Father.
Scriptures say little about our needs but so much about our relationship with our God. This is not because God doesn't care. It's because He knows our needs are met in Him. Hence, we are told to cast our cares upon Him but many are all about those cares. Our own wisdom tells us to focus on our issues and problems. God's wisdom works in reverse - focus on Me
Re-prioritise!