Rich Young Ruler vs. Prosperity Gospel

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For those who preach prosperity: Jesus tells a young man to give up all he has.

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Money is not the goal, or a reward, for being saved.

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[Luke 18:22] When Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

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This quote was directed toward a young man whose life revolved around his riches and power and status.

Jesus / Yahshua wanted to be first in his life, and the material things got in his way of making that possible.

Living for material things is living in the flesh:

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8

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When Jesus / Yahshua spoke to the general crowds, he did not promise them prosperity, or say they should seek prosperity as part of the kingdom.

He did not tell the crowds the same thing he told the young rich ruler, that they should give up all they had to follow Him.

He did say the Father would provide for those that are His, and that they would have what they needed, IF they asked, in Jesus/Yahshua’s name.

But this is not the same as riches, or money BEYOND what is needed.

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The gospel is not about money!!!!

Jesus did not die a horrible, agonizing,

bloody death on the cross so that people

could

get free stuff, or things without really

working for them.

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Pastors and other “leaders” who preach this are preaching a lie, and “another Jesus.”

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We all have our gifts and limitations.

While one person will achieve much through God given natural talents, another person will achieve less.

In each case, God looks at the heart, and the state of gratitude that each one has for what he has been given.

Some have been given many talents, and others less talents, but in all cases, God has given them something to use to work with.

God wants us to use what we have been given, and glorify Him in the process.

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Those that have been given little can see miraculous increase by just using what they have.

That is the glory of being given a little, to show how faithfulness with what we have brings reward.

The “poor” actually have more opportunities to see miraculous provision than the “rich,” who already have what they need.

So, the poor can potentially have greater testimonies for God than the rich.

And it is the Word of the testimony that brings others to Christ / Messiah.

THAT is the goal of the gospel, not how “blessed” we can get.

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Here is an example of what I mean:

Little Red Fire Truck

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The rich will have a different opportunity, and this is to bless others with what they have, bring hope, and the love of Jesus to other people.

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First of all, make YHVH God and Messiah Yahshua/ Jesus first in your life.

Be grateful for what you have.

Ask God for what you need, and leave the timing and response up to Him.

Wait on the Lord, and be busy working for Him.

Reward will come when it is time, not when you want it.

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If you are rich, then share with others, but do so wisely.

If you are poor, then believe for miraculous provision, so you can share wonderful testimonies.

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Remember, anyone can be SPRITUALLY rich or poor.

It is your choice.

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