In my readings today, I came across this verse in Jeremiah…
But if I say, I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name, Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it. Jeremiah 20:9
Now, I know Jeremiah suffered quite a bit and was persecuted but he knew that he couldn’t hold in his faith. He had to proclaim God’s name and God’s goodness and the message that God wanted to say through him. I want my life to be like that; to be willing to speak His name no matter what, to be unable to keep quiet because the Lord’s Word IS like a fire in me and it is not meant to be quieted.
People need to remember that persecution comes in many forms… including from within the church and from family members. I have heard it estimated in several places that only about 10% of those that claim to be Christians really are. That means there are a whole slew of people that think they are saved but aren’t… and that’s a very sad and startling thought.
One of the arguments that I dealt with this past week had to do with the whole prosperity gospel. I don’t agree with it; it’s very flawed. The Scriptures I was presented with were all taken out of context and used to fit their idea of what God said. It’s not that God doesn’t want us to prosper, it’s simply that our idea of prospering and God’s idea are two different things. Man’s idea (in today’s world) of prosperity usually looks like: a big house, lots of fancy cars, nice wardrobe, the ability to flash money wherever. God’s idea of prosperity is for our souls. It could come through various trials and in sufferings, from health problems, financial problems, and more. It isn’t a popular notion, but I firmly believe that God is more interested in the condition of our souls than He is in the condition of our bank account.
The truth is… if God wanted each person to prosper in health and wealth that believed in Him, we’d have a lot more Christians! But Jesus Himself said “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
How about these other verses? “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19 – 21
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Instead, prosperity preachers use the claim that we are “Kings Kids” and therefore we have to have the best this world offers. They are simply catchy phrases that appeal to the lust in man. In 1 John 2:15 it says “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
God wants to give us the best… but the best is in the next life, not here. It’s not guaranteed here. We are in a battle here. There are so many verses on suffering throughout the New Testament. We are told that if we love Jesus and we abide in Him, we are going to suffer. I’m sorry, but the idea of suffering and prosperity (according to those prosperity preachers) don’t go hand in hand… and the Bible does not contradict itself. Therefore, it is pretty safe to assume that most people’s idea of prosperity must be incorrect.
One final thing to share… a short video clip from John Piper. I’d love to hear other peoples thoughts on this. Thanks for listening!
