Expressing deep concern over the rampant corruption in the country, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), emphasized that corruption is at an all-time high because many Christians, who are meant to be distinct and set apart, have compromised their values.
During the sixth day of the church’s annual convention, which focused on the theme “Heaven,” Adeboye urged Christians to reject a lifestyle of double standards. He recounted an incident where one of his spiritual daughters was asked to inflate a N3 million contract to N33 million.
He stated,
“We talk about corruption in Nigeria. Why do you think corruption has become so deep? it is because we Christians, who are supposed to be peculiar people, are not making any difference. It’s so difficult to even know who is who.
“You must be as pure as light, people must be able to see you at a distance and know that this is a candidate for heaven. In your behaviour, character, you must be different. If you want to compromise because of promotion, let them take their promotion because you are a peculiar people.
“The world will hate you because of your standard, because your standard is that of God.” Adeboye added.
He shared the story of one of his daughters in faith who was awarded a road construction contract in a Nigerian state. Although she proposed a budget of N3 million, she was instructed to inflate the cost to N33 million. She refused the offer, saying, “I am a child of God; how can I spend this money?” Her stance left the officials baffled, as they viewed her as someone out of touch with reality.
In another instance, Adeboye narrated how another believer, after being awarded a contract to tar a road, discovered the road was already paved. When she reported the mistake, she was told, “What’s your problem? Just take your money and give us our share.”
Adeboye asserted that corruption would cease if Christians stood firm in their principles, even in challenging situations.
Continuing his sermon, Adeboye revealed that he has been feeling sober lately, reflecting on a near-miss in following God’s favor during the Friday Holy Ghost Service. He explained that holiness requires complete obedience to God, and shared how he almost deviated from God’s direction during a service.
“Holiness means total obedience to God. I have been sober since yesterday. It took God’s special love not to reprimand me. I had prepared a sermon, but God wanted to speak, and I was interrupting Him.”
He warned against going against God’s will, stating that no one can love the church more than God Himself. “You are dealing with the Almighty. You cannot love the church more than its Owner. When He says this is the direction to go, and you try to do it your way, you are on your own,” Adeboye concluded.