Dr. Frederick K. C. Price has written a book titled, "The Purpose of Prosperity." While many probably still will not agree with Dr. Price's message, one must agree that he is trying to get away from a focus on "prosperity for selfish gain" and make some attempt towards balance.
Here are some passages from his book:
Through the years, many Christians have misconstrued God's original plan for their prosperity. When it comes to finances, their thinking has become more selfish and self-centered rather than God-centered. Yes, God wants all of His children to prosper (3 John 2), but there is also a bigger picture to be considered. (Page 2)
... what has happened is that a lot of Christians have made prosperity a thing for me, myself, and I - us three. They have made the propserity message a way to get bigger houses, newer cars, more designer clothes, and a nice bank account. Many have forgotten about those in the world who don't know Jesus, and are lost and on their way to hell. (Page 6)
I believe that in the pursuit of wealth, the Church has lost sight of its priorities and has put seeking the lost on the backburner ... The wealth is for the body of Christ to have the funds to go into all the world and preach the gospel, and that is why God wants us to prosper. (Page 7)
The world can only see Jesus as it sees Jesus in us. Since we are supposed to be hooked up to Him, we should be emulating HIm. The Bible calls us ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). It seems that most believers have forgotten that fact. Now, it is all about getting a new suit or a new dress or some jewelry. We seem to have forgotten what the real issue of Christianity is about. (Page 59)
He makes other similar comments in the book. He also goes on to teach a lot about tithing in his book, something some of you have problems with. Nevertheless, he makes clear throughout this book that though God wants to meet our needs in abundance, financial prosperity is not about US or getting things, but about partnering with God to finance the gospel.
__________________ Let the Scriptures Determine Your Theology, Do Not Read Your Theology into Scripture.
Ah yes, I agree too. But most of us have got it backwards.
Purpose comes first. And if we were to ask what the purpose of th church is, which is the same thing as saying what is our purpose - since we are the churc - most believers don't have a clue.
Further, provision follows purpose. Purpose never follows provision.
So many of us wait and hang around for God to supply the provision, before they will walk into their purpose. ie. if God would just give me that, then I could do this. Or if I was blessed financially, then I would do that with it.
That's why many of us are still hanging around and waiting (and we will continue to wait for a long time) because we've got it backwards. The way it should be is, work towards your purpose, and everything that we need to complete our purpose will be provided. That's the prosperity that I'm talking about. It's linked to purpose. But how many Christians astutely recognize what their purpose is?
And that takes faith and character because God is more interested in the production of your character than the provision of your comfort.
Seek first the Kingdom...and all these things will be added. What are all these things? All the things that are necessary in order for us to seek the Kingdom of God.
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"It's not about having what you want; rather, it's about wanting what you have." Unknown
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