A popular doctrine can be heard and learned just about every time you turn the dial past certain channels on cable. While it is pervasive among our more charismatic brothers and sisters, I would argue that it also finds its way on the more evangelical side of the fence, as well.
In this teaching, we are told that if we are not financially wealthy, then the problem is somehow connected to our faith. And if we have enough faith, then we have a sure promise of nice houses or cars or large amounts of money in bank accounts or investments. This, in the more charismatic camp, is called our “blessing,” which we need to go to God and get.
The problem is, I can’t find this particular interpretation of faith or prosperity in the scripture.
Before I discuss this further, let me explain that I do believe that faith works for us in miraculous ways. Our faith makes it possible to please God, to be healed, and (among other things) ensure a life of provision.
But the biblical promise is not to make us worldly rich. The material promises are to have food and clothing and to be content with that … no mention of even shelter there. Jesus said He had no place to lay His head. In other words, God promises to feed and clothe you like the birds and the lilies but not to give you a house.
So we are promised prosperity in the sense that all of our needs will be met and He will always take care of His children, no matter what He asks of us. Sadly, many Christians don’t fully believe this, which is why many struggle with their finances in unhealthy ways.
And the common struggle based on our lack of faith that God will provide for us has led to a number of leaders who have overcompensated with a “prosperity gospel” that is out of line with scripture. Hebrews makes this clear as some by faith conquered nations, closed the mouths of lions and the like while others suffered horribly by faith. In fact, it was those who suffered by faith that have a greater reward, of whom the world was not worthy. So the richest faith is actually in suffering, not in plenty or a worldly victory. Which one do we hear preached so often?
A common verse quoted is where Paul wishes for us to “prosper as your soul prospers.” This verse seems to imply material provision, even more than we need. I will grant, both from scripture and my own experience, that god blesses even beyond His promises, even beyond what we need! But the scripture also says other things.
First of all, in the story of the rich young ruler, Jesus says that it is more difficult for a RICH man to enter the Kingdom than a camel through the eye of a needle. Why does He single out this rich man for his riches? Why didn’t Jesus ever rebuke the poor for their lack of faith? On the contrary, the poor widow was commended for her sacrificial giving while the rich men who gave before her were dismissed and mentioned only to commend her. You never read of a poor or crippled person rejecting Christ. They cried out to Him with abandon, and they were healed and followed Christ desperately. But the rich and educated rejected Him, persecuted Him and ended up crucifying Him. Why? Judas kept the money, remember …
The love of money is the root of all evil.
Worldly material wealth tends to corrupt. There are several reasons for this. We begin to trust more in our wealth and the things of this world than God. We decieve ourselves into thinking we earned or deserve certain comforts. Then we begin to count on those comforts and fear the absence of them more than we fear God. Or we enjoy the comforts so much we work harder to attain those worldly comforts than the blessings of the Kingdom. All of this and more leads to a selfish mentality that is against the Spirit of God.
What was Job tested with? The thing he feared the most, which was the loss of his riches. Of course, to be balanced, after he passed that test he did become even wealthier …
Has anyone ever watched an episode of VH1′s Behind the Music? I used to watch it every chance I got. The story was always the same. Artist begins with nothing, strives for years, catches a break, hits it big, begins to abuse everything around them, then loses everything and is now much healthier after rehab.
I believe in the provision of God, but I fear that many in modern Christianity are using “godliness for selfish gain,” which is abominable to God.
To look at it from a couple different angles: when I was in India, I saw precious brothers and sisters give to and worship God with more sincerity than I see in most Christians in the US, but they do it with MUCH less material wealth. Some of them are barely able to eat and feed their families. Their hunger for God, however, was insatiable, and it humbled me.
Should I question their faith based on their material lack? God forbid! The Bible would say to us that the poor are rich in faith. It is precisely because of their lack that they are free to exercise their faith.
Becca and I arrived in Korea with fives suitcases between us and ate PBJ sandwiches for a month while we figured out how to buy groceries we could use. Through the community there and God’s provision (which are one and the same), we never lacked. We owned very little and felt more free and peaceful than ever before.
We get back to the US and I can feel the spirit of materialism all over me like a sweaty shirt.
Now, I believe that evangelicals are just as guilty as their charismatic brothers and sisters. Its just more unspoken. Among many evangelicals, there is an undercurrent of belief that to be Christian is to be middle class or better. To have a good job, live in a nice house, send your kids to nice schools, wear nice clothes, drive nice family cars and live a nice middle class life. Someone who can’t at least fake it really doesn’t belong in our church. Giving to the poor happens through an organization, not through personal contact. If those poor people start attending our church, then that’s our cue to sell our house and move a little farther out so we don’t watch our property values decline.
Yeah, I know. That’s pretty harsh, but its there. Remember my little tirade, though, the next time you want to go off on your charismatic brother’s “prosperity gospel.” Remember the plank and the speck? Remember which one should be removed first?
Jesus came in this world with nothing but animal dung all around him. He was poor growing up, maybe because of the loss of Joseph sometime. Jesus did recieve nice gifts both as a child and during His ministry, but do we really think He used those things to bless Himself? Giving to the poor was such a regular occasion that they assumed that’s what Judas was going to do when he betrayed Christ. If Christ were worldly wealthy in His ministry, why did Judas feel the need to steal from the treasury? I’m sure they collected lots of cash, but they gave it all away. Jesus would have practiced what He preached, I think.
Jesus also left this world with nothing but condemnation, suffering and death. But in so doing, he was given the name above all names and eternal glory that we will share.
So rest in His provision, both spiritual and material. But remember that the material blessings are only temporary. The spiritual blessings affect our eternal conditions. Let’s be sure to focus on the true riches. Seek the Kingdom and His righteousness alone and all things will be added to you.
Peace.
Hey man, good words. I wrote on this topic a while back for anyone that wants to check it out (http://www.askingY.com)