Christians rebuked on begging mentality, tipped to build sustainable wealth
Namuganza noted that many people have long viewed spiritual growth and material prosperity as opposing forces. However, she said, God’s desire for His children includes holistic stewardship, where financial pursuits are guided by Kingdom principles, integrity and purpose.
Dr. Michael Bikolwa with Matthew Bazanye, the Kamuli district NRM Party Chairman, during the book launch. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
Many people have valuable knowledge and life experience that is lost when they fail to document it.
This was one of the messages delivered by George Musisi, Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, during the launch of Dr Michael Bikolwa Moses’ book, Mysteries of Kingdom Wealth, at Shiloh Ministries Namugongo.
“Many people do not write. It means that the knowledge you have, you have left it with the world,” Musisi said. “The book is about seeking generational, lasting wealth, not a quick one.”
Mathew Bazanya, the Kamuli District NRM Party chairperson, attributed some Ugandans’ reluctance to write to poor reading habits. Bazanya says he was once among them but has since changed.
“I hated reading because I went through a rough time. I would always be at work looking for how to make ends meet,” says Bazanya, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bugabula South Constituency in Kamuli District. “Since I have grown up, I have picked up the reading culture.”
He says reading is important because it expands knowledge and exposes people to new ideas.
Bazanya also praised Bikolwa, a pastor, for writing a book that addresses both spiritual and material wellbeing.
“This book tells us how to get wealth and keep it for generations,” he said.
Dr Anthony Mula, chairperson of the Busoga Consortium for Development and Economic Assistant at State House, delivered the speech of the guest of honour, State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Persis Namuganza, in her absence.
Dr. Joyce Abaliwano Mulebeke, the State Minister for Gender, Women & Children Affairs, Busoga Kingdom, remarks. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
“The launch of the book serves as a timely reminder that being poor is not merely about personal accumulation,” she said. “But about gaining the means to uplift families, strengthen communities and transform our nations.”
While some born-again leaders encourage believers to claim wealth through faith, critics argue that believers are not always given practical guidance on how to attain it. Pr Capher Michael Munga of Family of Christ Church says Bikolwa’s book provides practical avenues for Christians to build wealth.
The book, he adds, also encourages believers to change their mindset and take responsibility for improving their circumstances.
“Things will not find you where you are,” Munga said. “Believers need to wake up and start working towards the betterment of their families.”
Dr Joyce Abaliwano Mulebeke, the State Minister for Gender, Women and Children Affairs in the Busoga Kingdom, similarly urged believers to combine prayer with action.
Although God is the source of wealth, she said, inactivity can prevent people from achieving it.
“I do not believe in a situation where people are praying all day and doing nothing,” she said. “Praying is an action, which should be followed by looking for wealth.”
Challenging the begging mentality
Bikolwa, the author, criticised what he described as a begging mentality among some pastors and believers.
“When pastors go abroad, they want to beg,” he said. “That does not give a good testimony towards our God.”
He likened the Church to Lazarus in the biblical account of Lazarus and the rich man, arguing that some believers have become dependent on handouts rather than seeking sustainable solutions to poverty.
“Like Lazarus, the church is stuck at the gates of the rich man,” he said, “always begging and waiting for the crumbs.”
Bikolwa acknowledged that temporary assistance can provide relief but argued that it does not address the root causes of poverty.
“When Lazarus had his wounds being licked by the dogs, he got some relief,” he said, likening this to short-term assistance that offers temporary relief without solving underlying problems.
To overcome poverty, Bikolwa said, people need something of value that they can exchange for income. Those without capital or assets, he added, should consider working for others and earning an honest wage rather than relying on begging.