GOSPEL TRACT SERIES: Correcting The Errors Of The Gospel Preachers - by Pastor Edward Freedom
TRACT NO. 6
"POVERTY IS NOT A CURSE AND WEALTH IS NOT PROOF OF GOD'S APPROVAL"
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." - 1 Timothy 6:10
THE POPULAR ERROR
One of the greatest errors in the modern church is this teaching:
"If you are poor, you are under a curse! If you are rich, God approves of you! A true child of God cannot be poor!"
Because of this error, the poor are despised in church. If a brother comes in a torn shirt, he is not allowed to sit in front. The rich are given special seats, special titles, and special prayers, even if they are living in sin.
And many Christians have joined cults, Yahoo, rituals, and stolen from their offices just to prove they are not under a curse. They want to be called "blessed" by man.
THE BIBLICAL TRUTH
1. Was Jesus poor?
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." - 2 Corinthians 8:9
Jesus was born in a manger, not a mansion. Luke 2:7. He had no house. Matthew 8:20 - "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
If poverty is a curse, then Jesus was under a curse? God forbid! Jesus was the most blessed, yet the poorest materially. So poverty is NOT a curse.
2. Were the Apostles cursed?
Peter said: "Silver and gold have I none." Acts 3:6
Paul said: "Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace." 1 Cor 4:11
Were they under a curse? No! They were the pillars of the true Church! God approved of them greatly, yet they were poor.
3. Is wealth proof of God's approval?
If wealth means God approves you, then the drug baron, the ritualist, and the corrupt politician whom God approves? No!
The rich fool in Luke 12 was very wealthy, but God called him a fool and took his soul that night. Luke 12:20
Laodicea church said "I am rich and increased with goods", but Jesus said they were "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Rev 3:17
Wealth is not approval. Many rich people are on their way to hell.
4. What does God call blessed?
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3
"Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low." - James 1:9-10
God blesses faithfulness, holiness, and love - not bank balance.
WHAT SHOULD WE PREACH?
Stop preaching: "Poverty is a curse! You must be rich to show you are blessed!"
Start preaching: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. Whether poor or rich, seek first God's kingdom."
We must preach hard work, yes. We must preach that God can prosper His children, yes. But we must never teach that poverty is a sign of curse, or wealth is a sign of God's approval.
Teach people to work diligently: "If any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thess 3:10
Teach people to be content, and to give generously whether they have little or much.
"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11
A CALL TO TRUE VALUES
Are you ashamed because you are not rich? Don't be. God loves you. Jesus knows what it means to be poor. Serve God where you are.
Are you proud because you are rich? Repent. Your wealth is not your righteousness. Use your wealth for God's glory, help the poor, and remain humble, lest money become your idol.
Pray with me:
"Lord Jesus, forgive me for judging people by their wealth. Forgive me for worshipping money. Today I repent of the love of money. Give me a content heart. Whether I am poor or rich, let me love You and serve You faithfully. Let my life show true riches - Your holiness and Your love. Amen."
Written By:
Pst. Edward Freedom
Please look out for TRACT NO. 7 in this series: "SUFFERING IS NOT ALWAYS FROM THE DEVIL - God Also Uses Suffering" - 1 Peter 4:12-13
For copies, counselling and prayers, contact the author
