Prosperity?

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38 KJV)

The subject in verses before this is forgiveness and mercy.  Yet some “prosperity ministries” quote this verse as promising financial increases.  Quite often such ministries ask for funds to continue their ministry from luxurious surroundings.

We might remind them that the man who spoke those words did not have a place to lay His head that was not provided by the kindness of others.

I’ve also read we deserve financial prosperity based on:

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. (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV)

Paul wrote this.  A man who worked along side Aquila and Priscilla making tents.  A man who understood that Jesus left all His riches for a while, and asked Paul to follow Him.  A man who did follow, becoming dependent on churches to provide for his missionary work, and thanked them for it.

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; (2 Corinthians 9:12 KJV)

Maybe we need to spend some time in Matthew 19, where the young man asked the question so many of us do:

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (Matthew 19:16 KJV)

Jesus’ answer tells me several things.  First, the young man addressed Him insincerely, using ‘good’ when he didn’t mean that he thought Jesus was of God.  Second, Jesus knew the young man was aware of the commandments.  Third, he wanted to shorten them, because he asked “Which?”  Finally, Jesus knew the treasure of the young man’s heart when He said:

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (Matthew 19:21 KJV)

Give up prosperity now, acquire eternal treasures in heaven.  The young man made the choice so many of us do today, he opted to retain his riches, tossing heaven aside.

Does any of this mean that only the poor can be saved?  No, even when Christ’s disciples question if anyone could be saved, Christ explained:

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:25-26 KJV)

Peter voiced the question that remains in the minds of those who want their cake and eat it, too:

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? (Matthew 19:27 KJV)

“What’s in it for me?” Are we still asking that question before we serve Him? Read the next verses for Christ's answer.