Paul Hoffmaster

The Christian faith seems to have a mentality of receiving rather than of giving, being served instead of serving. The Believer is more concerned about worldly benefits than Heavenly rewards. There is more emphasis on the outer man than the spiritual man. Human nature has always wrapped itself up in tangible things (what can be seen and touched). Success is measured by what can be exhibited to others. If one becomes financially mature, evidenced by possessions, one will boast of his endeavors and accomplishments.

A problem arises when the Christian adopts the financial symbol as the evidence of a vibrant relationship with Jesus. It is becoming more and more obvious that the Church has hired promoters to help the statistically declining congregations. The simple Gospel message that Jesus saves has given way to a thing called the Prosperity Gospel. Paul warned in Galations about another gospel “Which is not another…” (Gal. 1:7)

Scriptures that are used to promote this teaching are taken out of context. Take any Scripture used to promote prosperity and one would readily see the benefit of any financial reward was to pass it on, not keep it. Notice that those who preach the principles of financial abundance want you to “seed” to their ministry. What entices people back to half filled churches is that by their financial giving, God will bless them with monetary significance. There is a line between spiritually sowing and financially sowing and it is being crossed continually.

A Christian’s life should be as the hymn writer wrote, “More like the Master.” Jesus’ life was a life of giving, not getting. He continually reached out to the needy. Jesus offered a changed life, not a change of garments. He did not offer a house on the Sea of Galilee or a thoroughbred donkey with golden shoes. Jesus did not guarantee one would have a six oar boat so one did not have to travel commercial across the Sea of Galilee. What Jesus offered was that God would take care of everything that would pertain to one’s life. Read Luke 12:19-34 and you will quickly become aware of how God has made every provision for your life. It is a choice between believing that one will receive financial blessings, by sowing as directed by a scripture that is taken out of context or trusting God that He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philip. 4: 19)

The Christian must render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, and unto God the things that are Gods. (Mt. 22: 21) The world says “in money we shall trust.” The Believer says in “in God will I trust.” Today many Christians believe financial security is the evidence of God’s blessings, but to the Truth seekers it is the peace that passes all understanding.

Let the Holy Spirit reveal what is truth and let man’s interpretation fall idly to the ground.

Website host comment: James 3:1 and Galatians 5:10b are but two additional scriptures to seriously consider for those teaching and preaching the Word of God.