Real Prosperity…

With all the prosperity gospels being preached in America today, it still amazes me how people still “buy into these false, distorted representations of the Bible”. Reading Jeremiah chapter 39 you discover God telling Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian that He would reward him for his faithfulness to God. His life would be his reward. God also tells Baruch (jeremiah’s scribe) the exact same thing. If that is true, then doesn’t God reward all of us with a life in the Spirit. Being able to see spiritually; witnessing the invisible hand of God moving in the lives of others is definitely a blessing, wouldn’t you agree? All this “give to get” prosperity non-sense gets old fast. God does reward us with prosperity, it’s just not measured monetarily. His blessings and rewards are with life. And you cannot put a value on a human life, real life, can you? Now that’s real prosperity.

17 but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. 18 Because you trusted Me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 39:17-18

5 Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 45:5

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:3-10

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19