So there was this link on MSN to this story about Joel Osteen, his huge success as a preacher on t.v. and his new book. I read it with great interest. There are obviously a lot of misconceptions about Christianity and a lot of misconceptions within Christianity. I want to address a couple issues brought up in the article.
1. Righteousness and devotion to God = Financial prosperity?
There is a promise God gives in scripture: "In as much as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land." I have seen that people that hold fast to living a principled life are often successful. The principles of honesty and a character of virtue often are attributes that help one get ahead in life. They are not distracted by the consequences of a life full of vices. There are also a lot of scoundrels that are financially successful too, so financial prosperity doesn't always = a righteous person. There are a lot of good people who are not financially successful, but are happy and have families that I want to emulate. Prosperity and success can be defined from many points of view. I just know that know worldy success can compensate for failure in the home.
2. Is Getting Rich in the Name of God Okay?
I am firmly opposed to getting rich by preaching. There is a term for that...priestcraft. There is no scriptural example nor doctrinal support approving of one making financial gain off the preaching of the word. Preachers can have such great power over the minds of their followers and that power seems to sneak its way into the nearly empty pockets of the congregations. I think Isaiah called it "grinding the faces of the poor." I do believe that churchs can and should provide a "maintenance" for full-time clergy, but not make them rich. I've watched Joel Osteen a few times and he is very charismatic and entertaining to listen too. As a kid I was entertained by watching the 700 Club, Jim Bakker, and other televanglists as I watched gullible people throw their money at hypocrites and crooks.
3. Church's tithing their people
I am a firm believer in the principle of tithing as taught in Malachai chapter 3. The word tithing means 10% and that is what I donate from every pay check. The Lord's promise who give tithes and offerings is that the windows of heaven would be opened and God would pour down blessings so much so that we could not receive them all. I consider myself so blessed. The act of returning to God a small portion of our increase is intentionally humbling, yet eternally rewarding. Funds received by the church for tithing are sacred and should be used to further God's work, not to line the silk pockets of pompous preachers.
4. A True Zion - this eutopian society cannot be fully realized until we are all of one heart, one mind, and there are no poor among us. Those blessed with wealth will find no greater joy than helping another less fortunate. Sometimes handouts are necessary to get someone on their feet, but generally money is better spent educating the individual and helping them develop marketable talents. It disgusts me to see preachers getting rich at the expense of their indigent followers when they should be helping them break the cycle of poverty. Isn't true religion and true discipleship the clothing of the naked, the feeding the hungry, the strengthening the feeble knees, caring for the fatherless and for the sick and afflicted?
In conclusion, I'd like to see talented people like Joel Osteen turn his attention to the business world, much like John Maxwell and Stephen R. Covey did. He can make loads of money as a motivational and leadership speaker. Then on Sunday's he can preach and help people come to know God for free, just like Jesus and the Apostles did!
