Economic Prosperity is not a Sign of God's Approval

Details: Created: Thursday, 01 June 2000 18:17; Written by Tom Lipp

During the past 10 years, many books have been written predicting the economic meltdown of Western society.

Titles include best-sellers such as The Coming Economic Earthquake by Larry Burkett and The Great Reckoning by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg.

More recently, an enormous amount had been touted about a potential Y2K crisis. But almost nothing happened!

Incredibly, since 1982, we have been experiencing the greatest bull market in history. North American economies are booming and the prophets of doom seem sadly deluded.

Clearly, our economic prosperity proves that God’s blessing is upon us and all is well. Or does it?

Actually, not only does sustained prosperity fail to imply God’s blessing, but the exact opposite may be true.

History shows that extremely wealthy societies and individuals often became moral wrecks – from biblical times, to the height of the Roman Empire, and beyond.

Far from enduring hardship, in Matthew 24:38, Jesus points out that people in Noah’s day were “enjoying banquets and parties and weddings” right up to the time of the Flood.

Similarly, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were thriving economically before their sudden destruction.

Financial prosperity cannot be interpreted as God’s smile of approval.

Frankly, I am rather surprised that Western society continues to prosper despite increased abandonment of God’s ways, such as the killing of the innocent (abortion) and the justification of the guilty (softness on criminals).We need to learn the message of Psalm 73. It describes people who are healthy, strong, free from pain, and self-confident. Being “always at ease,” verse 12 states, “they have increased in wealth.”

Sounds like good financial planning, doesn’t it? But these same people are described as “wicked” who are enjoying their last bit of “fun” before judgement. It’s like someone on death row being allowed his favourite meal just before execution.

In Luke 12:15-21, Jesus describes a man who had such incredible business success that he planned to begin a leisure-filled early retirement the next day.

In reality, however, he was living his last day; he was dead by morning.

The man’s sin was not his possession of great wealth, but his arrogant unwillingness to share this great wealth with the needy.

This was precisely the sin of Sodom, which Ezekiel 16:49 lists as “arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy.”

I believe when God blesses a country, city or individual with great wealth, He also includes a generosity test with that wealth.

The Bible warns that God’s judgement can come quickly. And we sure do deserve a spanking.

The incredible patience of God is the only reason why we continue to prosper.

God has not changed His standards. He is not on vacation. But God hates the punishment process and much prefers repentance. See 2 Chronicles 32:26 and Jonah 3:10.

Don’t get me wrong. Neither wealth nor poverty are spiritually superior. What I am saying is that wealth without generosity is the kiss of death.

Here is a quick test to determine your true attitude toward your wealth. Ask yourself what you are looking forward to the most – a comfortable retirement or the return of Christ?

If all your wealth is tied up on planet Earth, then for you to live is retirement and to die is lose everything.

In contrast, the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

So let’s not delude ourselves. Economic boom times often coincide with spiritual decline.

Does that mean we should become like Mother Teresa, who gave up her wealth for a life of service to the poor?

Maybe. But not necessarily. We all have a unique message and assignment with our resources.

And just as the law of gravity affects us all, so does the Biblical principle given in Luke 12:48 – to whom much is given, much will be required.

The best investment and safety precaution from a financial perspective that I can offer to us wealthy folk in North America is generosity to the poor.

Proverbs 19:17 states, “ He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed.”