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Growing up as a Christian, I would often hear that people had been blessed with new cars, houses, and jobs. I remember thinking, “Wow, God is so amazing. He gives cars, houses, and jobs.” I began to long for this type of God. One of my favorite pastors used to say, “God wants you to be a millionaire by next month!” I was so inspired by this message, listening to it week after week. The only problem was, my personal bank account never seemed to change.
I have zero problems with God blessing others through houses and cars, but if we are using these things as a standard to measure how blessed we are, then we're faced with several contradictions.
A majority of earth's billionaires are not Christian. Actually, you will find that most people with lots of money don’t claim to be Christian. So if we are using the size of our bank account as a measurement to determine how blessed we are by God, we would have to say that Jeff Bezos, who is one of the richest people on the planet and is also openly atheist, has been tremendously blessed by God.
It’s interesting that the God that people preach about today wants everyone to be rich. However, Jesus Christ, Himself, says that it’s extremely hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
This brings a very alarming thought to mind: There is a similar story in the Bible where someone promises riches to someone else, as long as they bow down and worship him.
”Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man [who places his faith in wealth and status] to enter the kingdom of God.”“ - Matthew 19:24 AMP
The thing is, Jesus never promised people riches and finances in exchange for following Him. Satan, however, used this tactic to try and persuade Jesus to worship him, instead.
”Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”“ - Matthew 4:8-9 NKJV
Which begs the question: who is actually leading this prosperity message?
Would God, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Ruler of the universe, feel the need to bribe people to worship Him? Or does He believe that we should worship simply because of who He is?
What is God’s opinion on us worshipping Him? Does He need to bribe us with finances or was His son dying on the cross enough payment? What are we telling God when we want material possessions in exchange for choosing Him — that Jesus Christ’s death wasn’t enough and God still owes us more?
Another thought: Why would God be giving everyone lots of money if His Son said that it’s hard for a rich man to make it to heaven? Would God intentionally be taking us away from heaven?
”Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.“ - Romans 12:2 TPT
The message of Christianity today is that God wants to bless you with millions, but the message of Jesus in the Bible is to give millions away. Seems quite contrary. And why would God be blessing people that don’t believe in Him?
”Jesus said to him, “If you really want to be perfect, go now and sell everything you own. Give your money to the poor and your treasure will be transferred into heaven. Then come back and follow me for the rest of your life.” When the young man heard these words, he walked away sad, for he had great wealth. Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “Listen. Do you understand how difficult it is for the rich to enter into heaven’s kingdom realm? In fact, it’s easier to stuff a heavy rope through the eye of a needle than it is for the wealthy to enter into God’s kingdom realm!”“ - Matthew 19:21-24 TPT
What's interesting is that everyone claims Christ, but seems to ignore His definition of a blessing.
Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
Jesus says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."
Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the sons of God."
Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.”
Jesus says, “Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all sorts of evil against you for my sake.”
According to Jesus' definition of a blessing, you are not blessed until you find yourself going through various trials because of your relationship with God.
Isn’t it interesting that in church we are promised a blessing in exchange for our giving, but Jesus says that you are more blessed when you give than when you receive?
If we use a house, forms of transportation, and jobs to measure how blessed we are, then we could argue that Jesus and His disciples were cursed. They never had a house to call their own, and traveled from town to town, rooming with other people. Even the famous Last Supper was in someone else's home.
”Jesus replied, “Yes, but remember this: even animals in the field have holes in the ground to sleep in, and birds have their nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay down his head.”“ - Luke 9:58 TPT
”He said, “Keep your eyes open as you enter the city. A man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him home. Then speak with the owner of the house: The Teacher wants to know, ‘Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?’ He will show you a spacious second-story room, swept and ready. Prepare the meal there.”“ - Luke 22:10-12 MSG
We must rethink how we see blessings. It would be a shame to stand before God and realize that we have actually been cursed for our entire lives.
If God’s purpose is to bring us out of this world, why would His blessings be measured by the material possessions of this world?
”I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth. Just as You commissioned and sent Me into the world, I also have commissioned and sent them (believers) into the world. For their sake I sanctify Myself [to do Your will], so that they also may be sanctified [set apart, dedicated, made holy] in [Your] truth.“ - John 17:15-19 AMP
The most blessed man to ever walk this planet is Jesus. So the question of the day is: Do you think that God has blessed you more than His Son, Jesus Christ, who didn’t have a house, car, or means of transportation?