Why Prosperity Theology is Not the Truth You Need Every Day
What do you think about prosperity theology?
Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel, or the gospel of success) is a belief among some Christians, who hold that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one’s material wealth. Prosperity theology views the Bible as a contract between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, He will deliver security and prosperity. (Wikipedia)
There are many who have called out this teaching as false theology, and I completely agree with them. (Keep reading and I’ll tell you why.)
But even more importantly than just calling it out as false, I think it is something we all need to address in ourselves because I think it just may show up in ways we may not realize.
Let me explain…
Looking back, I think I wanted my own version of prosperity theology.
One that said, “good boys and girls” are blessed and “disobedient boys and girls” had consequences.
It’s simple, right?! It’s fair!
I wanted blessings (not necessarily health and wealth but uncomplicated and stressless). In all honesty, I wanted easy, so I did whatever I could to be “good” so I could avoid problems and complications . . . which meant desperately trying to do what I could to keep everyone happy.
But you know that verse in John 16 where Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble”? v. 33
Yeah, that one.
Well, it just didn’t fit with my world view of right and fair.
However, it’s impossible to keep everyone happy and avoid problems no matter how hard you and I try . . . so, I had trouble. Frustrating, melt-down, what do I do now, outside of my control trouble. Ugh!
And I started to understand that although we will have troubles…
God has a promise greater than any of my troubles.
Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16
You and I will have trouble but we also have…
1. Jesus
Our great High Priest who understands with our weaknesses and knows every need.
He comforts us and tells us, “I understand. I’ve been there. I’ve felt your pain. I know what you’re going through. I care and I’m with you.”
“Jesus, our Savior and Mediator and High Priest, fully understands everything we feel and everything we face.” ~Andy Stanley
The One who cried outside the tomb of His friend, Lazarus, felt intense temptation, experienced the betrayal of friends, was homeless, abandoned hungry, tired, under-appreciated and overworked . . . understands.
There is nothing you can take to Him in prayer that is beyond His ability to understand and nothing outside of His loving care.
He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:10–12
2. Prayer
Grace to approach God’s throne of grace with any and every need.
If you and I truly believe that Jesus responds with love and an empathetic, “I know and I care” then we really would “pray without ceasing.”
We’re invited to pray at any time, in any place, about any need. We will never be turned away.
He invites us to come to Him with confidence, trusting the promise that He will give us His mercy and grace. Always.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” Matthew 11:28–29
Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
3. God’s Mercy and Grace
Everything we need to comfort us and see us through times of trouble.
God may not always give me what I want, but He will always give me what I need.
His mercy is evident in His compassion and loving forgiveness and you and I can experience the reality of that grace as He strengthens us to endure whatever life throws at us.
Sometimes God does miraculously save us from our circumstances, but even when He doesn’t save us from – He will always walk us through.
We are never alone. We have the One who is who He says He is, and who is able to do what He says walking with us.
So, I’ve asked myself…
Do I really want a god who will give me the easy trouble-free life I want or One who loves me so much He will allow problems to meet my spiritual needs and pull me close?
Sure, easy sounds wonderful but more than anything I want a close relationship with God through Jesus. I want lasting love and truth more than temporary health and wealth.
God’s plans and purposes are always best.
So, I’ll trust Jesus, pray, and lean into His grace and mercy when troubles come. Oh, and I’ll still try to do my best to follow His will but not to stay out of trouble…
I want to do His will as a response to His amazing grace—sufficient for any trouble-filled day.
“I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7–9
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So very true! The Prosperity “Gospel” is not gospel at all. But it is one we like to think is true. Even if we reject the health and wealth benefits, you are so right to point out that we all still hold to some form of this teaching in our desire for an easier life. We think we can manipulate God to give us an easier life by obeying Him more (even if we would never say that out loud and even try to convince ourselves that we aren’t doing that). We think the blessings we see promised in Scripture as an easier life, while, in reality, suffering, hardship, trials, and tribulations are the more common ways God blesses us. Not that the suffering is a blessing but the sanctification, the maturing in the faith, the spiritual growth we obtain on through the difficult time is the true blessing. Christ went through great hardship, we, as His followers should expect nothing less. Those difficult days burn off the chaff of this life and our natural desires and leave a more clearer image of Christ.
Thank you so much for stopping to share your thoughts. I think most of us are grasping for ways to make life easier and sometimes Christianity becomes just one more way to try. I’m so thankful, God’s plan for me is eternal and not just easier today. Oh, I know He cares about my today but I believe He cares even more about our relationship and preparing me for what lies ahead. Thanks again, and God bless.
I like the way you broke this down. You show the appeal of the prosperity and how we all can get suckered in to it if we’re not careful.
Thanks, Nylse. Yes, even when we understand that our faith may not make us healthy or wealthy, I think we all want to believe it will give us strong relationships and fewer problems. And for me, the truth is, God has often spared me from something that might have been so much worse by allowing me to suffer through some trouble. It’s not always easy to know what He is doing in the grand picture of our lives. So, I will believe and trust that where He brings me, He will strengthen me and sustain me. God bless you! <3
I agree wholeheartedly. Our focus should be about others, not about ourselves and what we can gain. I do believe that God will provide for particular needs and wants – in His time, and in His will. After all, there are many references to this in the bible.
Thanks Deb! Please visit!
Deb- I love your wisdom here! You’ve written such truth. I’ve always deflected from prosperity teaching! It just doesn’t make sense to me, because it’s not about us! SO good Deb! Thanks for linking up at Salt & Light today!
Deb, I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the prosperity gospel. And, like you, it seems so right that “living God’s way” should entitle me to a problem-free life, my own version of legalism. Thanks for reminding us of what’s really important! Blessings!
Thanks for this truth, Deb. I think the prosperity gospel actually places us into bondage. What happens when those bad things happen in our lives? We begin thinking we didn’t pray hard enough, long enough, or we didn’t have enough faith. What if I had said just one more prayer – then maybe my child wouldn’t have died from cancer??? Maybe my husband wouldn’t have left? Maybe…if I had prayed another 5 minutes – one more hour? It puts the focus on us rather than our Savior.
Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth.
Hi dear Deb,
For the first time what you had written was so un-understandable and alien to me that as if we are living in two different opposite worlds!
Remember ‘Twilight Zone’!
Exactly…
Oh dear Deb you should see the horrible terrible unbelievable destruction and calamity my country and we as people in it are in!
I don’t know how much you are seeing in the news and if following it, but I rather you don’t, so as not to be disillusioned with your faith in peace on Earth!
I don’t know what to say!
My family and loved ones, my acquaintances are in so much anguish and suffering that I don’t know how to help them.
Most are deeply struggling financially. Some their whole homes, properties, and possessions destroyed and ‘vanished’ because of that horrific explosion. Most lost all their abilities of their livelihood and are living on handouts and aid.
I am running around trying to provide aid for them in every way and form. This is my days now. Morning till evening. I am in so much need.
But, don’t fear, my faith and trust in our Lord is as stronger as ever. In fact I am feeling His presence more with me now. And I know He will provide, He will send help, He will assign His angels to help me.
His holy spirit is with me always already. Guiding, advising, and leading me.
I can see and feel it.
My entire and complete faith, hope, and trust is in Him to send help to me and my loved ones I am trying to save and care for.
Sorry dear Deb for this very gloomy reply, I just always want to be open with you as I trust deeply your honest feedback and advice.
Oh, Garo, I’m so sorry you are all going through this painful time. I can’t begin to imagine how hard this must be for you. You are turning to the Lord through this and that’s exactly what He wants us to do in suffering. You are also not turning away from Him because of this difficult time. I believe that is the point. God wants us to love and trust Him, not for what He gives us in the way of temporary earthly provisions but for who He is and all He has done for us and continues to do for us body, soul, and spirit through His grace, mercy, and love. Prosperity theology says that if our faith in God is great enough . . . we will have no pain or problems. But Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
He suffered for us and knows that we too will suffer . . . but He has ultimately overcome sin, death, and satan’s power. He gives us the strength we need to keep going even as we cry out to Him for help. He is with you and He is helping you and helping others through you. Know that I will continue to pray for you all and ask God to meet every need with His love, care, and provision. God be with you!