Christian Living

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I was riding in the car with a young man. He was a Christian, who loved God. We had a discussion on giving. He said he thought he should give to get. And if he did not get, there was no reason to give.

I was not sure I agreed with him. I know that God promises that, in time, we will reap a harvest, but I'm not sure we are to give to get.

A couple weeks ago, I was listening to an evangelist on television. He was telling us that if we sent their ministry one-thousand dollars, God would remove all of our curses. Not long ago, these same people were telling us that God would pay off all of our debts for the same one-thousand dollars.

I thought indulgences went out years ago. But here they are again. If people have this give-to-get attitude, no doubt they will fall for such. I call it "Fleecing-Christian Style."

What does the New Testament teach about giving? First, it tells us we ought to give what God purposes on our hearts, and not what others manipulate us into giving. I wonder what these same television evangelists would think if we called them and told them God would pay off their debts, if they gave each of us one-thousand dollars. They would probably laugh at us, hang up the phone or tell us that their obligations prevent them from doing this.

Well, if God can pay off all my debts and remove all my family curses with my one-thousand dollar gift, why won't it work for them too?

The reason they will not send the money is they know better. I can almost guarantee you that God did not promise to remove our curses if we write a check for one-thousand dollars. If God wants to remove our curses, He'll remove them. If He wants to help us with our debts, He'll first teach us to become good stewards. If He wants us to give, He will let us know. It is God's work, not ours. And we cannot buy His work. He already paid for it, through the cross on Calvary.

In Acts 8:18, Simon the sorcerer saw people receive the Holy Spirit, through the laying on of Hands. After seeing this, he approached Peter and offered to pay him, so he could do the same. Unlike the modern day evangelists, who have no problem selling God's power, Peter rebuked Simon saying, "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

Simon became terrified. Immediately he asked them to pray for him so those things they spoke about would not happen to him.

If you ask some people who Jesus is, they will tell you He is their Savior. Others will say, he is the healer and wealth giver. Jesus wants to prosper us.

I have to tell you, I never bought into this wealth and prosperity message. The only people I see getting wealthy and prosperous are those selling the message. Why do they sell this message? They sell it because it works. No one wants to hear about brokenness, repentance, trials and tribulations. No one wants to hear about the need to bear our own cross. No, people today want to hear about Jesus, the wealth giver, Jesus the healer, Jesus the genie in a bottle that will give to us because we deserve it.

Paul writes, in 1 Timothy 6:2-5, "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain."

When we preach that godliness is the means to financial gain, we teach a false doctrine. Yes, these evangelists know the truth, but they do not trust God for their resources. Instead, they rely on manipulation, lies and promises that could not come from God. Money does not move God, our hearts move God.

So what is prosperity for a Christian? What gains can we make? The great gain we're to achieve is godliness with contentment (1 Tim. 6:6). This is our great gain. Paul stated that there were times he had great wealth and there were times he was poor. Yet, he had learned that no matter if he was rich or poor, he was content.

We came into this world with nothing. Having food and shelter, we should be content. Paul writes, "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (1 Tim. 6:9).

So, instead of teaching us about how to give to get, what should these evangelists teach? Paul writes, "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Tim. 6:11-12 NIV).

We are to run the race of eternal life. If God wants to bless us with riches, that is up to Him. However, I believe we should flee from those who promise that we will receive God's power and His mighty works, in proportion to how much money we give. Instead, we should seek the righteousness of Christ. We should walk in faith, love, patience, and meekness. And above all we should fight the good fight of faith, carrying out our purpose and sharing our testimony about God's saving grace.

Jesus warned us against storing up treasures on earth, and neglecting our treasure in heaven. He also told us if we lift Him up, He will draw others to Himself. He did not say we should lift a ministry or lift up empty promises. We should lift Him up and trust that He will do what He promised.

One day, those who fleece will find themselves standing before the Lord, Jesus. They will have some explaining to do. Maybe, just maybe, they need to repent, before it is too late. I know the Lord forgives and good news, they won't have to pay for it. He paid for it already. Amen!

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