There’s always a gospel being preached saying if you follow Christ, life will be good. If you give money, you will have more money given back to you. Suffering will not be a part of your life.
That’s called the prosperity gospel and you will not find it in scripture.
No where in scripture does it say if we follow Christ, life will be free from pain and suffering. Quite the contrary.
Scripture tells us over and over again that following Christ is not easy.
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1Peter 5:10
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11
Does that mean that our whole life will be full of suffering and pain?
Absolutely not! Scripture also says in John 10:10, I have come that they may have life,and have it to the full.
Life is full of joy, laughter, pain, love, and suffering. The key is to cling to the Light (Jesus). With him we have hope through every season.
This song reminds us that we are to follow Him in the good, in the storms, when the wicked prosper or even in our want. Let’s be faithful to Him!
What season of life are you in today? If it’s a season of suffering, remember, this too shall pass!
Have a blessed day!
Cyndi, thank you for your message. When I first read the title I was shaken up, but so glad you addressed the issue. Many people fall prey to that type of thinking which of course has nothing to do with the real Gospel. Thank you so much for your blog I really enjoy.
God Bless, Marian
Marian, Thank you so much for reading past the title! Sometimes it just takes a little time for all of us to talk and understand!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank You, Cyndi! So many times people don’t look up scriptures for themselves, they just want to believe the “name it-claim it” feel good message. Thanks for speaking God’s word and reminding us what scripture says.
Thank you for sharing! We are being inundated with this doctrine by well-known false prophets. It disturbs me that so many Christ followers are unable to discern these messages from the truth- God’s Word!!
SO glad to see this……my 82 year old mother-in-law is a devote christian…she recently gave a christian tv station $7000.00!!!! She’s on a fixed income…..we felt it wasn’t wise for her to do this but she insists God will bless her back ten-fold………we told her tithing would be wise and an offering or gift here and there but she’s sucked into the “give and get” preaching……breaks our hearts!
Thank, Cyndi. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. My sister and her husband have been controlling our extended family, partly because my mother has allowed it (my father passed away at 52), for too many years. I decided to stand against the evil five years ago and my sister and husband punished me for it. They continue to bully, point accusing fingers and make false accusations against others. Standing up to them is hard, but I believe truth will prevail.
I’m so sorry to hear about all this. Many prayers and blessings to you!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you posting. I actually left a church that began preaching this way as well as the Word Faith movement many years ago. I was new to the faith, but was so thankful the Holy Spirit guided me in the scriptures and brought people in my path to gently encourage me to not just read but STUDY the bible. It’s tempting and our ears get tickled to hear things that seem so good, but understanding and obeying the Truth is so critical.
God bless you for sharing!
Wow you really hit the nail right on the head this time Cyndi……I have a sister that is sooo “prosperity” it isn’t even funny…..more like scary! I so appreciate hearing the opposite….view for a change……praying and thank you for having the courage to share the Gospel truth!
Thank you Cyndi…your message and the song was really inspiring. I needed to be reminded. Life has been a little rough lately and I just needed the reminder. Thank you.
Cyndi,
I have been following your blog for a couple months now, and I’m really enjoying it. Seeing your pictures even inspired me to return to my favorite haircut! I also appreciate the thoughts you share each Sunday. Last year I wrote about my thoughts on the prosperity gospel after visiting with an elderly widow: http://womenwalkingwisely.com/2013/10/09/a-widow-osteen-and-piper-the-gospel-in-focus/
Thank you for your faithfulness!
Thank you Cyndi for speaking Biblical truth, because Scripture never leads us astray!
Thank you so much for reading along!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thanks for that message – one I totally resonate with and actually perfect timing. I recently developed a strange rash which was diagnosed as viral exanthema – I know its a temporary thing but i’m in pain and uncomfortable and wishing God would just take it away! Sometimes its hard to trust during the suffering – but I know He is in control and yours word today were a good reminder! Thanks!
I agree with your message today. Sometimes, it seems as if this message of prosperity is used as a “talisman” to help ward off bad times. The “prosperity” we will find with the messages in the Bible has to do more with the prosperity of our spirit and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I live in Chicagoland and have been recently touched by the words of Cardinal George Bernardin who died last week. When asked about his illness and his faith during his final months, he replied in an upbeat manner that he is always asking “God, what may I do for you today; how may I serve you?” He sought to serve his Father as best he could even in pain and darkness. Suffering and pain are always with us as are joy and happiness. What you one does with those events will honestly predict one’s “prosperity on this earth”.
Great thoughts Joann! I’m sure He knew his reward was in heaven.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Yes he did. I hope and pray that I may demonstrate God’s strength and love and service in my darkest of times.
Thank you, Cyndi!
So true! Really enjoyed this.
Thank you Joni!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Cyndi, when I first read the title of your post, I panicked a bit, not knowing your doctrinal background. How blessed I feel now, knowing that not only do you believe scripture, but you are dedicated to speaking TRUTH. Persevere, my sister.
Ha!! No worries, I’m standing firm on God’s word.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you for teaching the truth!!!!,Not watering the word down for itching ears…….The Word(Jesus)… The way,the truth and the life, no man comes to the Fathyer unless by Him………
First time commenting here…..THANK YOU for speaking biblical truth!!!!!!! Thank you for upholding scripture and honoring it as the final authority! God bless you, Cindy!!
Hi Kari!
So nice to meet you!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you.
This is a good word, Cyndi!
Thank you for making this subject so clear and truthful! Praying that those who read your blog and believe in the prosperity gospel will turn away and follow the truth! Appreciate everything about you and your blog! Hope you enjoyed Dallas!
Thank you Pam!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Great post!
Thank you for the inspirational words. My family has lost 3 beloved members recently, all having dealt with some form of suffering. 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us how we will be lifted up.
Absolutely true. Thank you for always sharing Scriptures with the comments you write. My mama taught me as a child to always check to see what the Bible says and never to just listen to what people say. It’s been sound advice over the years. The “health and wealth gospel” as I’ve heard it called is dangerous. Tell that to my co-worker who lost her three year old to cancer a few years ago. And we each can provide our own examples.
Thank you for speaking truth…. Love your blog!
thank you. that religion causes so much challenge for those with bumps big and small in their lives from their own questions and the judgment of others.
what a beautiful read for my Sunday, Cyndi ~ thank you, friend!
xo Heidi
Amen Cyndi!
Thank you so much for speaking the truth about the prosperity gospel. It’s difficult to listen to those disillusioned by this rhetoric!
Thank you for sharing your heart. Every bit of it is truth.
Thank you Catherine!
Blessings,
Cyndi
So true! I find that if you suffer with and for Jesus, it makes it so much more bearable.
That is a wonderful word of truth and I agree, it needs to be addressed! So many people are being misled b/c biblical truths are being watered down and skipped over. We can’t turn it into something that is just popular to hear. Thank you for posting!
Amen.
Thank you for that message, Cyndi! I worry about the prosperity gospel and how many people are affected by that.