Back in the 80’s
There was a movement in the church that became mockingly referred to as the “prosperity gospel.” With such notions as equating one’s faith to the type of car a person drove (a Cadillac seen as entry level), or the brand of watch they wore (special kudos for a Rolex), criticisms of this movement were justifiable.
The prosperity movement found its roots in the “Word of Faith” movement, which also received criticism for its over-emphasis of material things. I can remember one prominent Word of Faith preacher say that if Job had had more faith he wouldn’t have suffered the things he did. But God said this about Job…
He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. (Job 1:8)
Powerful Kernels
Notwithstanding some of the errors that came out of the prosperity and faith movements, there were some powerful things contributed.
Prior to these movements, you would rarely, if ever, hear any teaching/preaching about the authority of the Believer, nor about the idea that God wants to bless His people. Defeat and lack were seen as the badges of true holiness.
There’s a pendulum swing between two positions: you’re either a poor ol’ wretch eking out an existence until the sweet by-and-by, or, an upwardly mobile Bible-quoting expert, naming and claiming your way to blessing in the here-and-now. Obviously these are extreme positions, but finding a middle ground can prove a little tricky.
There are strengths and lessons gained during seasons of shortages and attacks, but I believe it’s wrong to see them as the destiny for God’s people. It brings no praise to God to live helpless in the face of demonic attack, or to give into a poverty mentality. Whether it’s spiritual or circumstantial, Jesus has overcome everything on our behalf and has given us the necessary resources to be overcomers.
Unworthy and Entitled
Walking in authority and blessing can be difficult when the pendulum starts swinging. We can see ourselves as totally unworthy, or see ourselves as totally entitled, but Paul centers this issue by saying,
We are to have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3)
This means there’s nothing in the natural we can do to merit or demerit what God has given to us. God’s not impressed with our doing without, nor is He coerced by the natural things the signal success.
You may feel that you deserve the difficulties and attack you’re under. Or, you may have a hard time believing that God would want to prosper you. But these principles are built upon our faith in what God has promised. Not because of anything we’ve done or deserve, but because He is God and we are His people.
Let us continually say, “The Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His people.” (Psalms 35:27)
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