A good minister teaches prosperity. Prosperity can be found in all religions as part of their doctrine. Let's focus on the Bible.
The Holy Bible teaches prosperity throughout it. I recommend reading the Bible itself, or watching any of the televised Ministers to learn of this prosperity. You may also read The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity by Catherine Ponder who walks you through biblical passages and applies them to every day life in the teachings of prosperity.
So if the religions teach prosperity. Why is it that a minister who teaches you the foundations of the bible and prosperity can't be prosperous himself/herself? I say they can. They should.
As long as that individual and that organization is abiding by all laws let their financial freedom ring. Let anyone and everyone, ministers included prosper!
To everyone reading this post I wish you a very prosperous 2008!
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It is ok to prosper, but it is NOT OK to flaunt that prosperity. If you see ministers drive around in Rolls Royce, wearing 5kt diamond rings, and basically acting rich and snobbish, then you know it's wrong.
The bible also teaches us to be humble and serve others. If you prosper, what better way to show your love by giving it away!
Hi Rudy,
Welcome to my blog. Thank you for sharing. You have an interesting perspective.
My opinion does differ though. I believe that we can have all what we want. Also, that GOD has provided everything and it's simply there for us to reach out and grab it.
I think that being in ministry is a wonderful way to give to others. By giving to others is actually how they prospered. See when you give, you get back.
I do think there are some people (some ministers) that do take advantage. I do think some people are crooks.
However, I don't think owning a car or jewelry makes you snobbish. But that's just my views.
I wish us ALL prosperity!
I have been to some Asian churches in Jakarta and Singapore. The society in general there are based on how people look to other people. It's no different in the church, unfortunately. I sometimes see Ministers taking their "salary" from the church and splurges on things like fancy clothes, gadgets, and travel. They're also encouraging the church to give above and beyond the 10% tithe for various things like building maintenance, mission trips, etc. To me, that's just plain wrong.
I'm just glad my church, Saddleback, is not like that. Even though it is a megachurch where there are eyes that scrutinize the ministers. They're all humble and modest, even though I'm sure they make good money. Pastor Rick Warren even does "reverse tithing", 90% goes to church and 10% to himself. Let's see other ministers do that!
Hi Rudy,
Thanks for returning. I'm enjoying chatting with you.
I have family in the OC! I'm not familiar with your church. But I'm glad that you are happy with your church. I think in the end that's whats truly important. You have to believe in and trust the ministry where you worship!
Chat with you again soon!
So many ideas about this out there in the world. I think that a minister's salary should at least reflect the demographic of his congregation. I know of many ministers who live at or below the poverty line while the deacons and church members drive fancy cars and live in nice houses.
I think prosperity can also be a frame of mind (real needs vs. wants).
I think in the ideal world that all those who give their lives in service to the Lord and His flock would be wealthy and prosperous. Unfortunately, we serve in churches full of sinners and things are not perfect and many ministers suffer for their call. (I say that tongue-in-cheek; we're not unfortunate to serve...but we don't always get to pick who we are in service with!) It's too bad...
Welcome Sweet Mummy,
What a great overview and summary. Thank you for sharing.
Please come back again...
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" Matthew 19:23-24
I think it is important to remember that often wealth is our biggest distraction from the things that really matter. We spend more time chasing after and caring for our money than we do chasing after God.
Hi Bun Girl,
Welcome. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
question: Do we really have to chase after God? God is right here when we need him. All we have to do is believe, respect, trust and follow. I don't understand chasing after God concept.
Perhaps "chase after" is not the best phrase, but yes, we do have to devote time and energy into seeking God. He should be the greatest desire of our hearts, and that's a place that we all too often give over to the pursuit of wealth instead.
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:31-33
If we are warned against seeking after important things like food and clothing, we should take the same position with wealth. Our first and foremost pursuit should be God's kingdom and His righteousness. If we seek after that alone, then God will take care of the rest.
Thank you for your clarification. I think you hit the nail on the head. Please see my new post.
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