Prosperity Gospel?

"If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment." (Job 36: 11 NIV)

These are the words of Elihu, one of the "friends" of the suffering Job. He was one who promoted a false idea, still prevalent in our day, one that avows that the truly "godly" and "holy" man, the man whom God favors and blesses, is one who enjoys a life of financial prosperity and freedom from worry and stress.

The bible does not teach that those who serve God faithfully enjoy, as a result of their devotion, great financial rewards and material blessings in this life. That was one of Elihu's great errors and it is sad that his philosophy is being promoted today.

James had a different message. He wrote:

"Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?" (James 2: 5-7 NIV)

Paul also had a different idea about the matter. One of the ways in which he "proved" or "demonstrated" his high standing with the Lord was in his poverty of circumstances!

"But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings..." (II Corinthians 6: 4, 5 KJV)

Do not listen to those, like Elihu, who urge you to become a "Christian" so that you may be rich in this world.