Beware Prosperity Teaching

Be on guard against prosperity teachers. 

The desire to improve our financial circumstances is not inherently wrong. Scripture commends diligence, wise stewardship, and careful planning. However, not every financial message that uses biblical language is rooted in Scripture. The “get rich” industry markets to Christians in many ways. The most obvious example is the prosperity gospel. Preachers often promise that if you have enough faith, sow enough money, or speak the right words, God will bless you with financial abundance. This blatantly appeals to man’s sinful desires for quick and easy worldly wealth, and brazenly contradicts Scripture.

Jesus called His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. The apostles frequently experienced hardship, persecution, imprisonment, and poverty while faithfully serving the Lord. The more dangerous approach may be those selling the “soft prosperity gospel.” It’s practical advice built on the assumption that getting rich is universally good and motives don’t need to be examined.

Both methods obscure or omit any mention of greed, selfishness, and coveting, or the virtues of contentment, self-sacrifice, and generosity. Few ever mention the people in Hebrews 11 who lost everything but were commended for their genuine, exemplary faith. The love of money is Satan’s trap. Beware of “get rich” schemes and the people who perpetuate them. Remember, this world is not our home.

And if you’re tempted to believe some of those lies because of credit card debt, Christian Credit Counselors can help. They’ll create a debt management plan just for you. For more information, visit online at crown.org/ccc.