One cannot peruse the biblical narrative of Jeremiah without recognizing his dedication to declare “the word of the Lord,” in spite of the associated emotional burden, and the personal and political risks that would follow. His example stands in sharp contrast to the blatantly false doctrines promulgated by many prominent ministers and ministries in our nation. They have traded the proclamation of truth for popularity, chosen demagoguery over discipleship, and led the church toward the pursuit of riches instead of righteousness.
A well known example in this regard includes the Prosperity Gospel. Kate Bowler describes this movement well in a recent Vox article: “There’s a branch of Christianity that promises a direct path to the good life. It is called by many names, but most often it is nicknamed the “prosperity gospel” for its bold central claim that God will give you your heart’s desires: money in the bank, a healthy body, a thriving family, and boundless happiness.”
One of the greatest fallacies of this doctrine is that the more godly you are, the more successful you will become, with wealth being an essential tell all of your spiritual walk with God. Unfortunately, you can’t accurately deduce this if you actually read the Bible. A case in point is the Apostle Paul, who despite being brilliant and in close fellowship with the Lord, consistently endured a level of pain and suffering none of us would wish upon themselves or those they love.
Without question, Paul’s objective as an apostle was primarily to know God, and then ensure that others had the opportunity to do the same according to truth. It had nothing to do with celebrity, lining his pockets with the financial gifts of believers, and convincing others he needed the nicest chariots available in order to fulfill the Great Commission. Yet, if you listen to purveyors of the prosperity gospel, you would believe that is exactly what being a minister of the Gospel is about.
Why should I care about any of this as a counselor? First, as a Christian, I’ve personally seen far too many lives negatively impacted and taken advantage of by popular and charismatic ministers who propagate doctrines like the prosperity gospel, and in the end find themselves frustrated, hopeless, distressed and questioning why God hasn’t made everything right in their lives. Second, the truth matters. Consider the words of Christ in John 8:31-32:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
The truth is we are deeply sinful beings desperately in need of God’s salvation, and who without his love and grace, would continue lost in the world, bound by sin and darkness. Christ came into the world so that we could be reconciled to God, no longer bound by the weight of sin and death, and have fellowship with him in his life and in that which is to come. Leading others to believe salvation has something to do with the acquisition of material wealth or having an easier life is deceitful at best.
The truth of the Christian message is simple and clear. Christ is the singular way to God and he came that we might have life more abundantly (there is a spiritual context here, not intending to be construed by the consumerist lens applied in modern American society):
“The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly (John 10:10).”
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).”
In the end, I write this because I am convinced genuine freedom and contentment in this life is found in God and in the truth of Scripture. It is not found in anything this world offers. Moreover, I am convinced the turmoil we see presently unfolding in our world reflects a moral or spiritual crisis, which I would characterize as the true pandemic of our day. Our nation, our world, is empty and desperately needs the truth of Scripture, the objective being what we find in John 4:23-24:
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
I conclude by reminding us of the richness of Scripture, and the way in which our hearts and minds are illuminated by the Holy Spirit as we consider the truth found therein. It is unfortunate, yet not unforeseen, that such truth would be watered down or distorted in a manner that ultimately hinders those seeking truth from finding and being changed by it. Therefore, let us fervently and continually be dedicated to the proclamation of the gospel according to Scripture.
Eric Gomez
Marriage & Family Therapist
Fulfilled Christian Counseling