I just watched a movie on YouTube. One of those classic Kanayo O. Kanayo roles — except this time, the plot flipped and of course, the Holy Spirit taught me something and inspired me to pen this down for you to read. 

Background for my non-African readers, Kanayo O. Kanayo is a veteran Nigerian actor, especially famous within the Nollywood film industry for portraying characters obsessed with wealth, power, and quick success. For decades, his face has been almost synonymous with a certain kind of storyline. The one where money doesn’t come free. Where riches are negotiated in dark rooms. Where success demands sacrifice. Usually human. Often heartbreaking. And can be summarized with one word we might all understand irrespective of culture: “Occultism”.

If you grew up watching Nollywood, you didn’t need the movie title to know how it would end. When Kanayo appeared on screen, everyone already knew the message: this wealth will cost more than money. His roles became cultural parables, cautionary tales dressed as entertainment. Parents warned their children. Pastors referenced them. Entire generations learned early that shortcuts always come with an invoice.

So when I clicked play on this particular movie, I thought I knew what I was signing up for. Same actor and familiar undertone. Except this time, the plot flipped.

He wasn’t the one dragging others into the cult.
This time, he was the one introduced.

It didn’t begin in a forest or a shrine or anywhere that would have triggered alarm bells. It began in a room that looked respectable. Men who looked like answers to prayer sat across from him and spoke the language of help. They didn’t call it a cult. They called it a network, a fellowship, a brotherhood and a circle for men who wanted more out of life.

And honestly, who doesn’t?

His business had been struggling. He had prayed. He had fasted and waited. And now there were doors opening without all the stress and strain. No midnight vigils or prolonged waiting. Just connections, contracts and access.

He joined.

And immediately, things changed.

Money started moving. Opportunities found him. Calls were returned. His name suddenly carried weight. It was everything he had asked God for, except this time, it came quickly. Everything he had fasted for  – except this time, he didn’t have to fast. Easily. Almost suspiciously easy.

But he didn’t question it. Most of us wouldn’t.

Then one day, they called him aside.

They said:
“You’ve tasted the benefit. Now seal it with sacrifice.”
He was ready, thinking it was monetary  – until they told him he had to give up his wife.

He flinched. They didn’t.
And when he refused, they gave him a countdown:
Seven days to comply or you die.

Six days later, he caved.

Not because he was uniquely wicked. But because fear has a way of shrinking convictions. Scripture tells us that “the fear of man brings a snare” (Proverbs 29:25), and snares rarely announce themselves until you’re already trapped.

And here’s the part that matters most: it didn’t end there.

It never does.

The Devil Doesn’t Offer Free Lunches

The enemy never reveals the full cost upfront. He lets you sample the benefits first. He allows you to taste relief, success, applause, ease. Only later does he present the bill.

That has always been his method.

From Eden onwards.

“Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1)
He didn’t deny God outright. He simply questioned the terms. He offered Eve knowledge that did not require obedience. And when the fruit was eaten, the cost appeared.

That’s still how he operates.

He is a skilled salesman. He offers kingdoms while hiding crosses of a different kind. He promises freedom while quietly fastening chains. Scripture calls him “the father of lies” (John 8:44), not because everything he says is false, but because truth is never complete when it comes from him.

God, on the other hand, is painfully honest. He lays it all out.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

“Which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?” (Luke 14:28)

God doesn’t sugarcoat obedience.
He never manipulates worship.
He tells you plainly:
There’s a cross.
There’s a cost. He tells you it will cost you comfort, pride, control. But He also tells you where the road leads.

Life –  abundant and eternal. Freedom. Resurrection.

Satan? He lets you taste before you pay. He lets you step in before you realize the floor is collapsing beneath you.

That’s how the deception works. 

First, It’s Just a Step
It always starts small.
– Just one compromise.
– Just one text.
– Just one shady deal.
– Just one lie.

And when judgment doesn’t strike immediately or nothing crashes, you relax. You assume it’s safe. But Scripture reminds us, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Delay is not denial. It’s often mercy.

And what you don’t realize is that you’re being lured, not loved.

The enemy is patient.

He lets you settle in. He lets you benefit. He lets you grow dependent. Then he asks for more, he comes for everything.

Just like the movie.

The contracts were real. The success felt legitimate. But the cost was never in the first transaction. It was hidden in the fine print.

“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy…”   –  John 10:10

Sometimes he comes dressed in opportunity. Sometimes in luxury. Sometimes in shortcuts that feel like favor. But destruction is always the destination.

God, On the Other Hand…
He tells you the terms before the journey.
He says, You will suffer  – but I will be with you.
He says, You will lose some things  – but gain Me.
He says, You will lay down your life  – but receive a crown.

And He doesn’t manipulate you into it.
He invites you.

“Come, follow Me.”   –  Matthew 4:19
“My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”   –  Matthew 11:30
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”   –  Mark 8:36

What’s the Real Cost?
Satan’s offers always look cheaper up front.
God’s path always looks more painful and difficult at first.

But look deeper. One leads to chains.
The other leads to Christ.

One buys your soul in installments.
The other paid for it in full  – with blood.

A Final Warning
The next time something promises you success without surrender…
Fame without faithfulness…
Power without purity…

Gain without obedience…

Ask for the fine print.

Test the spirits. (1 John 4:1)

Seek wisdom. (James 1:5)

Guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)

Because not everything that looks like help is harmless.
Not every open door is from God.

Not every opportunity is provision.

Not every shortcut is mercy.
And not every cost is counted at the beginning.

The devil always collects.

But thank God  – we serve a Savior who paid it all.

Dear Yahweh’s Delight,
Count the cost… and choose the Cross.
It may cost you comfort now.
But it saves you everything later.

And in case no one told you  – God doesn’t need you to sell your soul to be successful.
He already bought you.
So stay bought.

Don’t accept shortcuts.
Don’t ignore the fine print.
Don’t trade the eternal for the immediate.

Because what the enemy hides in the shadows, God has already exposed in the Light.

So don’t walk unaware.

Open and read your Bible. Know what God has said. Know what He has promised. Know what He has already done for you through Christ. Light doesn’t just expose darkness. It keeps you from stumbling in it.

Selah