I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. One thing I detest is pretense and hypocrisy—desiring one thing but pretending to seek another. My relationship with God is as personal and open as the one I had with my earthly father. That’s why the Spirit of God within us cries out, “Abba, Father.”
Today, I want to discuss balancing the gospel of Jesus’s birth in a manger, the kingdom message, and our present-day reality. Too often, hypocritical Christians react negatively whenever wealth or success is mentioned, dismissing it as materialism. Listen, if you want to be purely spiritual, you might as well die and become a spirit. As long as we live in this material world, we must engage with it, though with modesty, legitimacy, and consideration for others.
Let Your Light Shine
Do not dim your light to impress those whose doctrines are unbalanced. Jesus himself said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The wise virgins in the parable refused to share their oil, knowing it would plunge everyone into darkness. Likewise, don’t reduce your shine for anyone.
God, who gave us His only begotten Son, is willing to provide us with all we need. The Bible is filled with examples of His blessings: He gave Adam and Eve the Garden of Eden, blessed Abraham abundantly, and prospered Isaac to the point where even his enemies sought peace with him. Evidence of God’s blessings often speaks louder than theology.
Born in a Manger, but Not Destined to Stay There
It is true that Jesus was born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. But this was not a sign of spirituality through poverty. Joseph, being a young man, was not yet economically established at the time of Jesus’s birth. However, he demonstrated financial capability when he fled with his family to Egypt.
Being poor or materially deficient is not synonymous with being spiritual. It could stem from ignorance, laziness, or poor planning. God’s blessings are evident throughout the Bible. Isaac’s servant gave Rebecca gold jewelry worth millions in today’s value. The Good Samaritan was wealthy enough to own donkeys, spare clothing, and the means to pay for a stranger’s care. Wealth, when acquired legitimately, is not unholy.
Evidence Matters
The world respects visible success. When I began teaching about wealth creation, some skeptics doubted my credibility. It wasn’t until they saw my investments—schools, properties, and projects—that they believed. Evidence preaches better than words. Even in ministry, people often take you more seriously when they see tangible results.
Have a Legacy in Your Homeland
As a black man, it’s crucial to invest in your home country or locality. The world is becoming more nationalistic, and you could face discrimination if you have nothing to fall back on in your homeland. I’ve seen people humiliated because they had no roots or investments in their villages or countries. Build a legacy where you come from to avoid being stranded or disrespected.
Balancing Spirituality and Reality
Let’s not romanticize poverty as spirituality. Even Esau, who sold his birthright, had wealth. Don’t misinterpret Jesus’s humble birth as an excuse to live in lack. God’s kingdom message is about balance: spirituality combined with wisdom, hard work, and visible evidence of His blessings.
Practical Steps for 2025
As we approach 2025, I invite you to join my webinar in January, titled “Hit the Ground Running Financially 2025.” Contact us for inquiries. Early payments before December 31st come with a discount.
Remember, evidence of God’s blessings in your life can be the greatest testimony to others. Let your life inspire others to seek God.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki.
+ God bless you.
