Greetings, friends. I am Dr. Charles Apoki. Today, I want us to re-examine some of the narratives we have been taught and challenge certain misconceptions, particularly about wealth creation. It is vital to align our thinking with truth and practical wisdom because wealth is not a function of chance or mere spirituality; it is deeply rooted in productivity.
Challenging the Myths
Many of us grew up with stories like Mungo Park discovering the River Niger or Christopher Columbus discovering America. These claims are historically inaccurate. Similarly, in our religious circles, we were taught myths, such as the “three wise men,” even though the Bible never specified their number.
What does this teach us? It’s simple: we must re-examine what we believe and apply our minds to uncover the truth. This principle also applies to our understanding of wealth and prosperity.
The Parable of the Talents: A Lesson in Productivity
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) illustrates that God gives us resources according to our abilities. He expects us to be productive with what we have, not just spiritual. Many Africans are very spiritual—we pray, fast, and preach more than many Europeans—but we remain poor. Why? Because we lack productivity.
God rewards diligence and productivity. If you focus solely on spirituality and neglect your ability to produce and manage resources, you will struggle financially.
Spirituality Without Productivity Leads to Poverty
Africa’s problem is not spirituality; it is underutilized capacity. We must understand that wealth is created in the marketplace, not in the church. The parable shows that the master did not dictate how the servants should invest the money. Instead, they were expected to use their initiative, creativity, and intuition.
When I started writing books, running schools, and engaging in real estate, God didn’t explicitly instruct me to do those things. But He gave me the ability and wisdom to act. Similarly, God expects us to maximize our potential and generate results.
Productivity Is Key to Wealth Creation
The key to wealth lies in your ability to meet generational expectations by using the factors of production: land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship. If all the world’s wealth were evenly distributed today, those who are more productive would reclaim it within ten years.
God operates by the law of increasing returns: the more productive you are, the more He entrusts to you.
Personal Responsibility in Wealth Creation
Your productivity is not a collective responsibility; it is a personal one. Churches can provide a platform for fellowship, but they are not a substitute for individual effort. Too many people rely solely on the church or general overseers for financial breakthroughs, which often leads to frustration and poverty.
As a pastor or member of a congregation, you must develop personal productive capacity. Manage your resources wisely, create value, and reinvest to multiply your talents.
Breaking Free from Dependence
Some pastors and church members become financially dependent on congregations or denominations. This dependence often leads to manipulation, like raising funds under the guise of “seeds” or “offerings.” While giving is important, true wealth comes from creating value and multiplying what you have.
My wife and I started with little—a publishing business with ₦35,000 and a school with five pupils. Today, these ventures have grown significantly. Our journey teaches that even the smallest resources, when well-managed, can yield substantial results.
The Marketplace Is the Key
The servants in the parable did not invest their talents in the church treasury; they invested in the marketplace. The results they brought back pleased the master, who rewarded them with more responsibilities and resources.
Your salary, savings, or gifts are seeds. If you invest wisely—whether in agriculture, businesses, or intellectual pursuits—they will yield returns. But if you bury your resources or fail to maximize opportunities, you risk stagnation.
Closing Thoughts
Productivity is not optional; it is a divine mandate. Jesus said the servant who buried his talent was “wicked” and condemned him. Lack of productivity is a sin because it goes against God’s design for us to be fruitful and multiply.
Let us embrace the marketplace as the primary arena for wealth creation. Develop your abilities, manage your resources, and pursue legitimate ventures. As you do, remember that God delights in the prosperity of His people—but this prosperity must be earned through diligent effort and wise stewardship.
“The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree.” – Psalms 92:12.
Grow deep roots, harness your resources, and let your light shine in the marketplace.
Stay productive, my friends! God bless you.
Upcoming Webinar
Join me on December 6th and 7th at 7:00 PM Nigerian time for a transformative webinar on productivity and wealth creation. Send a message to +234 802 121 9262 for more details.
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