Prosperity or Poverty?

I was just reading a comment on Facebook about a book that apparently stands against the prosperity gospel, which states that money is evil and so are things, I haven’t read it so I can’t comment on the book itself but I do have a few quick thoughts on the issue.

1, I personally believe that God wants to prosper us and not to harm us, but prosperity does not necessarily mean a fat bank account and a rock and roll lifestyle.  However when we do prosper it is our responsibility to give too, we are blessed to be a blessing, in all areas of our lives.

2, My understanding is that we could live without want and that is demonstrated in the book of acts, where the disciples held everything in kind and no one went without. But that means giving not taking, the prosperity gospel can become a very self centred theology and that is never Gods intention.

3, That when we place our lives and business in Gods hands and walk obediently, we should, over the long run see good friut in all areas.

4, The reaction to the prosperity gospel and the manipulation etc that comes with it can swing too far in the other direction and subsequently we end up embracing a poverty spirit which is definitely not of the Lord.

5, Jesus is very clear on the love of money being the route of all evil, not money itself, it’s the hold it can have on our hearts that is the issue here. Also Jesus admonishes not to put our trust in material things but to place our trust in the Lord, but he doesn’t say anything is wrong with having “things” again its the attachment we have to things that can become an issue here.

6, St Paul learned to be content with much or little, life is seasonal so things come and go, learning to be content is a key here instead of being driven by our materialism and greed. How many flat screen tv’s or things do we really need? There real issue is one of filling a gap with stuff that only Christ can fill. Sadly so many people have a poverty spirit that no matter how much stuff they have it’s never enough. You can even have a poverty spirit and be wealthy!

7, When you know the love of Jesus, and know his presence and the meaning of being adopted into him, you know he has everything we need, stuff has very little meaning so it’s hold is broken, I know I can trust him with my needs, and if we are in a healthy Christian community (which sadly isn’t always the case) we should be looking out for each others needs before our own and corporately should be free of a poverty spirit and mindset. Like I said, we are blessed to be a blessing not blessed for our own sake.

8, Some people will embrace poverty as a lifestyle and that may bring them the kind of freedom that they need, like an alcoholic embracing a sober lifestyle, however that is not the case for everyone, some can enjoy a drink sensibly, as some can handle wealth in a Godly manner.

There is probably a lot more that can be said on the matter but here’s a good starting conversation…I may add some more in time?