BRIBERY RESULTS IN COMPLICATED SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS
Isaiah 1:23-25 NIV Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them. Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
"Ah, I will get relief from my foes and avenge myself on my enemies. I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities.”
Prophet Isaiah gave this prophesy in the era of King Uzziah of Isreal who started well with the lord then soon became arrogant by reason of his success and later deviated from God’s commands . He trusted in his riches more than in the lord . He placed the Ammonites on tributes -sacrificial offerings (2Chron26:8) and became so influential that he had no regards for spiritual authority, he thought he could bribe God with offerings and was afflicted with leprosy . The same arrogance is displayed by preachers who promote the culture of bribery in the church through the so called 'miracle seed' . They place church members on tribute claiming it is a condition for receiving God’s favor, this is why the average Christian in bride –ridden countries have an entitlement mentality. They cannot show kindness without demanding for a reward in one way or the other either in cash or kind. They have been taught to believe that without a bribe you cannot get ahead in life . That is their definition of being smart .
The spiritual implications of receiving a bribe includes (1) instability in the family and nation Proverbs 29:4 says “By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down. (2) Failure of the legal system (Prov. 17:23) (3) Increase in kidnappings, arm robbery, terrorism ,he that receives a bribe is described in the bible as being wicked (prov17:23) (4) Foolishness , Nigeria boasts of the highest number of Phd ,MSc degree holders in Africa and among immigrants in the UK and USA and yet struggles with the basics of life because of a terrible bribe culture promoted by the clergy through the monetization of the gospel and partnership with looters of the people’s commonwealth Ecclesiastes 7:7 NLT says “ Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart. (5) Business failure and barrenness, whatever is achieved with the proceeds from bribery is not sustainable , it does not have God’s seal of approval ,its an abomination before God (Isaiah5:23-25) (6) Demotion and disaster , the person receiving a bribe is sowing a seed of reoccurring destruction and soon receive a harvest in due time (Ezekiel 21:25-27, Isaiah 33:1-2) (7) In danger of hell fire (Isaiah33:14-15) The fellow who promotes bribery is in danger of not entering the kingdom of God , that is why we are advised to avoid the company of such persons , 1 Corinthians 5:11 TLB says “What I meant was that you are not to keep company with anyone who claims to be a brother Christian but indulges in sexual sins, or is greedy, or is a swindler, or worships idols, or is a drunkard, or abusive. Don't even eat lunch with such a person. “.” We should always ask God to deliver us from a bribe-prone clergy and for a new heart in true holiness (1 Sam 12:3)
Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation and receive him as lord and savior and receive grace to escape the enemy’s deception in Jesus name.
+2348035536911 , +2348098536911 Email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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