Economics scholars often refer to prosperity as “well-being.” An economy cannot be considered prosperous if its citizens do not experience well-being. For example, being rich but depressed does not constitute well-being. Similarly, being well-educated but jobless does not equate to well-being. From an economic perspective, a wealthy drug dealer is not prosperous but rather a danger to society. His activities harm the economy by incapacitating its human assets and reducing productivity.
Some may discredit any form of prosperity teaching from Christian pulpits, but I believe there is a need for the children of God to be educated in this area. It is essential to understand basic economics and God’s will regarding our prosperity or well-being on earth.
Let me clarify something before I continue. I am completely against any form of extortion and abuse that occurs in some Christian circles under the guise of “prosperity.” There has been significant damage caused by unbalanced “prosperity” teachings. I consider prosperity teachings deceptive if they are not based on biblical principles but rather on mere mysticism, such as the law of attraction. Another form of deception is the use of manipulative tactics to get people to give to churches and ministries. Beware of preachers who would have you pay for what God has freely given. None of God’s gifts or blessings in Jesus are for sale, not even for a bargain. Freely we have received, and freely we should give.
Now, back to my main point.
When starting a new business (by the way, should Christians be entrepreneurs?), is it acceptable for your pastor to pray for its success? Is it okay to ask God to make your business profitable? Is it God’s will for your business to go bankrupt? Should we expect God not to bless us in these areas of our lives or not to be involved at all? God cares about all aspects of our lives. If a loved one started a business and asked you to pray for its success, would you ask God to bless the work of their hands? If you were a farm owner, would you expect a harvest or wish for a natural disaster to hit your crops? Would you ask God to bless your farm? Is it godly or biblical to make such prayers for ourselves or others?
I believe prosperity is God watching over us to ensure we succeed in the things He has called us to do on earth. This has nothing to do with money or financial wealth. If you become seriously ill, you will not be able to work or make money. Does God rejoice in seeing you in debt, homeless, without clothes, and unable to pay your bills when He promised to take care of you? “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). His promises are “yes and amen.” If He made this promise, He is faithful to keep it. Be grateful for your health and the strength of your youth. Make wise decisions while you are still strong, and your retirement will surely go well. I believe God will provide for His children’s needs and bless each one according to His promises and faithfulness. We need to learn to trust God with unshakable faith, especially in difficult times. He never fails.
Not every Christian will be a billionaire or millionaire on this earth, but every Christian will shine and prosper during their time on earth. Yes, there will be times when you ask God for material things that He will not give you. If you don’t understand that God can say “NO” or keep some doors shut to preserve you, you might become pushy and manipulative out of frustration. Prosperity means different things to different people. “I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things, I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need” (Phil 4:12).
We need to find a balance and avoid extremes. Instead of joining endless gossip-fueled debates on social media, we should be busy bearing fruit for the Lord. We need to rightly divide the word of truth. Don’t conclude that a Christian in material lack is under a curse. Don’t assume preachers who do not make “prosperity” the center of their message are not anointed. Don’t assume a Christian or a pastor who is materially rich is greedy. Don’t assume all preachers who teach prosperity are false or have not been called by God to do so. Again, prosperity means different things to different people. This is not the central message of the Gospel, but it is causing much division and confusion in the body of Christ. Seek God’s will for your walk and be content in every season (in lack and abundance, in profit and loss, etc.). Every season comes with its blessings and challenges. God’s blessings come in different packages and colors, but we tend to associate His blessings with currency.
I trust God will bless us all abundantly as He has promised. Godly prosperity and blessings will always be clothed with joy, peace, and abundant generosity. God’s blessings will always fill you with contentment, love, joy, and praise. “The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it” (Proverbs 10:22).
If you ask me, I would say the most prosperous are the most generous. God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. The generous are storing up wealth in heaven. All riches acquired on this earth will disappear in the blink of an eye. They cannot be recycled in eternity. Love is the greatest because we will not need hope and faith in heaven. The same wisdom applies here: your heavenly wealth is above any earthly riches you could ever acquire since that is what will stay with you throughout eternity. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21).
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