The truth is, “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom.” (James 2:5). “The common people heard Him gladly.” (Mark 12:37). To dangle the “money carrot” before the poor as an inducement to faithfulness is mis-representation at its worst. Isn’t it interesting that many television preachers after preaching the prosperity doctrine launch into “begging sessions,” threatening to have to cut certain stations if their needs are not met. The sight of these people – with jewel-bedecked fingers and “tax shelter” watches dangling from their wrists – should warn the gullible, but the cash flows in.

If the righteous must be prosperous, why was Jesus born in a borrowed manager, lived the life of a carpenter, rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey, died on a Roman cross, and buried in a borrowed tomb? He said, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20).

And, further, why is it that some of the worst sinners are the most prosperous materially? David wrestled with this problem. “Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:12). “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.” (Psalms 37:35). Clearly, the prosperity factor is not the final determinant or the minimum criterion by which spirituality is measured.

The aforementioned broadcasters exploit to the fullest the “blessings of liberality” promise. “The liberal soul shall be made fat,” but the fatness is not always financial. “I will pour you out a blessing;” but there are greater blessings than the material. To encourage people to give to God’s cause in hope of some return reward is an appeal to less-than-honorable motivation. Love for God and His cause is acceptable to God as a giving motive, nothing less.

For those who believe that Christianity immunizes us against sickness and death – be it remembered  that “It is appointed unto all men once to die, and after that the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27). Paul also speaks of  “the dead in Christ.” (1^st Thessalonians 4:16). Also, “whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth.” (Hebrews 12:6). Nor is a shortage of cash-flow to be confused with a lack of spirituality. Terrible times have often fallen on the saints. Lack of faith my have nothing to do with it. To conclude otherwise would be to join Job’s counselors in their mistaken conclusion. Would you have said to Daniel, “If you had faith you would not be in the lion’s den”? Or to the martyrs for Christ; “If you knew the Lord, you would not be burning at the stake”? Christians must not be evaluated on how they stand at given points in time, for all of us are subject to alternating currents. And there times when we all cry out, “My God, My God, Why?” And the answer is not always intellectually satisfying. But it is soul-sustaining.

The truth is, character is developed in adversity. The airplane rises from the earth against the wind. Muscle is developed with tension. The God of heaven is deeply interested in character development. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.” (1^st Peter 4:12). “We glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” (Romans 5:3). “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of sliver: And He shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” In tribulation man discovers his own deepest needs, and, if he is wise, turns to God.

Dr. E.E. Cleveland is a published author of over 15 books worldwide. His services as an Evangelist are always in great demand.