Finding Balance in the “Prosperity Movement”
ByHave you ever noticed that the moves of God come in cycles? And any move can be taken to the extreme.
Let me explain…
Look at the Faith “movement” as an example. We know what faith is by looking at Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is calling the things that are NOT as though they ARE.
The Lord knew the Church needed an increase of faith, so the recent re-emphasis on faith teaching that began to take place was greatly needed. But many took this movement to the extreme, becoming the “name it and claim it” gospel, and the belief that any amount of suffering is due to a lack of faith.
I believe that God desires for us to walk in divine health and wealth, but bad things DO happen to good people sometimes.
So, even though there are extremes on both ends, you can’t throw the whole faith movement out the window! We should have a balanced, biblical faith.
The same goes for prosperity. Back in the ‘80’s, we began to hear more teachings on wealth and prosperity in the church. I believe the Lord wanted to show us that it really is okay for us to have wealth, and there are plenty of Scriptures to confirm that belief that I don’t have time to get into right now. If you haven’t already, you can download the free report on the website and it will give you a sampling of these Scriptures.
But here’s the balance. Now that God has shown us that it’s okay to have wealth, our next lesson is to get our priorities right so that we know what to do with our wealth once we actually have it!
Could this be why we as believers for the most part have not been immune to some of the recent economic challenges? Could a great “shaking” be taking place to shake ourselves of any idolatry?
Maybe – just maybe – some of our beliefs in the past regarding prosperity has been self-centered rather than kingdom-centered. Maybe it has taken us going through some financial struggles to really understand and appreciate the true purpose of wealth, and to not take any blessings from the Lord for granted.
I hope we’re getting this lesson. I thought I understood these principles years ago, but I can honestly say that, after going through some “stuff” this past year, I am a completely different person and my attitude toward wealth and money is completely different. I have a whole different outlook on money (and even LIFE) than I did just a year ago. More on this later…
As always, please let me know your thoughts by commenting below…
Blessings!
Mark
4 Comments
January 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
That you Mark for this much needed reminder.
Back in the 80’s, my whole faith was almost destroyed when I prayed AND believed… but my sister-in-law still died of cancer.
It is so easy for us to try to put God in a box, when actually “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
This is just a reminder to have faith in GOD. Don’t put your faith in learning to speak the right words, or think the right thoughts.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I wrote a book several years ago with my friend, Larry Keefauver, entitled “Prophetic Giving.” As a ghost writer, I had been asked to do several books for prosperity teachers that seemed to go contrary to the entire counsel of God’s Word. Thus, Larry and I decided to bring a balanced view of what we believed the Bible said about prosperity and the reason we have it.
First, Abraham was blessed to be a blessing (Gen. 12:2). This principle then becomes the pattern for obtaining great wealth throughout Scripture. We become conduits of God’s provision to those who are in need. This was demonstrated in the early church where everything was held in common so that none were in need (Acts 4:32).
Second, God does want us blessed, but why? “…you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…” (Deut. 8:18 NKJV). The reason for wealth is to establish God’s covenant on earth. We use money as a tool to bring about change in our families, communities and nations.
Third, prosperity is linked to influence. As God prospers us, we become voices to be listened to instead of ignored. This gives us access to the highest levels of government to be a hearald of righteousness and integrity where it is most needed.
Finally, prosperity is a demonstration of the first four commandments given to humanity on the earth. These commandments have never been rescinded and are just as much in force today as when they were first given: “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Gen. 1:28 NKJV). As we are fruitful and multiply, our stewardship increases and wealth comes our way. We then are able to fill the earth and subdue it with righteousness and benevolence. This then gives us access to have dominion and to govern in light of God’s plan instead of the plans of men.
Of course, all of the above is done in submission to God and through seeking first His kingdom and its righteousness and for His glory.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:17 am
One way to take an honest look at our attitudes towards money is to look back and chart the raises, blessings, etc. we have received over the past 3, 5, 10 years. If we got that big raise and our giving didn’t increase, and if we got that huge tax return and spent it on a big-screen TV, maybe we can’t be trusted with true riches?
But once we have shown God we are serious about being committed to giving back in increasing measure, that’s when we can start seeing some real increase.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Mark,
Well said, I also went a little toward the extreme. My mind was comsumed with financial matters. I am still working toward financial freedom but the reasons have changed. I know there is still work to be done in me but I am making progress - I find myself thanking God for things we took for granted before like - food, fresh water, clothes, my kid’s education, family and friends, transportation, and the awesome church I am blessed to attend. Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to the next post.
Thanks