The Truth: Prosperity

Since the "Prosperity Gospel" as it is called began to be preached, mostly by Word of Faith teachers, there has been great controversy and argument over the subject. There are those who contend that God's blessings and particularly prosperity is for us and that we should be living prosperous. Then there are those who say that the prosperity teachings are false and erroneous.

I recently had someone say that they would like to know the truth about prosperity and not just what so and so says about it. Well, in a sense what so and so says is usually what they have heard a prosperity teacher say and usually the truth of the teaching is not conveyed or only a part of it is, which creates a misunderstanding of it. All of this can lead to confusion and frustration. I want to offer what the bible says concerning prosperity and some wisdom and understanding that I have gained on the subject.
I will be honest and say that I do believe in prosperity and that it is God's will for His children to prosper. I also believe that prosperity has been taught in error by some. This is for learning and understanding, not unproductive arguments. I know what I believe and why and stand firm in that. It is my goal to help guide you to that place of understanding also. I encourage you to search the Word for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you. This is also not everything that could be said on the subject of prosperity, but a beginning at least. Now with that said, let's begin.

First of all, is it God's will for us to prosper? Let's look at this scripture.

" Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John v2 (KJV)

This is not God directly speaking, but rather John to Gaius. We know though that the writing of scripture was inspired by God through the prophets. John may have been writing to someone else, but God was writing to us. He says that He wishes above all things that we may prosper and be in health. With that we mus understand what prosperity is.

The world's definition of prosperity is financial gain, social favor, good looks, nice cars, and big homes. There is nothing wrong with any of those things if they are kept in their proper place. True prosperity is the ability to use God's ability and power to meet the needs of mankind-regardless of what those needs may be. What that means is, we are to walk in the word of God and be led of the Holy Spirit, doing those things which God directs us. Let me say it this way. You are to be a hose pipe. Yes, a hose pipe. A hose pipe that is used by it's owner stays wet on the inside as it is used to water other things. God uses us as the hose pipe/avenue through which He blesses His people and in that process we stay blessed/prosperous.
The last part of the scripture says, "even as thy soul prospereth". Now we have to understand that our soul is not our spirit. They are two different things. Man is made up of three parts. We are a spirit, we live in a body, and we have a soul. Our soul consists of our mind, will and emotions. So when God says He wants our souls to prosper, He means this; We are to learn and gain knowledge and purpose/will to use that knowledge with wisdom and compassion/emotions for others.

You see I firmly believe that God does want us to prosper, even financially prosper, but not for our selfish, human wants. Financial prosperity is not a sign of God's blessing. If that were so, then wealthy drug lords, pornographers, etc. would be spiritual powerhouses. Material wealth can be connected to the blessings of God or it can be totally disconnected from them.

Now, one verse of scripture that is also commonly associated with prosperity is this one.

" Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye met withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38 (KJV)

This verse clearly states that if we give/be a blessing, then blessings/prosperity will be given to us. It states that the blessings will be so much that they are pressed down and shaken together to make room and they still run over. The next part tells us who God will use to bless us. He will use men. God uses us to bless and prosper each other.

Some people have used this verse with misplaced good intentions and some have used it with manipulative purposes. Prosperity is not giving to get. Giving to the church or a ministry or into someones life is not a type of heavenly vending machine. I firmly believe it is a matter of the heart. Your heart felt reason for giving something whether it is a financial blessing or blessing someone with a particular thing is what determines the return blessings you receive.

Many have erred in the teaching of prosperity. They have erred in the understanding of what true prosperity is. They have also erred in using what God meant as blessings for His children for their own gain.
I was once involved with a ministry who's uses of church and ministry finances became questionable. Other people who were involved with this ministry were upset and offended that tithes and offerings they had given were possibly being misused. This is how I see it. When I give my tithes and offerings, I am giving in obedience to God's word and from my heart. I am giving to God what already belongs to Him for His kingdom and the gospel. Once I give, then it is no longer my concern what happens with it. If it is misused then that will be between that person and God. I'm not saying that if someone is found to be misusing church funds they should not be dealt with, I am saying that the blessings I receive from my giving doe not depend on what they do with it, only my heart reason for giving does.

The main focus of biblical prosperity is not to prosper, but to seek the one who prospers us. We sometimes unintentionally forget that it is God who has given us the power to prosper and Jesus who has made it possible once again for us to be prosperous.

" But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus"
Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

God supplies our needs. What needs? All our needs, whatever those needs may be. How does He supply them? According to His riches, not ours, His. Now what would God consider riches? How is He going to do it? By Christ Jesus. Jesus who bought back for us everything that Satan tricked Adam out of. Adam owned the world and so do we. That is the truth.

In Christ, Kevin