“God is not against His children becoming rich” – Pastor Otabil

During his sermon at the Kingdom Life World Conference hosted by Bishop Mike Okonkwo at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Nigeria, Pastor Mensa Otabil emphasized the importance of hard work and diligence as a pathway to God-given wealth.

Commenting on the theology of work, Pastor Otabil highlighted that God embraces the prosperity of His children but insists it must result from their labor and dedication.  

“God is not against His children becoming rich. He planned for it. Christ came for it,” Pastor Otabil affirmed. 

However, he cautioned against expecting wealth without effort. “You’re not going to think that just attending prayer meeting after prayer meeting, you’ll prosper. No. If you labour and sweat, and you wake up in the morning and go to work with urgency and diligence, then the earth will be a blessing for you.” 

Referencing Apostle Paul’s teaching, he stated, “He who does not work must not eat.”

He further encouraged believers to seek wealth earned through effort and integrity, saying, “You must have money that you are proud and dignified that you have… You sweat it by your own brows, you worked hard for it.”  

Pastor Otabil concluded by urging Christians to view work as redemptive, presenting their labor as a “sweet-smelling sacrifice” to God.