Turn on most Christian television stations or radio stations, or walk into many Christian bookstores and you will see programs and books which teach the so-called Prosperity Gospel. Although there are several variations of the Prosperity Gospel, the central idea is the same. The preacher/teacher claims that Jesus died, not only to give you eternal life, but also to bring you prosperity in this life. The preacher/teacher lists several steps to follow in order to access the prosperity provided by Jesus' sacrifice. Those steps normally include sending a "seed" (money) to the preacher/teacher, which they claim God will honor by sending the giver more money in return. The preacher/teacher supports their Prosperity Gospel with a few Scriptures taken out of context and strung together in a manner which supports their thesis.
The Bible, however, does not teach a Prosperity Gospel. God does promise to bless those who give generously. But He does not promise to give you health and wealth in return for generosity. In fact, the Bible teaches believers to be content with what they have, rather than striving to attain more. Furthermore, the believer is instructed to "withdraw yourself" from those " suppose that godliness is a means of gain." (1Timothy 6:5, NKJV) Instead, gain is to be found in godliness with contentment. Those who are not content will find their possessions to be a burden rather than a blessing. Only those who are content with what they have will find their possessions to be a blessing.
May God help us all to live a godly life and be content.
