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When Pastors Turn God’s People Into Merchandise

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The church is meant to be a place where people encounter God, receive truth, grow in faith, and serve one another—not a marketplace where human beings are treated as products, customers, or sources of personal wealth.

When a pastor begins to see God’s people primarily as money, status, influence, numbers, or personal assets, something has gone seriously wrong. Spiritual leadership is a sacred responsibility, not an opportunity to exploit vulnerable people.

Jesus strongly condemned the commercialization of worship. When He entered the temple and saw people turning His Father’s house into a marketplace, He drove them out:

“My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” — Matthew 21:13 (KJV)

The warning is clear: God’s people must never become merchandise.

Bible Verses That Condemn Exploitation

1. 1 Peter 5:2–3

“Feed the flock of God which is among you… not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

Pastors are called to serve God’s people, not dominate or exploit them for financial gain.

2. 2 Corinthians 2:17

“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity…”

God’s Word must not be turned into a business strategy for personal profit.

3. 1 Timothy 6:5
Paul warns about people who suppose that “gain is godliness.” The pursuit of money must never be confused with genuine spirituality.

4. Titus 1:7

“A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to filthy lucre…”

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A spiritual leader is a steward of God, not an owner of God’s people.

5. Ezekiel 34:2–4
God rebuked shepherds who fed themselves instead of caring for the flock. He condemned leaders who exploited the sheep while neglecting their responsibility to protect and strengthen them.

6. Matthew 10:8
Jesus told His disciples:

“Freely ye have received, freely give.”

Ministry should never become a system where people are manipulated into believing that God’s blessings can simply be purchased.

7. Acts 8:18–23
Simon tried to buy the power of God with money, and Peter sharply rebuked him. Spiritual authority is not a commodity for sale.

The Message Is Simple

A pastor may receive legitimate support for ministry, but there is a dangerous difference between supporting ministry and exploiting people.

When people are pressured, manipulated, deceived, or treated according to how much money they can contribute, the church loses sight of the example of Christ.

People are not products.
Souls are not merchandise.
Tithers are not ATMs.
Church members are not customers.
The pulpit is not a marketplace.
And God’s people do not belong to a pastor—they belong to God.

Jesus said:

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” — 1 Corinthians 7:23

May every pastor remember that the people under their care are God’s heritage, and may every believer remember that their faith should never be reduced to a financial transaction.

Christ came to save souls—not to create customers.

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Lifestyle

When the Love of Money Tears Families Apart

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Money can provide comfort, meet needs, and support a family, but when the love of money becomes more important than love, unity, honesty, and peace, it can destroy even the strongest family relationships.

Sadly, some families that once laughed, ate, prayed, and struggled together begin fighting when money, property, inheritance, or business becomes involved. Brothers turn against brothers, sisters become enemies, children fight over their parents’ possessions, and relatives stop speaking to one another—all because of the desire to have more.

The Bible does not condemn money itself; it warns strongly against loving and pursuing money above God and people. When greed takes control of the heart, family members may lie, cheat, manipulate, betray, or even abandon one another for financial gain.

Bible Verses That Warn Against the Love of Money and Greed

1. 1 Timothy 6:9–10

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare… For the love of money is the root of all evil.”

The problem is not simply possessing money; it is allowing the desire for wealth to control your heart and lead you into evil.

2. Hebrews 13:5

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

God calls us to be content rather than allowing greed to dominate our lives.

3. Luke 12:15

“Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”

Your wealth does not determine your worth, and possessions should never become more valuable than your family.

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4. Proverbs 15:27

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.”

Greed can bring conflict, suffering, and division into a household.

5. Colossians 3:5

“Covetousness, which is idolatry.”

When the pursuit of wealth becomes more important than God and righteousness, it can become an idol.

6. James 4:1–2

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts…”

Uncontrolled desires can produce conflict and destroy relationships.

7. Proverbs 11:4

“Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.”

Money cannot replace character, righteousness, or the value of human relationships.

A Message to Every Family

Do not allow money, inheritance, property, or business to destroy the people you grew up with. A house can be rebuilt, money can be earned again, and property can be replaced—but a broken family relationship may be difficult to restore.

Choose love over greed.
Choose forgiveness over bitterness.
Choose fairness over selfishness.
Choose family over possessions.
And above all, choose God over money.

Remember: Money is a servant when properly handled, but it becomes a master when it controls the heart.

“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” — Mark 8:36

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Public funding of marriage legitimate under Shariah — Gumi

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Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended the use of public funds to facilitate marriages in states operating under Shariah law, describing such intervention as a legitimate component of responsible governance.

Gumi, in a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday, argued that in a society where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited by both religious and state laws, governments have a responsibility to support people who are in need of marriage.

“In a Shariah law-driven state, where prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are prohibited by both divine and state laws, using public funds to facilitate the marriage of women who are in excess of the available pool of eligible men, or of any young person in dire need of marriage, is a legitimate and responsible component of good governance,” he said.

 

Gumi’s comments come after the Kano State Government conducted a mass wedding for 1,500 couples under its ‘Auren Gata’ initiative.

The couples tied the knot at the ceremony organised by the Kano State Hisbah Board as part of the state government’s social intervention programme.

The initiative is aimed at supporting vulnerable couples and easing the financial burden associated with marriage, while providing economic and household support to enable them to begin married life.

The mass wedding, held last Friday, has continued to generate discussions over the use of public funds to support marriage programmes.

Source: punchng.com

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Real Warri Pikin, Delta groups resolve dispute over planned show

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Nigerian comedian and content creator, Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, and stakeholders in Delta State have resolved their disagreement over her proposed comedy event in Effurun, with all parties agreeing to work together towards the successful hosting of the show.

The parties announced the resolution in a joint statement shared on Facebook on Thursday and signed by Real Warri Pikin, representatives of the Wado City Advocacy Group, Collins Eselemo, Chief Godfrey Ishegbe and a representative of the Delta State Government.

The reconciliation followed days of controversy over the proposed event, which was initially advertised as a Real Warri Pikin show in Warri, despite being scheduled to hold in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The Wado City Advocacy Group had objected to the branding, insisting that Effurun should be properly identified as the location of the event.

Following the reconciliation meeting, the parties said the disagreement had been resolved peacefully.

“The meeting provided an opportunity for everyone involved to speak openly, clarify concerns and address the matters that had led to the recent disagreement,” the statement said.

It added that all parties had agreed to move past the dispute and work together to ensure the successful hosting of the event.

“After extensive discussions, all parties agreed to put the matter behind them and work together in the interest of peace and the successful hosting of the event,” the statement added.

The parties also agreed to end further public exchanges over the disagreement, particularly on social media.

“It was also unanimously agreed that there would be no further public confrontation, exchange of accusations or hostile communication concerning the matter, whether on social media or through any other platform,” they said.

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They acknowledged that the public disagreement had generated concern among residents, supporters of the comedian and members of the public.

“We therefore jointly extend our sincere apologies to anyone who may have been inconvenienced, disappointed or affected by the manner in which the disagreement became public,” the statement said.

The parties stressed that the resolution should not be viewed as a victory for any side.

“There are no winners or losers in this matter. What is important is that the concerns raised have been addressed, communication has been restored and all parties have committed themselves to working together respectfully,” they said.

They, however, said the new date, venue and full address of the event would be announced after necessary arrangements had been concluded.

The controversy had earlier led to the cancellation of the proposed September 20 comedy show at Monarchy Event Centre on the Effurun-Sapele Road, following objections to its branding and location.

Real Warri Pikin had said the disagreement had been accompanied by threats and had described the situation as part of broader ethnic tensions in the area.

Source: punchng.com

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