Lesson 6 is probably a good place to remind the reader that my personal pursuit of understanding prosperity accurately is not rooted in becoming a millionaire, so we have no more financial concerns. That pursuit would be so far beneath the calling and inheritance of a passionate, Jesus-follower. Our pursuit is rooted in how we might become conduits for Kingdom resources and not simply containers.
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #5: God Is Not Against Prosperity
I was taught early in my Christian walk (over 40 years ago) that I should love what God loves and hate what God hates. This is another way of saying that I should never call good, evil; or evil, good (Isaiah 5:20). In fact, the prophet Isaiah declares a “Woe” upon those who would do such things. So, imagine my surprise when I started to see notable American preachers release videos and messages with titles like: “Why I hate the Prosperity Gospel”, or “Why the Prosperity Gospel is an abomination”. Strong rebukes and words for the prosperity theme. Interestingly, some of these preachers have made millions on their book sales criticizing wealth and prosperity all the while increasing their own net worth. I find no small sense of irony in that reality.
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #4: Defining Our Terms
Prosperity and poverty are not easily defined. If the definitions are restricted to simply net worth or income ranges, it will miss the totality of how God defines it. For example, the US government defines the poverty line to be $12,760 for a single person. Each additional person in a family would add $4,480, so the poverty line for a family of 4 (in America) would be $26,200. There is no argument from me that the income level identified would make it super challenging to navigate the current American economy, perhaps impossible, for a family to experience a quality of life we have come to expect as Americans. However, allow me to use those numbers for a moment and give a broader perspective.
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #3: No Condemnation to Those Who Prosper
As I am contemplating the order of these prosperity lessons, I am feeling rushed to get you, the reader, to the “nuts and bolts” of how God defines and works prosperity in the life of His people. I want you to understand rapidly how this works and is released in order that you can quickly position yourself for the bumpy days ahead. My motive is to help you thrive in the midst of, and not simply weather, the coming storm. And while I believe my motives and intents are sincere and righteous, I also know that unless you embrace some initial wisdom, the actual precepts will do you little good.
NO LONGER ASHAMED OF PROSPERITY #2: Consecrated to be Conduits
I need to carefully lay some foundation. This may frustrate those who simply want to get to the “formula” for prospering or answer their one plaguing question. So be it. Prosperity and consecration go hand in hand. The Lord is cleaning and clearing the carnality and selfishness which has rooted itself in His Church. Be patient and teachable. These early lessons are important ones.
As Tracie and I started to dive again into the concept of prosperity, it started with a conviction to resource and fund several ministries we had come into contact. We have always been generous givers, but this time we were wanting to be able to conduit unusual sums of resources. We would be driving down the road and say to one another, “Wouldn’t it be great to have the means to stroke a check off to missionary “Jones” and just buy that truck they need for their mission assignment?” “Did you see that missionary who needed the building to teach those kids? I wish I could buy one for them.” “Did you hear that so and so is starting a church and they are needing money to renovate the space. Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to drop by anonymously and hand them a $40k check?” You may have noticed that ministry and Kingdom mandates need resources. Our desire for personal prosperity had a specific context. We desired to be conduits for the Kingdom mandate.