When we add incorrect application to an already incomplete interpretation of Scripture, biblical truth gives way to Christian absurdity.
This topic has been debated ad nauseam. At first, it was touted as the truth that God does not want us to be poor. But then, we did too much, as we often do. We focused too heavily on the “my good” part of Romans 8:28.
When we add incorrect application to an already incomplete interpretation of Scripture, biblical truth gives way to Christian absurdity. I submit as evidence the “Name it, Claim it” gospel. (I mean really… who do we think we are?)
Then, in what I assume is an effort to correct the false teachings associated with biblical prosperity, we decided poverty was the way to go, as though His glory resides in our lack. But Jesus doesn’t sit on this side or that side. I daresay He doesn’t even sit in the middle.
Maybe it’s not this or that. It might be this and that.
Maybe He is big enough to know all of His children and give to them in accordance with His plan for their lives.
And maybe – just maybe – He’s sovereign and smarter than we are.
To make the assertion that we should not want blessing is to say that we do not want all of God – God blesses. But it’s up to Him to determine how and when and who.
Here’s the thing: God doesn’t care if we have nice things. He won’t be mad at you because you like Chanel perfume (at least I hope not…otherwise I’m in big trouble). Now if you want nice things more than you want communion with Him, that’s grounds for reprimand.
If you pursue Him for the sole purpose of receiving His blessing, that’s a problem. He’s not your holy sugar daddy… sugar Abba? That’s a terrible joke, but for the sake of transparency, so that you know how awkwardly unfunny I really am, I’m leaving it.
To make the assertion that we should not want blessing is to say that we do not want all of God – God blesses. But it’s up to Him to determine how and when and who.
I assume that the argument for poverty over prosperity has to do with Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5 “Blessed are the poor.” That’s the way I learned it, anyway. But that’s not the whole truth, is it? Matthew 5:3 says “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” not poor in liquid assets.
But even if He did end the sentence with the word “poor,” He’s still not making a statement about what we should all strive to be. Wouldn’t that just be manipulation on another scale? If I’m poor enough, maybe God will bless me. No, no, no.
His glory and our good are not mutually exclusive terms.
Our good is part of His glory.
This or that.
His glory or our good.
Wrong interpretation. Sloppy application.
His glory is our good.
God gets no glory from our lack. What kind of Father would He be if He allowed His child’s needs to go unmet? He doesn’t glory in your poverty. He glories in being your provider. Now, He might use hardship to teach you that He is your provider, but that lesson has an end date.
On the other hand, He can’t glory in your prosperity if you’re too busy talking about how you earned it. You may have worked hard. You may have been wise with your finances. You may have learned from the parable of the talents. But whose wisdom did you borrow when you made those moves?
When He is lifted up in our lives, then others see His provision. When we honor Him with our prosperity – blessed to be a blessing – then others see His ways at work.
This is all about Him. Every. Last. Bit.
When the Kingdom advances, we win.
His glory, our good.
And as children of God, we are elated when He receives the glory. When the Kingdom advances, we win. Advancing the Kingdom of God doesn’t mean that we are working for Him with no reward of our own. All those things that are important to you are opportunities for the Kingdom to advance.
To the one who has endured decades of singleness and longs for a spouse… don’t you think those around you will rejoice and honor the Lord when they see Him come through for you?
To the one who has endured years of pain with no medical explanation… will He not be lifted high on the day of your healing?
To the one living paycheck to paycheck… imagine the joy your FAther feels in providing your daily bread.
Answered prayers feel like they are only good for us – and friend, He would do it just for that reason… He loves you that much. But to the watching world, our answered prayers are proof that there is God at work in the lives of His people. His glory, our good.
Then the thing that feels like it is only for our good becomes the catalyst for conversion and Kingdom advancement.
This is all for His glory. But it will also turn out for my good.
This post really spoke to me!
This part really hit me!
“To make the assertion that we should not want blessing is to say that we do not want all of God – God blesses. But it’s up to Him to determine how and when and who.”