...serving God as a way to become prosperous...

Fifteen plus years ago I was at a church that began to heavily preach the “prosperity gospel.”  I had been at this church for a year or so and up until then, had been pleased with what was being taught.

I played the guitar on the worship team and when the music part was over, we would sit out in the congregation to listen to the message.  It seemed that every week I would end up sitting next to a person whose body odor nearly gagged me.  I don’t mean to be gross, but my nose is hyper sensitive…and well…let’s just leave it at that!  J I had been acquainted with this person for a while and actually was quite surprised by this.  It wasn’t normal for her.  I was concerned so I asked around to see if anyone knew what had caused this change with her.  Well, much to my surprise, I found out she had fast growing cataracts on her eyes and was suddenly legally blind.  The blindness caused her to lose her job.  She could no longer drive, read, work, etc.  Her life was changed drastically in a matter of a few months.  She was a single mom.  The only money that she was receiving was $350 a month and her rent was $300 a month.  Needless to say, life had become ultra challenging for her. 

I just couldn’t stand back and do nothing.  I decided to talk to the pastor about helping her out.  Since money had become the topic of most of the teachings, I really believed that I wouldn’t have any trouble getting help.  Wow…as a young Christian…I was sorely mistaken!  I won’t go into the sordid details.  Looking back, it was a wonderful learning time for me as far as learning what and what not to do in situations like this.  Some of the women and I did what we could to help her.  The Lord led us and we saw wonderful things take place for this lady.  I’m not sure who was blessed more us or the lady and her daughter. 

I learned at a very young “Christian” age that being a Christian is about serving God through serving others.  Yes, God does prosper us in many different ways which does happen to include finances.  There’s no getting around it.  But “serving God” as a way to become prosperous is not what God intends for us.  Matthew 6:33 states; Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. (See also 1Timothy 6:3-6) As Christians, no matter what our financial status may be, we are wealthy because Jesus is the greatest treasure we could ever attain!  

Be sensitive to the needs of others.  We’re here to serve others, not ourselves.  Be alert to those around you whether strangers, friends or family.  You never know who God may bring across your path that may need the help that only you can give.