Ok it's been few and far between since my last blog.  So here goes:

Why has it developed into such an enormous issue when Christians (especially members of the clergy) prosper financially?  Many people seem to think it's due to not placing God first, greed, and selfishness.  I feel that we as Christians (born again believers) shouldn't take issue when our brothers and sisters in Christ are prospering financially even as their inner man prospers (their relationship with God).

One of the reasons could be that some people misunderstand this verse when it states, "For the love of money is the root of all evil:  which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."  Sometimes we fail to realize or recall that God isn't ignorant to the fact that we live in this world and it takes money to survive on this earth (pay bills; buy food & clothing; pay for our children's education, help others, etc).  The problems come when we crave after money believing that it will solve all of our problems and that it can buy genuine happiness which some mistake for pure joy.

Then there's another verse that states, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."  I don't believe this suggests that a rich man cannot inherit the gift of eternal life (enter heaven).  It's more difficult for a rich individual to truly believe and trust God because they're so accustomed to using their money to obtain all of their wants and needs, and they want to cling to their possessions.  So they may feel that believing, worshipping, and depending on God gains them nothing.  Their first choice usually is to trust their money instead of leaning on God.

Why should other individuals, and not born again believers, be the only ones prospering financially?  Should born again believers (& clergy) have to always live from paycheck to paycheck, constantly borrow money from family, friends, and church, be late on rent, drive an old klunker/hooptie, secondhand store shopping, and/or be a welfare dependent?  Do we really wish this type of lifestyle upon our clergy, Bible teachers, and our Christian brothers and sisters?  Jesus bore our poverty on the cross as stated in this verse, "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (enriched; abundantly supplied [both spiritual & physical])."

It also appears as though we actually loathe our Christian brothers and sisters when prosperity is manifested in their lives (especially in the lives of the clergy).  We seem to detest it when God moves them out of the place of lack into a place of prosperity or abundance.  The clergy are our examples to show us that by placing God first in our lives, we too can go from lack to more than enough.  I recall Jesus saying, "…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" meaning an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply.  Jesus taught us, "For whosoever has (spiritual knowledge), to him more will be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance, but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away."  We must be very mindful to seek spiritual abundance first, and the physical or material abundance will be added.

Take a look at a few characteristics of our God:  creator, all-knowing, strengthener, provider of all things, blesser, miracle worker, healer, deliverer, lover, giver, forgiver, rich, and all-powerful.  Now look at a few things that God gives us or blesses us with:  life, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, a sound mind, strength, prosperity (spiritual enrichment, wealth, riches, success), healing, sustenance (food & water), shelter, talent, miracles, children, power, spouses, jobs, material things, and the list goes on.

God's word says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  So you mean that we as born again believers (even the clergy) are not to prosper (spiritually/physically), have abundance, or use our talents and gifts to survive in this world?  It seems as though, if the haters were handing out blessings, they would give individuals just enough to last for a limited amount of time; and when that ran out, they wouldn't give anything else; and this would please them.  Individuals would have to return to asking for handouts, borrowing money from family, friends, church, secondhand store shopping, and depending on the government.  This appears sort of backwards.

I realize there are a few born again believers out there who are money hungry, greedy, and selfish.  But let's not place everyone in the same box.  I believe we have to understand that when it's time for a born again believer to prosper and receive abundance, that things automatically shift.  Their lives may shift towards more recognition, association with different classes of people, a great increase in church membership, and even media attention.  It doesn't mean that that individual wanted it to turn out in this manner, but having plenty and an oversufficient quantity brings about a change.  I also don't believe that it means that they're not putting God first in their lives.  Sometimes God blesses instantly or suddenly.  My understanding is that when you put God first in your life, things change, and change for the better.  The older generation used to say that God is sweeter as the days go by.  Life can be sweet!  What's wrong with that?  I know that change is hard to accept, but the only thing that's constant, is 'change'.  When I was a teenager, I recall a pastor saying this in his message:  "It matters not how much we've been blessed, some folk just want to stay in the same old place."

I would like to present a few questions:  Does any other born again believer desire to prosper spiritually, as well as financially?  Do you desire to use your Godly wisdom to find your niche in this world in order to fulfill a need, and bring your family financial prosperity; and then you can turn around and help someone else?  Do you think God is so unwise as to send born again believers to eternal damnation who are spiritually and financially rich even when we place Him first in our lives, and when we are abiding by His word?  Do you really desire to continue to live in a constant state of lack when God is rich?  Do you favor being weak when God is strong?  His word says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength."

I feel the media doesn't focus on the other side of the financially, blessed believer.  I'm sure the media doesn't prefer to inform us of the dollar amount of what's given, what tangible things are given out or away, and the number of lives that have been changed due to that individual's prayers, time, money, talent, service, or even product.  No, the media doesn't want us enlightened on these good deeds.  Just the spotlight on what that individual owns (has purchased or has acquired).  Let's awaken to the fact that it's more to their story than just gaining or profiting!

Also, we may never know the whole truth about members of the clergy who are in the limelight.  I don't believe all individuals desire to own up to what was actually said or done, especially if millions of people are listening and watching.  Some individuals prefer that things are handled privately.  So let's not criticize our brothers and sisters, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  If I stumble or make a mistake publicly, I certainly would want many prayers going up on my behalf so that God can change my thinking, motives, and actions.

And yes, our leaders/clergy are to abide by the same Holy Word as any other believer.  God's word doesn't change for us; we have to change towards the word.

Until my next blog, May God Save, Deliver, Bless, Prosper, Heal, and Provide for All of You!