The prosperity gospel: A blessing or a curse?

The prosperity gospel: A blessing or a curse?

The prosperity gospel: A blessing or a curse?

At first they were dubbed as the motivational speakers but later turned to pastors and are leading the new movement of the church called the prosperity gospel. The prosperity gospel appears to mostly find its home in the "word of faith," or name-it-and-claim-it movement, which positions some charismatic preachers as special carriers of God's favor and power. Some believe it is an American export & is unbiblical and used by wolves in sheep's clothing to prey on mostly charismatic and Pentecostal Christians not only in this country, but around the world. We have been watching it from afar for some time now through televangelist such Cleflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, TD Jakes through television and websites and now South Africa has followed suit.

But fellow brethren before we get all armored up and ready for warfare we need to arm ourselves with knowledge first which will give us the some wisdom. So firstly, what is this prosperity gospel and how is it different from the gospel as we know it? Secondly , should we accept its teachings or rebuke it? If it all about getting wealth & self-worth is that against the will of God ? These are just a few of the questions that come into mind when considering this new movement.

“In the prosperity gospel, the believer is told to use God, whereas the truth of biblical Christianity is just the opposite—God uses the believer.” Say Pastor Tony Smith. He further elaborated that this movement also contradicts the gospel of Christ by implying that God can be bribed by money. Pastor Mandla Mokeona said the prosperity gospel changes people’s perspective of God leaving the impression that He requires worshipers to give money, to ministers, churches or their favorite television network, before they can be blessed with financial, physical and spiritual well-being.

The Bible warns against pursuing wealth instead of stressing the importance of wealth. It emphasis that believers, especially leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3), are to be free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5). Its state clearly that the love of money leads to all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).  Now on other hand the prosperity gospel emphasis on gaining money and possessions in this life, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19). The main difference between prosperity teaching and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is best summed up in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve both God and money.”

Where does all this leave us? Does that mean you can't have a nice car? No, just don't let the nice car have you. Does it mean you can't have a big house? No, just don't let the big house have you. If you are holding on to an earthly treasure you love, you can expect to be personally tested. 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31 says

^“ What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not;  those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”

Finally don’t neglect to spend some time with your bible and strengthen your personal relationship with God.

The writing is on the wall, judge for yourselves so that you are not mislead.