This is the aspect of prosperity and the area that receives the most criticism. Pastors who preach and teach against the “prosperity message” will often times play the 3-minute YouTube clip of a television fundraising event of a ministry which illustrates an abuse or misuse of the Word to solicit donations. It smacks of manipulation, gimmickry, and scheming. I cannot defend it, nor will I try. That said, we can all dislike charlatans who twist Scripture to selfish ends, however one must still come to terms with the truth of God’s Word. Implementing His Word is the fourth prosperity “stream” that God uses to enlarge His people.
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38)
There is something about giving that moves the heart of God. It moves Him, so much at times, that in response He will release multiplied blessings into the life of the giver. (See 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 9:6-10)
Since I am not creating these blog posts as exegetical papers to refute every criticism that may be leveled at prosperity, let me simply state, that there is an abundance of Scripture which underscores the legitimate place of expectation in the heart of a believer to anticipate God’s blessing as they release their finances in obedience to the Word of God. In fact, I would generally say that God takes notice in our giving when we sow…
In faith towards some Kingdom mandate or purpose.
In our local church as we support the work and heart of God in the earth.
To ministries doing the work of the Lord.
Towards the poor and impoverished.
Towards the orphans and widows.
To someone else’s need.
The list above is not exhaustive, but it illustrates that as we give selflessly or even sacrificially (according to His Word), God will take notice in that act.
Let me give a couple anecdotal stories in our own life that might bring light to what I am trying to communicate.
Like many young married couples with children, we found ourselves years ago, financially challenged on numerous occasions. We had to trust God for needs on at least a monthly basis. My wife was working a job which was helping to meet our needs but was secretly trusting God for a raise. One Sunday, a guest minister was at our church and challenged us to believe God for greater returns on our acts of faith. In fact, he taught that we should believe God for a 100-fold return. I was skeptical of his teaching. It wasn’t that he didn’t have Scripture and solid ground for all that he shared, but I was not ready to hear that teaching and certainly had no faith to act on it. As an offering was getting prepared to be received, my wife on the front row signaled to me on the platform with her fingers what looked to me to be, “2 – 5 – then the ‘ok’ sign”, to indicate $25.
In my mind, $25 was a lot because I knew what was in the bank account. I nodded yes, and the offering was received, and the service concluded. Later, as we were driving home, Tracie said, “Honey, I want to thank you for letting me sow in that offering.”
I said, “Well of course, $25 was generous concerning our situation.”
She said “$25…I signaled to you $250!”
“What”, I said, “I thought it was a $25 sign with an OK on the end.”
“No”, she responded, “I need a $25,000 a year salary on my job and I was believing God for a 100-fold return!”
Guess what…
She received the raise, and it was exactly $25,000. (You can critique that or even laugh at it, but it happened. My wife has always been the driving force in faith and generosity, so I should have known.)
The stories don’t end there…
We knew of a single mom who needed an automobile to get to work. Her vehicle finally died beyond repair. God spoke to me about giving her one of our two cars. I thought initially I would give her the older of the two cars as it was in good condition and would certainly meet her need, but the Lord convicted me and reminded me that when I give to the poor, I was actually lending to Him. So, I gave her the newest and best vehicle and I kept the older one.
Guess what?
When we needed a second vehicle about 3-years later, a generous person gave us a car.
Critique it if you want, but I sowed a vehicle, according to the Word, for the day I would need a vehicle.
I could write endlessly about how the Lord has multiplied back to us blessings because we have given according to the Word. If the Word is authoritative with regards to salvation, eternity, sin, repentance, and a host of other important doctrinal truths, then why would God’s promises concerning prosperity and generosity be any less true? If I can genuinely and sincerely expect Him to save and deliver people according to His Word, then why would I stumble and doubt the other promises and precepts He declares through the Scriptures?
I understand the abuses and misuses that accompany this area. I understand that there are people who have been disappointed and confused concerning their generosities and giving. I may not be able to untangle and explain every story that is “out there”, but I can testify to what I have experienced and my confidence in God’s Word.
I am not ashamed of the Gospel…
I am not ashamed of the Scriptures…
I am not ashamed of the promises God has clearly declared to His people…
Which is why…
I am no longer ashamed of prosperity…
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