Happiness and Prosperity?
The pain for which the prosperity gospel doesn't allow
“For decades, popular but false Christian teachers have sold many on the idea that if we exhibit strong enough faith or make a big enough offering, God will respond by showering us with material blessings in this world. This false teaching subordinates God’s eternal purposes to our temporal human desires. It dishonors God by mischaracterizing him as a transactional deity from whom we can buy health, happiness and success in the fallen world. Self-centered and worldly, this false teaching dishonors God and discourages his suffering followers.”
— Cole Richards, President of Voice of the Martyrs
I read this in an article that was at the beginning of my January 2025 issue of the Voice of the Martyrs magazine1, and it just about broke my heart. This particular issue of the magazine shared the stories of multiple Nigerian widows who have suffered much at the hands of Islamic militants and Muslim family members because of their Christian faith. Christian men, women, and children around the world — including these Nigerian widows — suffer unspeakable hatred and persecution. Many are put to death simply because they refuse to recant their faith in our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Yet in America, as well as in other free countries, so many people buy into the idea that faith in Jesus will bring health, wealth, and happiness.
How can we be so dense?!
The One we claim to follow did not have great prosperity, at least not in the eyes of the world. He lived as a relatively poor man; He suffered from hunger and fatigue; and He was persecuted unto death on the cross. Is a servant above the Master? Why should we expect to receive “better” things than our Lord?
We should not!
Before His death, Jesus gave this warning to His disciples:
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” (John 15:20-21 NKJV)
If we follow Jesus, we can expect persecution!
Here in the Western world, that persecution may include revilement, ostracism, and even incarceration. In places that experience more persecution — like where our Nigerian sisters live — suffering can also include robbery, beating, and death.
Do not fall prey to the lies of the prosperity gospel!
It not only teaches people to place too much value on worldly possessions, but it also degrades the faith of our dear persecuted brothers and sisters for which they suffer. If they had more faith, wouldn’t they have less pain in life and more prosperity?
NO! It is because of their great faith that they suffer!
If we have prosperity in this world, then so be it. But do not have disdain for the suffering that your faith may bring. Rather, rejoice with the apostles at being counted worthy to suffer for the Name (Acts 5:41). And rather than holding fast to worldly possessions, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21).
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
— Jesus in Matthew 5:11-12
Let’s Pray:
Lord Jesus,
We lift up our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering for your Name’s sake, and ask that You would give them the endurance to stand firm in their faith! Strengthen them, oh Lord, and grant to them the peace and joy that surpass all understanding. Jesus, enable us, too, to stand strong in our faith! Do not let us waiver when persecution comes. Help us not to set great store by earthly prosperity, but let us set our hearts on things above!
In Your blessed and holy Name I pray,
Amen
Related Song:
“The Faithful,” by Steve Green
Voice of the Martyrs is a nondenominational ministry that helps our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. They put out a free magazine that contains the stories of the persecuted Christians they minister to. You can sign up to receive their free magazine on their website.
Great post, Melody. This is so true. Thanks for sharing!
I've always had a problem with the so-called "Prosperity Gospel." Jesus did not promise us wealth or "happiness" in this world.