Heart

Heart

Volume II, Issue 2

Myths of Prosperity

Prosperity can be one of the most elusive and deceptive elements of life. Biblical absolutes are often discarded as the relative standard of prosperity becomes the deciding factor. While prosperity is not wrong in and of itself, there are some myths about which we need to be aware. The first myth of prosperity is that prosperity equals blessing. While it is true that God blesses the righteous, we cannot conclude that prosperity equates to Gods blessing. This was the obstacle that Jobs friends faced. Job was clearly blessed by God and was very prosperous. But when he lost it all, Jobs friends concluded that the loss of prosperity was because of sin and a loss of Gods blessing (Job 4:7-9). Prosperity does not always equate to blessing. A second myth of prosperity is that prosperity equals security. Jesus taught the folly of this myth in Luke 12:13-21. In teaching a lesson about the danger of covetousness, he illustrated it by a man who seemingly had it made. While he saved and created quite the security blanket, he didnt take death and eternity into consideration. His prosperity created a false sense of security. A third myth of prosperity is that prosperity equals happiness. Solomon was known not only for his wisdom but also his wealth. His prosperity was the result of Gods blessing (1 Kings 3:13). But Solomon learned by experience that simply possessing wealth did not guarantee happiness. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he shows the futility of life without God. Though he had everything that money could buy, he learned that wealth could not buy happiness (Eccl. 2:1-11). These myths of prosperity have deceived many people. beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15) Pastor Q We too must