I first encountered the term “Resource Curse” while researching the frustrating stagnancy of my homeland, Guyana. Rich in gold, oil, bauxite, and timber, yet crippled by corruption, mismanagement, and inequality, Guyana represents a paradox seen in many parts of the world: countries rich in natural resources, but poor in sustainable progress. Economists refer to this as the paradox of plenty, a condition where abundance doesn’t lead to prosperity, but instead becomes a catalyst for dependency, division, and dysfunction.
And though it is a deeply political and economic concept, it struck me just how spiritual this truth really is.
I’ve seen it not only in countries, but in congregations.
I’ve walked into church buildings where the treasury is full, the facility is modern, the membership large, and yet the spiritual fire has long since gone cold. Sermons sound like both the preacher and the church settled for where they are. The prayers are shallow. The fellowship is obsolete. Contrast that with other congregations, smaller in number, lacking funds, with no air conditioning or online streaming, yet brimming with faith, fervor, and fruit. They live out Philippians 1:27, “striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Now this is certainly not the case for everywhere however, I can argue that it sometimes become true in many places around the world without limiting christianity to the western world.
This is not a new phenomenon. Consider the first-century church.
The Contrast Between Corinth and Macedonia
The church at Corinth had many spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:5–7), but they also had division, arrogance, and moral compromise (1 Corinthians 3:1–3; 5:1–2). Paul called them “carnal” despite their riches. They had abundance, but not always spiritual alignment.
On the other hand, the churches in Macedonia, notably Philippi and Thessalonica, were marked by poverty and persecution, yet overran with generosity and joy. Paul testifies,
“that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” (2 Corinthians 8:2, NKJV).
They gave beyond their means, not because they had much, but because they trusted God with everything.
So what does this teach us?
A Spiritual “Resource Curse”
It is possible to have much and be empty. It is possible to lack and be full. Jesus told the lukewarm Laodiceans:
“You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).
The real curse, then, is not in having resources, but in relying on them. When gifts replace the Giver, when strategy replaces Scripture, and when pride replaces purpose, we begin to rot from the inside out.
We forget what Moses warned Israel of long ago:
“When you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them… then your heart will be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:12–14).
Abundance can dull awareness. Comfort can kill conviction.
How Do We Guard Against This Curse?
Stay Dependent on God – Regardless of our budget, building, or body count, we must echo Paul’s words: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves… but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5).
Pursue Character Over Comfort – Churches that prioritize ease over evangelism lose their identity. Let us be content with little if it means being faithful in much (Luke 16:10).
Examine Ourselves Regularly – A resourceful church should be even more vigilant about its spiritual health. As Paul exhorted: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Celebrate and Support Faithful Churches with Less – Let us not diminish their passion while hoarding our possessions. Like the Macedonians, let us beg to share in the fellowship of the work (2 Corinthians 8:4).
Final Reflection:
Just because a congregation can afford more doesn’t mean it is more.
Just because a church has more doesn’t mean it does more.
The danger is in confusing riches with righteousness and success with faithfulness.
Let’s resist the spiritual “resource curse.” Whether in Guyana or America, in rural villages or urban centers, in small house churches or grand auditoriums, may we never forget that the strength of the church is not in what it possesses, but in Who possesses it.
“Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…?” (James 2:5)
May that be said of us.