Health and Wealth

There is a theology that has been floating around christian circles for a long time called the "prosperity gospel". In essence this teaching suggests that if followers of Jesus will be willing to give their offerings to Him then they should expect to receive a multiplied financial blessing from the Lord in return. 

There are two primary problems with this: first, the prosperity gospel can sometimes emphasize the importance of us receiving financial increase- it becomes more about us and what we can get than it is about Jesus and serving Him sacrificially. 

The second problem we have with the teaching of the prosperity gospel is that a lot of what it says is true!  

I just want that to sink in for a second for effect.......

Listen to this from Proverbs:

Proverbs 3:7-10 NIV

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

God says "honor me with your offerings and I will bless you materially". That is pretty clear here. 

So why did I say that we have a problem because the prosperity message is based on some solid truth? 

A lot of christians who rightly oppose the prosperity gospel's message have also unwittingly grown in their inability to accept that God really does bless his children with material goods. We are so filled with fear that if we accept this scriptural truth then we will fall into the abyss of prosperity gospel sin. 

But let me ask you a question today:  if something stands in the way of a person accepting by faith the truths of God, then doesn't it make sense that that obstacle should be identified, confessed and overcome?  

I say yes.

So Lord forgive us for fearing the prosperity gospel more than we believe your promises in Proverbs 3. And thank you for your patience with us when we don't always receive the gifts, both spiritual and material, that you so deeply want to share with us. 

When your truths shine our world gets little brighter. 

BT

Pastor Brian Tysdal

Rock of Ages Church

Saskatoon, Sask.