When you hear the word “blessing,” what comes to mind? For many people, especially within the Nigerian community, blessings are almost always tied to wealth. Elitist pastors often define blessings as having a huge bank account, driving fancy cars, or owning multiple properties. If you’re not rich, well, you’re apparently not blessed. But is that really the meaning of blessing? In this commentary, I want to challenge that belief and offer a different view.
Blessing Is Not Just About Prosperity
The idea that blessing equals wealth has unfortunately taken hold in many parts of the world, but nowhere does it seem as rampant as in the Nigerian community. This perspective is not just limited to those living in Nigeria but has spread to Nigerians in the diaspora as well. You’re judged by the house you live in or the career you have. Heaven help you if you’re not a nurse or a nurse practitioner; you’re treated as if you’re cursed.
But material wealth doesn’t define a person’s worth or their connection to God. In fact, the more we glorify riches as a sign of divine favor, the further we stray from the truth of what it means to be truly blessed.
Where Do You Go? Who Do You Hang Out With?
It seems like everywhere you turn, it’s the same conversation. Whether you’re at church, hanging out with friends, or reaching out to family, the narrative doesn’t change. It’s all about the next big thing they’ve acquired—the new house, the latest car, or the money they’ve accumulated. It can feel overwhelming and isolating when this is all anyone wants to talk about. Where do you go to escape this mindset?
You sit in church, hoping for spiritual guidance, but what you often get is a pep talk on how God is going to bless you with more riches. You hang out with friends, and all you hear is boasting about their material accomplishments. Even with family, the same comparisons happen. It’s like no one is interested in meaningful conversations anymore.
In these moments, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong if you’re not “keeping up.” But the truth is, this cycle of comparison and materialism is exhausting, and it’s far from what being blessed really means. It takes a lot of courage to step away from these environments, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to do for your own mental and spiritual health.
Finding Peace Beyond the Noise
The question then becomes: where do you find peace? Who do you turn to when it feels like everyone is chasing the illusion of material blessing? The answer is simple but challenging—you find peace within. Surround yourself with people who value the right things: character, growth, kindness, and spirituality. These individuals may not be flashy or boastful, but they’ll offer you conversations that uplift rather than drain you. And sometimes, it means embracing solitude, allowing yourself the time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Why We’ve Got It All Wrong
Let’s be real for a moment. We’ve turned blessing into a competition. Have you ever noticed how some people flaunt their possessions? They’ll showcase their expensive cars, houses, and designer clothes as proof that they are “blessed.” If you don’t have the same things, then you must not be favored by God, right?
Wrong. Blessing, in its true form, is not something that can be measured by bank accounts or assets. Yet, this mindset is becoming so common that it’s pushing people away from Christianity. Many pastors, instead of teaching the true meaning of blessing, amplify this false idea. They boast about their material success, encouraging their congregations to chase after wealth rather than teaching them how to grow spiritually.
False Projections and Empty Conversations
One of the most striking examples of this illusion around blessing happens at end-of-the-year services in many churches. Pastors mount the podium and begin giving lofty projections of the blessings to come. “This year will be your year of abundance! You will build houses, buy cars, and enjoy financial overflow!” These promises fill people with false hope, leaving them to believe that if they don’t see these material blessings, something must be wrong with them. It’s as if God’s favor is now tied to how much money you accumulate by the end of the year.
It’s not just in churches, though. Hang out with friends, and often, all you hear are tales of their perceived accomplishments. Everyone talks about the houses they’ve built, the money they’ve stacked up, and the flashy possessions they’ve bought. Rarely is there a meaningful conversation about life, struggles, or growth. It’s almost as if people are in a race to prove how “blessed” they are through what they own.
Being in these circles can be draining. It takes strength, discipline, and self-control to sit in such gatherings without feeling miserable or inadequate. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself questioning your own worth simply because you’re not flaunting wealth. Sometimes, the best thing to do is stay away from these environments, especially if you don’t have the heart to endure the material boasting. It’s better to protect your peace than to allow yourself to be dragged into the illusion of blessings that these conversations promote.
The Consequences of This False Belief
The results of this misunderstanding are heartbreaking. In Nigeria, we’ve seen a rise in crime, fraud, and corrupt practices. Why? Because the pressure to be seen as “blessed” is so high that people will do anything to gain wealth. Families are torn apart when one spouse is perceived as less “blessed” than the other. Friendships dissolve when one person suddenly becomes richer and starts looking down on their former friends, labeling them as cursed.
And worst of all, many people have gone to an early grave in pursuit of blessings they were never meant to chase. The constant struggle for material wealth leaves people exhausted, stressed, and, in some cases, completely disillusioned.
But is this what blessing is supposed to be?
What Does It Mean to Be Truly Blessed?
The Bible offers a much different picture of blessing. In the book of Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus lists the Beatitudes, which show that blessings have nothing to do with material wealth. Instead, they are about character, attitude, and the way we treat others. Jesus says “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ( Matthew 5:3) He doesn’t say, “Blessed are those with luxury cars and mansions.”
True blessing is about spiritual richness, not financial wealth. It’s about peace, joy, and contentment, even when life is hard. A person who is truly blessed doesn’t need to prove it by showing off what they own. They don’t need to throw their success in anyone’s face because their blessing comes from within.
Blessing Is About Purpose, Not Possession
Have you ever met someone who is constantly at peace, no matter what they are going through? That person may not have a lot of money, but they are blessed because they have found purpose in their life. True blessings are found in your purpose, in the people you help, and the love you give. They are seen in your ability to forgive, show kindness, and live in gratitude for the little things.
Psalm 1:1-3 paints another picture of a blessed person. It says,
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked…but whose delight is in the law of the Lord.”
The blessing here is tied to the person’s connection with God, not with their wealth or achievements. It’s about walking in righteousness, delighting in good things, and trusting God for provision.
Books like “The Blessing of the Lord” by Kenneth Copeland and “Living in God’s Best” by Andrew Wommack explore what it truly means to be blessed. These works emphasize that blessing isn’t about material gains but about living a life that is full of purpose, peace, and connection to God. It’s about walking in spiritual freedom and being content, no matter your financial state.
The Danger of Prosperity Gospel
One of the reasons this false understanding of blessing has become so widespread is due to the rise of the prosperity gospel. This teaching promotes the idea that God’s primary desire is for His followers to be rich, and if they’re not, then something is wrong. While it’s true that God can bless us financially, it’s misleading to say that wealth is the ultimate sign of His favor.
The prosperity gospel can make people feel inadequate or cursed if they’re not financially successful, which is damaging. It creates a culture where people are constantly comparing themselves to others, striving to attain things they were never meant to have. In doing so, they miss out on the real blessings that come from walking with God, serving others, and living in peace.
Let’s Redefine What It Means to Be Blessed
It’s time for us to change the narrative. Blessing is not about how much you own but how much you give. It’s about having a heart full of gratitude and being content in every season of life. While there’s nothing wrong with having wealth, it’s wrong to tie your worth—or someone else’s worth—to their financial success.
We need to stop allowing people to throw their “blessings” in our faces and start seeking out the blessings that truly matter: peace of mind, love, joy, spiritual growth, and purpose. It’s these things that define a blessed life, not the car you drive or the house you live in.
Conclusion
The illusion that blessings equate to material wealth has skewed our understanding of what it truly means to be blessed. We’ve allowed riches to become the primary gauge of a person’s value, causing us to overlook the deeper, more meaningful blessings life has to offer. Let’s remind ourselves that true blessings stem from purpose, not possessions. It’s time to reshape our definition of being blessed—not only for our own sake but for the sake of future generations. In a world where outward success often dominates the conversation, remember that the most profound blessings originate from within. Don’t allow anyone else’s notion of blessing to make you feel less than you are.
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