THE GOSPEL OF GREED – Part II

THE GOSPEL OF GREED – Part II

We began this devotional series with the following question: “How have we, the leaders and adherents of Christianity, allowed the central teachings of our faith to become infiltrated and diluted by an overarching emphasis on material gain and prosperity?”  We opted to utilize five referential or experiential resources to effectively address this rather controversial issue: 1) an article recently reprinted on Facebook by a pastor in South Africa, “Was Jesus Rich/Wealthy?” 2) a Time Magazine article entitled, “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” published September 10, 2006, 3) the teachings of selected Christian leaders, 4) my personal observations and insights, and most importantly, 5) the teachings of scripture, i.e. pertinent Kingdom Principles that describe the Christian’s rightful attitude and actions regarding possessions and prosperity.

Kingdom Principle Number One: PROSPERITY IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORD.  All too often, the term “prosperity” is understood in a one-dimensional manner.  In a word, many equate prosperity (solely) to material or financial gain.  Scripturally speaking, prosperity pertains to all three dimensions of our being: body, soul and spirit.  The Apostle John’s prayer reveals this biblical truth.  “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” (III John 1:2) 

Inclusive in the biblical concept of the soul are one’s mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions. Therefore, when we conceive prosperity (solely) as the accumulation of property or currency, we fail to perceive abundant life from Heaven’s point of view.  In the words of Jesus, “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) Jesus admonishes us in that same scripture to “take heed, and beware of covetousness.”  Dictionary.com defines “covetousness” as being “inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; or greedy.”  Unhappily, the spirit of greed has captivated the souls of many leaders and laity alike, and in turn, it has wrought terrible violence against the Kingdom of God.  The world’s typical reaction is criticism and cynicism.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: KINGDOM PEOPLE MUST NEVER EMPHASIZE MATERIAL PROSPERITY TO THE EXTENT OF DEVALUING OR EXCLUDING THE PEOPLE THAT GOD LOVES.  Consider Jesus’ admonition to his disciples regarding all things material: “Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body, what you shall put on.  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.  Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are you better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:22-24) Let’s make sure that we are “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) Exactly what was Christ’s intention underlying such a powerful statement? Apparently, it was His concern that we would set proper priorities.  Of course, He did not mean that we should have little or no concern about our financial conditions and circumstances.  Bottom-line: Jesus was teaching us that material matters should never be OUR PRIMARY FOCUS, or a cause for anxiety and worry.  This is of critical importance.  For whenever the institutional church gives the world the impression that money matters are main matters, we do grave disservice to the Kingdom of God.  The resultant cynicism causes the gospel, for all practical intents and purposes, to be “hidden to them that are lost.” (II Corinthians 4:3) The world becomes so ‘turned-off’ by our actions, that Jesus is virtually ‘tuned-out’ of their attitudes!  Kingdom people must always be about the “Father’s business” which, unequivocally, is soul business!  (Luke 2:49 – Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8) In fact, the church really has no business other than soul business!  

It goes without saying that the mission of the Kingdom must be advanced…AND FINANCED…since we live within the confines of a material world system.  However, God prescribes specific methods to accomplish this end. (Malachi 3:8-10) But nowhere do the scriptures suggest that we enjoy sumptuous lifestyles in pristine palaces while others languish in the throes of abysmal poverty. Shame on many of us for misinterpreting the message of Christ and misappropriating the funds that are sown (generously and sacrificially) into HIS KINGDOM!  Jesus knew this would be the state-of-affairs within the end-times institutional church.  That’s one reason why Jesus declared (whether we like it or not, or accept it or not), “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24-25) 

Considering this, the Apostle Paul advised his young protégé, Timothy, “having food and raiment let us be therewith CONTENT.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:8-10)

Christian leaders and laity, whenever we live like LORDS-OF-THE-CASTLE and passively ignore the legitimate needs of our fellowman, we have inadvertently excluded “the least of these” from direct access to the visible and tangible love of God, and we will certainly be held accountable in the judgment. (Matthew 25:45) “But whosoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17)

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!