Reverend Eric Dzansi, delivering a sermon at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) in Kodzi, emphasized the inherent conflict between serving God and the pursuit of wealth. He argued that both God and wealth demand complete devotion and loyalty, making it impossible to genuinely serve both simultaneously. This principle, he explained, stems from the fundamental understanding that our hearts can only have one true master. Dividing our allegiance between divine principles and material possessions creates an internal conflict that ultimately hinders our spiritual growth and compromises our values. He drew upon biblical texts, including Psalm 113, Amos 8:4-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, and Luke 16:1-13, to support his message, emphasizing the scriptures’ consistent warnings against the dangers of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual values. Rev. Dzansi’s sermon served as a timely reminder to the congregation, and indeed to all Christians, about the importance of aligning their priorities with their faith.
Rev. Dzansi highlighted the pervasive influence of wealth in contemporary Ghanaian society, observing that money has become the dominant force that dictates social interactions and influences perceptions of worth. He lamented the prevailing societal trend where the affluent are accorded undue respect and deference, while the poor are often ignored and marginalized. He stressed that this reverence for wealth has led many individuals to elevate money to the status of a god, prioritizing material possessions over ethical considerations and spiritual values. This distorted perspective, he warned, has dire consequences for individuals and society as a whole, eroding moral principles and fostering a culture of greed and exploitation. Rev. Dzansi’s observations underscore the insidious nature of materialism and its potential to undermine the fabric of a just and equitable society.
The reverend pointed out the detrimental consequences of this obsession with wealth, citing examples of unethical practices that individuals engage in to acquire riches. He mentioned young people resorting to internet fraud (“sakawa”) and ritualistic practices in their pursuit of quick money, highlighting the desperation that drives some to abandon moral principles for material gain. He also condemned the dishonest practices prevalent in the marketplace, such as traders using false scales to cheat customers and contractors inflating project costs for personal enrichment. These examples, he argued, demonstrate how the pursuit of wealth can corrupt individuals and erode the trust that binds communities together.
Furthermore, Rev. Dzansi criticized public officials who demand bribes and even some preachers who exploit their congregations for financial gain, turning the pulpit into a business platform. He emphasized that when money becomes the driving force, individuals are more likely to compromise their integrity, truthfulness, and loyalty. This pursuit of wealth at all costs, he warned, can lead to a devaluation of human life and a disregard for justice, ultimately leading to societal destruction. His condemnation of these practices underscores the importance of ethical leadership and the responsibility of those in positions of power to uphold moral principles.
The reverend expressed deep concern about the detrimental effects of this pursuit of wealth on young people, noting that some sacrifice their future, health, and even family relationships in exchange for quick riches. He lamented the prevailing attitude that views human life as less valuable than money, highlighting the erosion of fundamental values that this perspective represents. He urged Christians, particularly those in leadership roles, to utilize their resources to uplift the poor and contribute to the betterment of society. This call to action emphasizes the importance of using wealth responsibly and for the benefit of others, reflecting the core principles of Christian teaching.
Rev. Dzansi concluded his sermon with a powerful exhortation to Christians, urging them to prioritize God above all else. He reminded them that God is the source of life, peace, and eternal joy, and should therefore occupy the central place in their hearts and lives. He encouraged them to view money as a tool to be used responsibly, rather than a master to be served. By placing God first and foremost, he argued, Christians can resist the allure of material wealth and live lives that are aligned with their faith, contributing to a more just and compassionate world. This concluding message reinforces the central theme of the sermon: that true fulfillment and lasting peace are found in serving God, not in the pursuit of material wealth.
