While Easter is one of the central holy days of Christianity-It honors the resurrection of Jesus and a conclusion to the Lenten season-time of devoted prayer, fasting and penitence, a ‘must’ attend church day, church in some places becoming more than what Christians signed up for.
In Uganda for instance, a pastor recently made headlines after he asked his congregation for ‘huge’ amounts of money in the name of ‘sowing for dreams’.
Pastor Samuel Kakande, reportedly asked his followers to “write down their dreams and attach them to the ministry’s email along with the required fee of $300” with promises that their dreams would undergo intense prayer for 3 weeks on the prayer mountain and would come true”.
Although he justified this amount with the cause-commitment to building the church, In this economy, when individuals and families are still reeling from financial hardships incurred by food inflation, it sounds unreasonable and unchristian to manipulate believers into paying for church needs and projects.
As a Christian, giving to God is important; “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shadows”-James 1:17 NIV, hence, it just makes sense that we give offerings in church, as we are giving back to God, what he has given to us.
What doesn’t seem logical, is how these men of God are asking for the money-why dollars and not shillings? That alone makes the cause, however good, seem like a scheme to prey on the vulnerable.
My friend See Musik, a renowned gospel artist asserts that God speaks to his followers-pastors inclusive, and it is acceptable to make requests as long as they are in accordance with his commands.
Asked how to draw a line between God and pastors, See Musik claimed that God’s conviction is led by peace, not confusion.
“God keeps his promises in check, causing you to feel secure and calm even when others fail to comprehend your actions, you feel a sort of confidence and calmness that can’t be explained, you just know it is the right thing to do”, he explained.
Nonetheless, religion is an important part of our lives for it offers solace and hope in challenging circumstances, immense comfort and purpose, and provides a sense of direction and meaning.
however, it is vital to critically evaluate the authenticity and efficacy of religious practices and as much as the rightness or wrongness of certain decisions depends on one’s perspective, there’s a need for thoughtful consideration and the importance of making well-informed choices that align with both one’s faith and the demands of the real world.
“Watch out for false prophets, they come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves,” Matthew 7:15.
As believers, we must approach faith with discernment and critical thinking, being vigilant and assessing the advice and teachings of pastors against our own moral compass and the teachings of their faith, especially now as we await the resurrection of Christ our Saviour.
