There are those who would preach that if we make Jesus our choice in life, each of us will drive a Rolls Royce. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Jesus does not promise prosperity. He tells us that the servant is not greater than the master, and if they persecuted Him, they will persecute us—that is, if we are faithful to Him. He teaches that unless a person takes up the cross, he cannot be a follower. He tells the rich young ruler that if he does have money and goods, he should give all to the poor. When the disciples ask Jesus about rich people being saved, He makes it clear that this would be extremely difficult. I think that the preachers of the Prosperity Theology do not make this sufficiently clear.
Also by Tony: Committed to Unhappiness: Consumerism is the Enemy of the Church
When Jesus says, “The foxes have holes and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head, ” it kind of precludes the fact that if we are walking in His footsteps that we should not expect to have magnificent houses here on earth.
Jesus does not argue that the blessed people are those who enjoy “the good life, American style, ” but are the ones who are persecuted for righteousness’ (justice) sake.
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Tony Campolo is the Founder and President of EAPE and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Eastern University. Look for Tony in your area and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
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