I want to be rich

Several years ago, a book came out that caused quite a stir in the Christian community. The Prayer of Jabez, based on one verse of Scripture pulled out of it’s context, basically teaches people to pray for God to give them more and He will. Obviously the book goes into more detail, but that is the basic idea. Here is the verse:

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, " Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10)

The author of this book leads us to believe that God wants us to be rich and happy and is simply waiting for us to ask. But is that really what the Gospel is about?

If this is the ultimate plan God has for us, why did Jesus own almost nothing? Why did Jesus suffer pain?

The reality is that I don’t believe it’s all that important to God if we are rich or not. Our happiness is not God’s greatest concern. God wants faithful followers who understand and are willing to experience the reality of struggle. Whether rich or poor, God wants us to use what we have to spread the Kingdom of God.

When we listen to teachings like The Prayer of Jabez, we can start thinking that this life is really all about us. But it’s not.

Riches and happiness do not always go together. Some of the happiest people I know own very little. On the other hand, I know some very wealthy Christians who are miserable.

Nowhere in God’s word do I read where God tells us His desire is for us to be rich and happy, at least from the world’s perspective. God’s riches have little to do with dollars, possessions, and status, and have everything to do with sacrifice, serving, and humility. Those are the kind of riches that will fill us with the joy that can only come from the heart of God.

 

shine!
Jason