Back in the 80’s a movement began in the church that became widely referred to as the “prosperity gospel.” With such notions as equating one’s faith to the type of car they drive (a Cadillac was seen as entry level), or the brand of watch they wore (special kudos for a Rolex), criticisms of this movement were/are justifiable.
The prosperity movement found its roots in the “Word of Faith” movement, which has also earned criticism for its over-emphasis of material things. I can remember one prominent Word of Faith preacher, Jerry Savelle, saying 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)
Yet out of the prosperity and faith movements came some genuinely good things. Prior to these movements, you would rarely, if ever, hear any teaching about the authority of the Believer, or about the idea that God wants to bless His people. Defeat and lack were seen by many as badges of true holiness.
The pendulum often swings between the two positions: you’re either a poor old holy wretch eking out an existence, or, an upwardly mobile Bible-quoting expert, naming & claiming your way to blessing. Obviously both of these extremes are wrong, but finding a middle ground can prove a little tricky.
Certainly there are strengths and lessons gained during seasons of shortages and attacks, but seeing them as the destiny for God’s people I believe is wrong. It brings no praise to God that we would settle for lives characterized by lack and/or demonic attack. Whether its circumstantial or spiritual, Jesus has overcome everything on our behalf and has given us the necessary resources to be overcomers.
This kind of living can be difficult when the pendulum starts swinging. We could find ourselves feeling totally unworthy, or feeling totally entitled, but Paul centers this issue by saying,
“We are to have no confidence in the flesh.” (Php 3:3)
This means there’s nothing in the natural we can do to merit or demerit what God has given us. God’s not impressed with our doing without, nor is He coerced by the natural things the signal success.
We may see God prospering his people as too materially oriented. We may have a hard time believing that God would want to prosper his people. But these principles are built upon our faith in what God has promised. Not because we are entitled. Not because God wants us to rise in socioeconomic levels. 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.’” (Ps 35:27)
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