The Prosperity Gospel

The most poisonous American export to the world is the prosperity gospel. On October 2, 2015, this gospel was called a theological perversion, a false gospel. It is glamorous, seductive, and shunned to everyone who is faithful in their walk with Christ. The message that this gospel gives out is false and deceives millions. The mess is as follows: God’s desire for every Christian is that they be healthy, wealthy, and happy. We simply name what we want and God’s hand will move to give it to us. Also, another sad thing about this message is that it also can have an effect on how parents, parent their kids. Parents, without knowing it, teach this message. There are three questions that you can ask yourself, that would tell you if you're giving out the wrong message. Do you unwittingly center your life around your children? Do you unconsciously prioritize their material prosperity? Do you unwisely protect your children from life’s trials? In the first question, the message is that the prosperity gospel teaches we are the center of the universe and God is here for our happiness. The biblical truth, however, is while God’s love overflows for his people, we are made for him. He, not us, is the center. In our desire to love our children, we can send a similar false message. While caring for them, it’s easy to communicate: You are the center of my universe. I am here to serve you. The truth is that while parental affection and care should abound, we must also love our children in the truth. And a core truth is that kids are cherished members of our family but not the center. We train them to love and honor others, including their parents. Gospel-centered parenting leads us to call our children out of their natural self-orientation to a sacrificial love for God and others. In the second question, The prosperity gospel teaches us the greatest gifts God can give his children are material blessings. But the biblical truth is that God himself, and the spiritual blessings surrounding him, are his greatest gift to us. Stop and take a look at your family activities. Listen to what you are excited about. There’s certainly nothing wrong with relishing the game-winning home run or the latest electronic device. Just make certain you’re even more excited about the gospel at work in and around you. Choose priorities to give your child the best advantage possible—a godly church and a unified home. Pray that your parental love will be coupled with the wisdom to discern what’s best for them. And finally, in the third question, the prosperity gospel teaches God doesn’t want us to suffer. The blessed life is one with little or no pain. But the biblical truth is that none of God’s children escapes suffering. Painful trials are part of his good plan to mature us. Even Jesus learned obedience through what he suffered. You love your children and you love the true gospel. Don’t undermine it by teaching them something false during the week. Remind them that even as we enjoy God’s world, his best gift is himself. And because you’re called to reflect the heavenly Father, you will correct and discipline them in love.