“There’s a sucker born every minute” was a common remark I heard in my Economics 101 class. It was a time when Ponzi schemes were at a crest and everything from Noni juice to miracle vitamins to find-your-freedom business schemes plagued church communities. Eventually, a few made money, but many lost their savings as they grew weary of weekly interest meetings, PowerPoint presentations, and making pleas of distant friends to meet at their home. For the sake of their pride, a few friends held to their sales pitch, but many wisely abandoned the get-rich-quick schemes.

Today, the peddlers are back on the surging social media wave. In addition to promises of great wealth in 3-6 months, another level of icing has been added to the scammers’ cake. Today, they offer to make their victims social media celebrities. Feeding into the need for affirmation, these tricksters offer everything from worldwide platforms to best-selling books, to numerous subscribers and statistically staggering popularity. Yet there’s only one thing common to this seemingly new but ancient scam. Victims are left exhausted by promises and poorer after they purchase the propaganda.

Can I tell you a fundamental principle found in the council of God’s word that can spare you from the trap of loss in arena?

If it sounds too good to be true, it is not true.

Hard work and fiscal responsibility are the only safe pathways to consistent, sustainable success. If your “business advice” comes from social media, reels, posts, and success stories of people you previously never knew, then you are headed down a well-crafted rabbit hole of disappointment. If you find yourself hoping for success to prove that your risk-taking is valid, then you are a prime target for every con artist’s marketing plan. Even in church circles, charlatans are peddling gimmicks of making the gullinle into world-renowned speakers or church-multiplying leaders through their $19.99 training video.

There is no secret strategy to becoming wealthy or famous in 30, 60, or 90 days. When you buy into a get-rich-quick or become famous scheme, you’re the sucker they are hoping to find.

How can financial, personal, or even spiritual success be achieved? Through the faithful practice of working, budgeting, and listening to counsel from those you know you.

Don’t become the next victim of someone’s popular, celebrity-studded miracle plan. Say no to the allurement of rapid success and promises of popularity.

Finally, let me say that a great indicator of success that you cannot afford to overlook is the peace and strength of God’s presence, which will always sustain your heart as you move with wisdom.