Teachings on Money and Possessions

QUESTION

It has been observed that “Corruption has, indeed, reached an epidemic level in Kenya. The solution to it may not always lie in the law, even though that is the best place to start.” From your studies in Christian worldview,

(a) With relevant examples, explore the biblical teachings on money and possessions

The bible teaches that God is the giver of money and possessions. Remember that the Lord your God is he who gives you ability to produce wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18.

These are blessings and at no given time should these blessings come between God and His people. The possession of wealth comes with the obligation to care for the needy, He who is kind the poor lends to the Lord. Prover It is a sin when people give priority to money and possessions than God. We are given money and possession for us to bless others and not to maintain luxurious lifestyles.

Money has been used in the bible to do good and bad too.

Money was used to buy grain from Egypt during famine. Genesis 41:57. Money was also used to buy offerings. David bought threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. (2 Samuel 24:24.)

Just as money was used for noble causes it was also used dishonorably. Judas Iscariot was given money to betray Jesus. (Mathew 27:3-9). The soldiers were given money to lie that Jesus’ disciples came and took his body from the tomb. (Mathew 28:12-15)

Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things.

(Colossians 3:2). The bible teaches that God is the giver of possessions but then the earthly possessions are inferior to the heavenly one. Christians need to seek God’s kingdom first. (Mathew 16:26), What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul.

The possessions we are blessed with should be used to help others. (Luke 16:19) ,I tell you ,use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone , you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

(b) Outline any five ways by which corruption is manifested

Bribery

A bribe is any payment given to get something or a service that they do not rightfully deserve. A businessman will give a bribe in order to get a tender in a company. A defendant or plaintiff in a case will bribe a judge to rule in their favor.

Sexual harassment

This usually happens where a more powerful staff uses his or her powers and influence to ask for sexual favors in order to give someone a job, treatment, promotion, salary increment or any other benefits. A politician will ask a student for sexual favors in order to give them bursaries. It might be verbal or physical.

Falsification

This is the act of making something false in order to produce a false identification and appearance. People can create a false document like a certificate or alter an existing one.

Forgery

Forgery is a form of corruption committed usually for financial gain. One acts on behalf of another without their consent or signs documents on their behalf. The intention is to cheat a person, company or organization out of their money, goods, services or information to be used for the personal gain of the forger.

Discrimination

Discrimination can be associated with ethnicity, race, languages and background. It occurs when someone, or a group of people, is treated less favorably than another person or group because of their race, color, national or ethnic origin; gender, marital status or even age.

(C) Discuss biblical perspectives on the fate of corrupt people

A gift in secret subdues anger, a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath, (Proverbs 21:14.) The bible does not condone corruption, it teaches that Christians should keep off from corrupt deeds. Ephesians 5:11, the bible says take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness instead expose them. Engaging in corruption is an abomination and it does not make God happy. Psalms 53:1, The fool says in his heart that there is no God, they are corrupt and committed abominable injustice.

Greedy is condemned too in the bible and those that engage in such he will not prosper. God will not bless them and they will not know any good. The bible says that their household will be troubled but those who hate bribe will live. Proverbs 14: 27.

God saw that the earth was corrupt in time Noah and decided to put end to all people, Genesis 6:11-15. He directed Noah to build an ark. There is no life for corrupt people, God will destroy them. The consequence of sin, Romans 6:23, is death.

In Deuteronomy 27:25, that any person who takes or accepts a bribe to condemn to death an innocent person is guilty and is cursed. Judas Iscariot received thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus. When he realized his mistake and tried to return the money to the chief priests and elders, they refused it terming it as blood money, he later committed suicide. Mathew 27:3-9

For those who use their power to oppress others, the bible says they will be driven to madness and those that who accept bribe their hearts will be corrupt. Ecclesiastes 7:7.

(d) Explain how a mindset of corruption is acquired and passed on from one generation to another.

A mindset is said to be a collection of thoughts and beliefs. These thought beliefs affect how someone thinks, feels and does. It is someone’s way of thinking and opinions. A mindset is acquired through observation. What other people say and do.

In todays world people will tell you if you want this or that service just give something little and it will be done in a second. Another will tell you when I was in such a situation, I saw this particular person and they helped me but you have given something.

From childhood people will learn from their parents. An example a parent will tell his or her daughter to have a sweet and I can send to the shop or if you agree to go to the shop, I will buy you something. This child will grow up knowing if you want anything done you have to give out something.

This will be passed on from this child to their children. This will even spread to the outside world and such a child will do exactly the same to a doctor or a teacher. This is something that they belief is okay.

(e) Suggest any five practical ways by which Kenyans can be redeemed from the mindset of corruption

Use of technology to reduce handling of cash and direct contact between persons dealing with each other. Improving legal procedures, less time consuming and tiresome ways of conducting business Use other means of money transfer other than cash an example being M- Pesa,

Educating people of their rights and the effects of corruption. That this is what they deserve and is not a favor for someone to ask for a bribe.

Leaders to lead by an example. Leaders need to be honest, respectful, show integrity and set an example for hard work. From the presidency to governors, senators, religious leaders and even other leaders within the community.

Need for credibility. The authority needs to punish some ‘big fish’ in the country. This should be done publicly so that every Kenyan sees it and the rest can learn from it.

There should be strong oversight bodies which are not politically interfered with. Anti-corruption offices need to be accessible too and employ honest persons.