Steve Lyston | No one listens to you when you are poor

Ecclesiastes 9: 15-16 says, "Now, there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless, the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard."

Wealth commands attention. Money talks - people listen. Regardless of how good the idea is to bring change and save lives, nobody listens to you when you are poor. When a rich man speaks, even if it is foolishness, the media, the government - everybody gives attention.

When you are poor, nobody listens to you nor takes your word seriously!

As I have said many times, it does not matter how wise and anointed you are, if you are poor, no man will remember you. This is why Christians should not allow anyone or any circumstance to stop them from pursuing wealth, but in the right way.

CHRISTIANS AND WEALTH

Many times, people paint a picture that Christians should not be wealthy, nor should they pursue wealth at all. But II Corinthians 8:9 tells us that Jesus became poor for us to become rich; and that can be both spiritually and materially. When we have wealth, we are able to execute God-given plans, realise visions, get involved in representational politics, without donors who have a different agenda. We can put forward real solutions to benefit all. Further to that, when we have wealth, then people will think twice before they try to make a name for themselves by ridiculing Christians. When we have wealth, we can sit at the table of decision and make real changes and a big impact. When we have wealth we can fund our own campaigns.

There are many, who unfortunately are among the poor, who are in fact sitting on gold and diamonds - solutions that can bring positive and lasting change. But having all this without the tangible resources to execute the ideas to show.

For example, if we say we have faith but cannot show the manifestation of wealth, then no one will take you seriously or want to give you certain access. When someone is wealthy, they are given certain access and opportunities that the poor have no access to. The rich man does not have to join the line or go through certain 'red tape'. His money is his password. The wealthy don't have to go through the rigid screening that the others do, nor are they subject to certain laws that govern everyone also.

Immigration problems don't affect the rich as they affect the poor. Most countries offer citizenship to the rich. In this world, money talks and nothing else matters! When a rich man speaks, respect is shown - even if he is speaking nonsense.

Many times, the poor curse the rich for being rich, but the poor must always make the effort to learn certain principles from the rich. The rich have learnt, to some extent, how to turn problems to profit! The rich stay in the company of their peers and support each other. I guarantee you will see more of the rich coming to the front line because they are unashamedly taking up global positions. This is why there is the need for more of the poor to become rich so they, too, can take their place and bring solutions to the table.

There are certain fundamental principles that the poor need to embrace. For example, they need to:

- Join chambers of commerce;

- Cut down on fast food and spend wisely;

- Make long-term goals and objectives;

- Start volunteering and work for the wealthy; and

- Before you curse them, pray for them and you received divine favour.

Stop focusing on what you don't have and start focusing on what you do have. God has already given you gifts and talents which can make you wealthy. You may think it small and insignificant, but nothing is so small that it can't create a future for us. If God allowed it for Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, The Matalon family, the Issa family and Michael Lee-Chin, then He can do it for you, too!

It is time for you to start a business, create jobs for others and contribute to the nation's economy and to the lives of others.

So, remember, if the Scripture says that no one will accept you, nor your decisions and intellect when you are poor, then it is time to get rich.