It is without a doubt that the Kenyan people are among the most religious in the world. By extension, Africa is probably the most religious continent the world over. But after 6 decades of self-rule, it remains one of the poorest and most corrupt. It is only in Africa, where the Black Tax is a huge burden to the majority of the people.
For instance, how do we explain the levels of corruption in Kenya when about 86% of the populace are confessed Christians? 11% are confessed Muslims. Taken together, 97% of Kenyans are affiliated with the main religions in the world. As far as I know, none of the religious teachings, including our traditional African customs teach or support stealing from the poor or conning others.
It is quite unfortunate that the easiest place to be conned or taken advantage of is within religious settings or by people who profess religiosity. From my short experience here under the sun, it is worse among Christians. Among most Muslims, a firm Handshake is worth enough to seal a contract worth millions or even billions with absolute trust.
I know religious matters stroke a lot of emotions. But when it comes to money and wealth, faith has to be accompanied by decisive action and willingness to take risks if you will ever make progress. If you doubt this, ask someone who has ever met a brother or sister or even a man or woman of cloth when they were absolutely in need of food or even a bus fare and all they could tell you is ‘God bless you’.
Years ago, I tarmacked properly in this city. Besides, twice the sun rose from the east on two separate occasions and I did not know where to lay my head for the night when the sun sets. At such moments, Faith not accompanied by specific action to solve the person’s immediate need means absolutely nothing!
The same rules apply when it comes to money. Let me put it into perspective:
- The Holy Scriptures themselves prescribe work as the means to earn a livelihood and wealth – God promises to bless the work of our hands, not just prayers and fasting. Yet, so many of us want to spiritualise money and wealth. It is strange how many people in this country think prayers, fasting and shouting Amen is going to put food on their tables and fill their bank accounts with cash. That is the reason so many people a becoming easy victims to many charlatans operating in this country in the name of god;
- Make your prayers, but plant in season and take care of your crops – I use planting figuratively here. It means whatever you trust God for, make an effort towards it. For instance, if you’re looking for a job, planting in season means making applications to several potential employers. Angels will not drop from heaven to submit applications on your behalf. I get surprised by how many young people today want to do nothing expecting their parents, relatives or friends to find jobs for them –it doesn’t work like that. Even when God rained manna from heaven, the children of Israel had to wake up every morning to take enough for each day –meaning they had to work to earn their bread for the day;
- Faith rewards effort not idling – ask anyone who knows a miracle by name; they’ll tell you it found them not idling somewhere, but while working towards their goals. For instance, I wake up at 4.00 am when the world is asleep to exercise and make prayers to my maker. Out of this, I have got amazing opportunities that I will document someday. When I get these jobs, I do know it is my prayers and faith that have brought them my way. I deliver any assignment not only to the best of my abilities but beyond what my clients expect of me or are paying for.
It is for the same reasons I create time to write these articles every week. Nobody pays me to do it nor do I have anyone funding this page. I pay for the costs of hosting and maintaining the page from my pockets. Yet, many people would not even take the time to read these articles or act on the many ideas I share that have worked for me personally.
But that is the way of life, only the few willing to act on their prayers of faith and take the necessary risks get rewarded with money and wealth. That is just how the world we are living is – there cannot be gains without sacrifice and a price to pay in return!