Written November 2012
A Nigerian pastor celebrated the anniversary of his service in ministry and his congregation bought him a gift, which happened to be a private jet. The Nigerian public is incensed - christians, muslims, pagans, atheists all decrying the recent spate of jet owning pastors.
Before I attempt to dissect the matter, my view is that if he wants a jet and buys or accepts one, it is not illegal and it is left for him and his congregation to justify their actions in their heads, hearts and before God on the day of reckoning. And also work out how to afford the maintenance and operational costs.
Some have complained that this acquisition is morally distasteful in the midst of poverty in the country. Good point but I cannot help but think about the cars, gold, wristwatches etc. that these complainers own and the irony in their outcry. If you cannot give a thousand naira to the beggar, I doubt that you will give a million. How many of these people spend their time and money on helping the poor? What have you done for the less priviledged lately?
Some complaints have been about the destinations that the jets will be flying to. How many have tried preaching to their neighbours or the okada drivers in your neighbourhood or even your drivers?
Some have suggested that the jets are funded by tithes and offerings from the church's coffers. I believe these are just speculations but if it was funded from the church's coffers, the onus is on members of the church to complain and demand an explanation or to take their tithes and offerings and go elsewhere. Unfortunately, I doubt there is a way to get your tithes & offerings refunded like in the UK. If it was funded by a select few who paid from their excess resources then we need to let them be. Having donated to such gift purchases in the past, I can say that there are all sorts of reasons behind these sacrificial givings. Considering that these people are smart enough to make money we should trust them to spend their money.
Quite frankly, I'm sick and tired of people pointing fingers without any real justification for their moral high ground. Most missionaries that I know of are so worried about reaching the unsaved and guiding their children that they really don't have time to help some pastor figure out what he should or should not be doing!
Perhaps if these people are so skilled in working out others lives, can you help me out?
Are my challenges today the result of my past sins?
Can I be truly forgiven for a deliberate sin that I am currently contemplating?
How do I forgive someone so close to me that has hurt me, when I struggle to forgive myself?
One more thing, I don't believe that pastors or bishops etc will be judged by a different constitution or in the Supreme court of heaven. We have all been given the same commission and bible to guide us as Christians and we will all face judgement!
A Nigerian pastor celebrated the anniversary of his service in ministry and his congregation bought him a gift, which happened to be a private jet. The Nigerian public is incensed - christians, muslims, pagans, atheists all decrying the recent spate of jet owning pastors.
Before I attempt to dissect the matter, my view is that if he wants a jet and buys or accepts one, it is not illegal and it is left for him and his congregation to justify their actions in their heads, hearts and before God on the day of reckoning. And also work out how to afford the maintenance and operational costs.
Some have complained that this acquisition is morally distasteful in the midst of poverty in the country. Good point but I cannot help but think about the cars, gold, wristwatches etc. that these complainers own and the irony in their outcry. If you cannot give a thousand naira to the beggar, I doubt that you will give a million. How many of these people spend their time and money on helping the poor? What have you done for the less priviledged lately?
Some complaints have been about the destinations that the jets will be flying to. How many have tried preaching to their neighbours or the okada drivers in your neighbourhood or even your drivers?
Some have suggested that the jets are funded by tithes and offerings from the church's coffers. I believe these are just speculations but if it was funded from the church's coffers, the onus is on members of the church to complain and demand an explanation or to take their tithes and offerings and go elsewhere. Unfortunately, I doubt there is a way to get your tithes & offerings refunded like in the UK. If it was funded by a select few who paid from their excess resources then we need to let them be. Having donated to such gift purchases in the past, I can say that there are all sorts of reasons behind these sacrificial givings. Considering that these people are smart enough to make money we should trust them to spend their money.
Quite frankly, I'm sick and tired of people pointing fingers without any real justification for their moral high ground. Most missionaries that I know of are so worried about reaching the unsaved and guiding their children that they really don't have time to help some pastor figure out what he should or should not be doing!
Perhaps if these people are so skilled in working out others lives, can you help me out?
Are my challenges today the result of my past sins?
Can I be truly forgiven for a deliberate sin that I am currently contemplating?
How do I forgive someone so close to me that has hurt me, when I struggle to forgive myself?
One more thing, I don't believe that pastors or bishops etc will be judged by a different constitution or in the Supreme court of heaven. We have all been given the same commission and bible to guide us as Christians and we will all face judgement!
