Sharing the laws of financial increase

Updated: Tuesday 03-11-2009

Cover of the book.A review of Samson O. Ojo’s book, 10 Indispensable Laws of Amazing Financial Increase by Charles Akinsete.

Presently, the world is battling with a global financial melt-down, with the aim of finding an immediate solution to its over-bearing effect. This economic downward trend has affected both public and private businesses, corporate organisations, individuals, governments, among others. In short, this present generation is facing another economic depression in which the results could be abject poverty, adverse ecological and climatic change and ultimately death.

However, Pastor Samson Ojo, through this book, 10 Indispensable Laws of Amazing Financial Increase, provides physical, psychological as well as spiritual guidance out of the depressive, pessimistic financial deficiency, as encapsulated in the 10 laws.

Contrary to the poverty-stricken principle of many, that Christians, bound by their faith in Christ, must be complacent in the general quest for financial abundance, the author vehemently disagrees with this assertion, adding that this ideology is not only erroneous, but definitely negates the ideal purpose of creation.

According to the author, man is meant to “increase and subdue the earth. God’s design for man is not to barely survive or merely exists,” but to control, prosper and flourish.

Against the backdrop of the above statement, the inevitable questions arise: “Why are Christians poor?” and “What is the relationship between poverty and Christianity?”

The author provides both logical and spiritual answers to these questions as robustly discussed in the introduction of the book. In a nutshell, “to be holy is not equal to being poor.”

In addition, while arguing that poverty, contrary to many people’s mentality, is not a sign of holiness, neither is it a predisposition of God to his children, Pastor Ojo delves into 10 lay-down rules or laws that every Christian needs to adhere strictly to before he or she can record financial breakthrough, adding that everything created by God functions on divinely created principles or laws. Once these laws are violated, sorrow and pain become inevitable, but whenever these laws are correctly and consistently applied, financial lack and insufficiency will be a thing of the past.

In Chapter One, the author significantly relates the question of identity to the plausibility of delivery, arguing that “one’s identity is the key to one’s authority.” With adequate texts from the bible, the book further states the undeniable role identity plays in the quest of not just finding meaning in life, but being able to make an impact, especially in unfavourable circumstance.

While Chapter Two expressively demonstrates the power of faith in maintaining one’s attitude towards success, Chapter Three talks on the law of desire, which is the much needed fuel to sustain the man’s vision/dream till it becomes a reality. In the author’s word, “desire is the force which drives a dreamer to the point where his abstract thought becomes touchable realities.” Desire, however, must not be confused with a lacklustre way of thinking, but should produce six viable tools for progress - goal setting, decision making, creativity, action, discipline and persistence.

Chapter Four talks about the law of responsibility. It is often said that sustaining one’s wealth takes courage and responsibility and it takes a responsible individual to be able to respond to a situation that requires a change. To become wealthy, one must be tenacious, resilient and able to recognise and utilise any opportunity whenever available. Therefore, it takes a responsible mind to do that.

Chapters Five and Six both address the laws of divine leading and diligence respectively. While destiny thrives on divine leading, diligence is a crucial factor for ultimate success. “Whatever leads to success, glory, excellence and plenty of money is never for the indulgent. Hard work is always required.” Diligence would only brings forth increase when labour is well blended with ideas and tact.

Chapter Seven buttresses on efficiency. It is not only good to work hard but being efficient brings out the glory in one’s work. Chapter Eight is about the law of space, while Chapters Nine emphasises the law governing divine favour. Favour is defined as the manifestation of God’s choice to bless unconditionally, whether the recipient is qualified or not. This chapter reveals testimonies and sheds light on how to tap into God’s favour.

The last Chapter, titled law of release, focuses on one crucial law of creation – and that is seed sowing. A big forest starts from a seed. Therefore, to grow and be sustained in financial blessing, one must understand the principles governing seed sowing.

As much as this book speaks voluminously to every believer of Christ, I believe that everyone, irrespective of religion, denomination, race or status, can benefit from it. As much as poverty is not structured along the above-mentioned classification, limiting the content of this book to just Christian readers is basically selfish.

On the other hand, to whom much is given, much is very much expected.