All about the benjamins, baby.
“Wishing you health, wealth and prosperity in the New Year!”
I’ve for sure received this greeting and said, “You too!” without a second thought, but maybe we should give it one.
You may or may not be familiar with the Prosperity Gospel. This is essentially the antithesis to the hell-fire and brimstone “gospel” - both of which lean too far into the law (hellfire) and grace (prosperity) bumpers of the actual Gospel Jesus aligns perfectly within.
According to The Gospel Coalition, “The prosperity gospel (also known as the “health and wealth gospel” or by its most popular brand, the “Word of Faith” movement) is a perversion of the gospel of Jesus that claims that God rewards increases in faith with increases in health and/or wealth.”
This is false and completely out of line with scripture. In fact, if anything, we’re promised suffering1 and persecution2 the closer we get to Christ. In faith, by His grace, we’re hopeful for the heart to count it all joy3 because the suffering molds us into Christ’s character when we have the maturity to receive it as He intends. It’s easy to have faith in someone or something when we expect a reward for good behavior, but it’s far more meaningful to have faith in a God who promises a reward far greater than anything we can ever think or imagine this side of heaven, simply because He loves us.
But if I’m being honest, the Prosperity Gospel sounds pretty good to me. I do not welcome suffering or persecution by any means. How about instead, I’ll give you more faith, God, and you give me more money. It’s what I want. (Empire Records anyone?)
And I especially want it this time of year!
As my husband wisely pointed out, the temptation to covet wealth can be felt with something as innocent as going to look at Christmas lights! If our hearts are sick4 and tilted toward desiring an unmet “deservance” of prosperity, we can start to set the table for a pity party complete with streamers and a why not me? theme.
We sick, y’all.
Digging a little deeper, what does the Bible tell us about wealth?
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
But wait, there are wealthy, Godly men and women throughout Scripture! To name a few: Solomon, Lydia, Boaz, David!
This helps us understand that money and wealth are not bad. The love of it is.
Phil 4:9 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
He is a loving God who gives us what we need. Our level of wealth can be seen as perfect provision and divine protection. When we consider the protection aspect, maybe Biggie really did say it best… “Mo’ money, mo’ problems.”
Matthew 19:24 “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
This one is a doozy. I am no theologian, but I believe it means when we have a whole lot, it’s a heck of a lot easier to depend on self than on Him. Without a foundational dependence on Christ as our savior, not wealth, we will miss out on the Kingdom of heaven!
Job 1:21 “And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Few understand this more than Job. God gives and takes away, but He is still good! It’s all His to begin with - so hold on loosely. (But don’t let go… if you cling too tightly, you’re gonna looooose control - Digression brought to you courtesy of .38 Special and a dad who lovingly played classic rock as the soundtrack of my childhood).
While there are a ton more passages about wealth, debt, covetousness, etc., What’s a Christian to do when it comes to desiring wealth? We gotta live! Come down off your High Horse Pharisee MC.
Lol so true. Stepping down.
I am not saying wealth is bad by any means. Many, many Godly wonderful people I know and love have been blessed with abundance, and YAY for them. Truly! And honestly, so have Crawford and I! We for sure live humbly compared to Kim K, but we have a heck of a lot more than most throughout the the world.
So hear me when I say this again: Acquiring wealth is not sinful. Wanting wealth and prosperity more than God and His will is.5
Perhaps these questions can help us heart-check whether we’re playing with fire:
Why do you want more wealth?
Do you think you deserve it? Why or why not?
What if you don’t get it?
Do you avoid certain people out of jealousy for what they have? Or do you avoid certain people out of superiority toward what they lack?
If God took everything away today, would He still be good?
Leaving with Phil 4:11-13, because I think it’s what we all desire most: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Actually I lied, I’m leaving with this: I didn’t realize until this moment that Phil 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” follows a passage about contentment with what we have or do not have! Y’all woah. His strength alone allows us to attain this contentment in Him. He gifts us the ability to love Him above all. What unconditional, unfailing, neverending LOVE.
Father God, it’s all yours. Every cent in our bank accounts belongs to you. You are so much higher than our greatest asset and our most coveted possession. We are sick in our sin, God, especially in our desires for more, more, more! Your grace is enough. Even asking you to help me understand this gives me pause. I don’t want you to take it all away, God! I’m attached. I’m scared of losing things, people, privileges. Thank you for knowing our hearts and loving us anyway! We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to hold on loosely to the good gifts from a good Father because our flesh is so very weak. Help us remember you are only good and long to bless us! You know best, and we rest in your will. Give us the heart of Paul (and of Christ) to be content in whatever circumstances we are in, resting in the promise of what’s to come in our permanent home with you! In Jesus Name, Amen
Verses referenced herein for further study:
John 16:33
John 15:18
James 1:2-4
Jeremiah 17:9
Matthew 6:24