CHRISTIANITY WAS NEVER ABOUT PROPERITY

CHRISTIANITY WAS NEVER ABOUT PROSPERITY

 One of the most tragic occurrences in contemporary church culture is the undue emphasis on securing wealth in this present world.  It is marketed and packaged deceptively in the bright-colored and distracting ribbons of God’s will for an ‘end-time redistribution of wealth’ or ‘the need to demonstrate the truth of the gospel by the success of believers’ or ‘financing the Kingdom of God,’ etc.

 It’s nonsense.  And it’s a demonic distraction and deception.

 Many would even have us believe (implicitly) that the least among us may not be true Christians, because those who are closest to Christ are either benefactors or beneficiaries of fiscal blessing.  Well, I have an important suggestion.  Instead of bending a listening ear to the self-serving teachings and testimonials of those who would manipulate us, why not attend to the words of the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ?  Here’s what our Lord has to say on this matter: “A man’s life does not consist of the abundance of things that he possesses.” (Luke 12:15)  And, according to Jesus, “You have the poor with you always.” (Mark 14:7 – Matthew 26:11)  In fact, believe it or not, Jesus Christ was actually homeless!  “And Jesus said unto him, foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has no where to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)  Stop trying to be rich; start trying to be right.

 Prosperity teaching contradicts and cheapens the atoning work of Christ’s cross.  Furthermore, it manipulates the masses.  And importantly, it is a stumbling-block and turn-off to those who might otherwise hear, receive and live – if they received unvarnished, uncommercialized, gospel truth.

 This problematic situation reminds me of a true story set forth by Clarence Jordan, the author of the “Cotton Patch” translation of the New Testament and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia.  It seems that he was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister’s church.  With overflowing pride the pastor pointed to their lavish imported pews and luxurious décor.  As they stepped outside in the twilight, a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the magnificent church steeple.  “That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars,” the minister proclaimed with a self-satisfied smile.  “You got cheated,” replied Jordan.  “Times were when Christians could get them for free.”  Think.

 Here's something we should always remember.  If the gospel is true anywhere, it is true everywhere.  It is virtually impossible for those who occupy the bottom rungs of the economic ladder in so-called ‘third-world-nations’ to attain opportunities for wealth that are present in more industrialized nations.  Are they thus less eligible recipients of the grace of God?  And is their inability to acquire riches an indicator of the lack of true faith, or a lower quality of faith?  My friend, if the specifics of the gospel aren’t just as valid and attainable in the impoverished slums of Africa or Asia – as they are in the wealthy enclaves of America – then none of the message is true.  Those persons may never reside in magnificent homes or attain worldly possessions that neighbors admire or envy, but they can surely lay claim on eternal life.

 Bottom-line: God does not want us to be rich; God wants us to be whole.

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