So Over The Prosperity Gospel…
I can’t be the only one who’s over the whole prosperity preaching, right? I want to tell you all a little story of how I got such disdain for it. A few years ago my family attended a church that was big on tithing and don’t get me wrong, I do believe in tithing but not to the extreme that you’re told that even if you don’t have the money, use a credit card and God will see your commitment and give it back to you. Yep, that’s exactly what we were being taught.
Now, this is hard to admit… but my husband and me fell for it. We were young and in many ways Bible illiterate. We trusted what we were being taught. If we sow, God will give back ten fold. Took me a long time to understand that prosperity ran so much deeper than monetary. So, like good servants we gave more than we could afford in the hopes that God would see our hearts and bless us abundantly financially.
I want to make this clear, God has blessed us prosperously in our marriage and family life and slowly grew us in wisdom to seek His word before taking the word of others as gospel. But as time wore on, I became more and more unsettled at how huge the prosperity Gospel movement was. I would watch christian preachers on tv asking for obscene amounts of money from viewers. I saw popular pastors bragging about their jets and mansions. Honestly, it made me sick to my stomach to see the over abundance in their lives at the expense of those that could not afford to part with money, but desperate enough to do it. Wanting to step out in faith and trust God for the finances or healing.
In the past few decades, the prosperity gospel has gained significant popularity, captivating the hearts and minds of many within the Christian community. While it may promise wealth, success, and happiness, it is crucial to critically examine the foundation and teachings of this movement. Let us dive into understanding the surge of the prosperity gospel and why it can lead us astray from the true message of Christianity. Because this is where I pray you seek God for the one thing we need… discernment. Now, I’m no expert or theologian but this is my best effort to break this down.
Biblical Foundation:
The prosperity gospel takes verses from the Bible out of context, focusing primarily on material blessings rather than the transformative power of the Gospel. Although God desires to bless His children, it is vital to remember that true prosperity involves more than just accumulating earthly treasures. It’s having a prosperous relationship with the Creator, with family, friends, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. Jesus Himself emphasises seeking first the Kingdom of God and living a life aligned with His teachings (Matthew 6:33). To me, that is true prosperity.
Focus on Material Gain:
One of the fundamental errors of the prosperity gospel is its focus on material wealth and success. This theology entices believers with promises of financial abundance and worldly achievements. However, it fails to address the reality that Christianity does not guarantee a life free of hardships or earthly riches. I also want to throw this in… Money is not a bad thing. Having nice things is not a bad thing. But when money becomes your everything and you store it up, when it could do and reach those in need, you need to take it before the Lord and ask the question, has money become my God?
Lack of Biblical Balance:
The prosperity gospel often neglects the Biblical truth that suffering, trials, and challenges are an inevitable part of the Christian journey. Scripture teaches us that we will face tribulations, but we can find peace and joy in Christ amidst our trials (John 16:33). This theology, therefore, provides a distorted view of the Christian life by promoting an unsustainable expectation of continuous success and prosperity.
Misplaced Priorities:
The surge of the prosperity gospel can lead believers to focus primarily on their own wants and desires. This self centered emphasis disregards the biblical call to love and serve others. Jesus teaches us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, following Him wholeheartedly (Luke 9:23-24). The prosperity gospel, however, often encourages a self-centric approach instead of one rooted in sacrificial love, service, and obedience to God.
A Distorted Gospel Message:
At its core, the prosperity gospel distorts the true essence of the Gospel by elevating material blessings over the redemptive work of Christ. The Gospel is not a means to gain financial prosperity but rather a message of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God. True abundance lies in the eternal gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not in temporal possessions or achievements.
I want to end with this… This post is just from my perspective and the way I see this topic from my own experience. There are some amazing ministers out there, who share the true gospel of Christ. But I pray that you listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit before parting with money you may not necessarily have. Because, as the popularity of the prosperity gospel persists, it is vital for believers to exercise discernment and seek a deeper understanding of God's Word. Our faith should be rooted in the truth of Scripture rather than placing undue emphasis on worldly wealth and success. Let us refocus our hearts and minds on the eternal blessings found in Christ alone and guard against teachings that pervert the true message of the Gospel. May we seek God's will, embrace His perfect plan for our lives, and find our prosperity in Him alone.
Here is a Poem my Husband wrote a few years back, and there are more amazing poems like this in His poetry book Voyage by Jordan Tomlinson. You can find it on my website or Amazon.
Preacher Profiteer
I’m looking for honesty
I’m searching for proof
Not misunderstanding and manipulation of truth.
All that I hear, all that I see
Is regarded as healings if you donate to me.
Listen, they say, as you stare at the screen
It’s not an accident at all, you’ve come across me.
Now the Spirit is moving, He’s calling your name
He knows you're in need from physical pain.
Go sow that seed of any amount, as a gesture of faith this will increase your account.
During this telecast you will receive,
A free bottle of anointing oil when you give a small fee.
Supporting our ministry, Reaching out to the lost
And take of their money this will help with them lots.
"Oh baloney!" I say. "And the hell with your game.
You pray on the poor for profit and gain
You even go so far as to say
'Today is that miracle, do you want me to pray?'"
Cha, Ching $
It’s amazing how you’ve turned God’s word into sin
Profiteering off good will, that’s put in your tin.
You’ve fleeced every penny and it seems you forgot,
Jesus made a whip of cords, this was their lot.