As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. Titus 1:7
“The lifestyle of those who teach this [prosperity] gospel does not transparently reflect biblical standards. One of the requirements for leaders and ministers is that they be “not greedy for money” See Titus 1:7 and 1 Peter 5:2. Although Jesus told his disciples that “the worker deserves his wages” (Luke 10:7) he did not encourage covetousness or exploitation of people.
The lifestyle of prosperity teachers is in sharp contrast with the life of early disciples like the Apostle Paul who said, “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by labouring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Act 20:33-35)
Even from the Old Testament, which is often used by prosperity teachers, we have much to learn from the testimonies of Godly leaders as regards material possessions and integrity. Abraham was careful not to covet other people’s riches for his own prosperity.
At the end of his service, Samuel gave an account of his stewardship by declaring before all Israel “Behold here I am: witness against me before the Lord, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? And I will restore it to you”. (1 Samuel 12:3) The response of the people was “You have not cheated or oppressed us”… “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand” (vs. 4).”
Femi Adeleye in “The Prosperity Gospel: A Critique of the Way the Bible is Used” in Lausanne Movement post dated 2 October 2015.
I’ve received lots of emails from people in response to my recent exploration of prosperity gospel as a competing theology to Christian generosity. Many have asked me about specific teachers? Some are familiar to me, and some are not. In reply I say to look at their teaching and consider their lifestyle. Jesus said we would know people by their fruits. Don’t point fingers. Inspect fruits! Tune out voices that build earthly kingdoms.
On a personal note, I made it safely to Florida and had a nice dinner with my parents and my brother and his wife in Winter Haven. After dinner we returned to my brother’s home. Mom made strawberry rhubarb pie. It was so good, the perfect ending to a peaceful evening. Simple and special. Today I hope to snap a new header photo when I spend the day with them as a couple. I am thankful for their humble and generous lifestyle.