THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL
When a tree bears fruit, it is not for its own consumption, it is for the consumption of others. If you are fruitful spiritually, it isn't for yourself. It is for God's glory and the edification of others.
Psalm 1 says, "Blessed is the man...he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of waters, that brings forth fruit in it, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."
What does it mean when it says whatever you do will prosper? No doubt you've heard of the "prosperity Gospel." It is a "name it and claim it" heresy that basically says God always wants to bless you with health, wealth, and prosperity. He wants you to thrive physically and materially. And He wants to do it now, right here on earth.
Let's think about that. Yes, you will be blessed and prosper. But first of all, there is a condition for that blessing. "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night." Always ask, are you doing the condition necessary to receive the promise? But let's assume you are.
If you are indeed delighting in God's law and meditating in it day and night then you will have fruit, you will have stability, and you will have prosperity. But Biblical fruit is the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, Galatians. 5:22.
Biblical stability is the ability to stand firm in the midst of persecution and hardship. It doesn't promise that you will avoid the bad things that happen to others. Biblical prosperity concerns spiritual wealth and heavenly inheritance. Material prosperity, physical health, and happiness may happen on earth, but they are certainly never promised.
Your "hope is laid up in heaven" (Colossians 1:5). This world is not your home. You are pilgrims and aliens (I Peter 2:11). You must "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2).
The Scripture says that our life is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Eternity is forever. Which place would you rather receive your prosperity?
