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Prosperity is Not a Sign of Grace
Oct 21, 2015
If you read sales/business blogs and books or listen to similar podcasts, it's only a matter of time before you run across one that attempts to make a profound case: "God wants you to be rich, happy, and satisfied."
This idea comes out of the American non-denominational movement called the "Prosperity Gospel."
The argument is simple: Live a life you think God wants you to live by adhering to Biblical principles and you'll be rich in all your endeavors - financial and otherwise.
The hubris is palpable.
It demonstrates such a poor understanding of the Biblical texts, yet it is a message that can be so incredibly appealing and is accepted by so many (guilty, as charged).
But no matter what faith "system" you're (not) a part of, the study of Biblical texts demonstrates that financial, familial, social, or any other organization's success is often in direct conflict with God's will.
Need proof? Look to the source.
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go thy way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up your cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." (Mark 10: 21-22).
This example from the Gospel illustrates a recurring theme in the Bible: the Lord’s teaching is incompatible with any human institution - chief among them, business. Then there's that stirring line about where one's treasure is: that's where your heart will also be...proof upon proof.
Still not convinced? Read the Book of Acts: loving God and God's love for you generally means poverty and death, not wealth and life.
It's far more likely that by believing we have become prosperous because of our faith, we have actually denied our faith and gone against the message of the Torah and the New Testament (and one could easily argue the Qur'an).
Just as God doesn't care if our football team wins, He doesn't care if we get the sale, grow our business, or attain any worldly accomplishment.
Deconstruct the notion of business and you'll see there are three primary goals:
See link for rest of article.
Prosperity is Not a Sign of Grace
Oct 21, 2015
- 715 views
- 2 Comments
If you read sales/business blogs and books or listen to similar podcasts, it's only a matter of time before you run across one that attempts to make a profound case: "God wants you to be rich, happy, and satisfied."
This idea comes out of the American non-denominational movement called the "Prosperity Gospel."
The argument is simple: Live a life you think God wants you to live by adhering to Biblical principles and you'll be rich in all your endeavors - financial and otherwise.
The hubris is palpable.
It demonstrates such a poor understanding of the Biblical texts, yet it is a message that can be so incredibly appealing and is accepted by so many (guilty, as charged).
But no matter what faith "system" you're (not) a part of, the study of Biblical texts demonstrates that financial, familial, social, or any other organization's success is often in direct conflict with God's will.
Need proof? Look to the source.
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go thy way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up your cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." (Mark 10: 21-22).
This example from the Gospel illustrates a recurring theme in the Bible: the Lord’s teaching is incompatible with any human institution - chief among them, business. Then there's that stirring line about where one's treasure is: that's where your heart will also be...proof upon proof.
Still not convinced? Read the Book of Acts: loving God and God's love for you generally means poverty and death, not wealth and life.
It's far more likely that by believing we have become prosperous because of our faith, we have actually denied our faith and gone against the message of the Torah and the New Testament (and one could easily argue the Qur'an).
Just as God doesn't care if our football team wins, He doesn't care if we get the sale, grow our business, or attain any worldly accomplishment.
Deconstruct the notion of business and you'll see there are three primary goals:
See link for rest of article.
