As Christians, we often hear about the dangers of the prosperity gospel—the idea that following Jesus guarantees wealth, health, and success. But what if the “prosperity gospel” sneaks into our faith in more subtle ways?
Many believers might not associate themselves with the typical prosperity gospel centered on material wealth. However, have you ever followed Jesus with the expectation that He’ll grant you what you want—whether that’s a perfect family, ideal career, or even emotional fulfillment? If you’re only following Jesus for the blessings, it may be time to reexamine what’s driving your faith.
Are You Following a Prosperity Gospel?
Let’s dive deeper into this subtle prosperity gospel. Are you following Jesus because you believe He’ll give you the job, the spouse, or the life you desire? If so, it’s easy to turn Jesus into a means to an end instead of seeing Him as the ultimate goal.
Following Jesus for What He Can Give Us
So many times, we fall into the mindset that faith is about receiving blessings from God. We expect that if we just pray enough, serve enough, or “get it right,” Jesus will reward us with what we desire. But the truth is, Jesus isn’t just a stepping stone to our personal goals.
The Hard Truth—Jesus Never Promised an Easy Life
Jesus Himself said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Following Christ doesn’t mean a life free of hardship. We must let go of the idea that faith is transactional, where we give obedience and expect blessings in return.
We Follow Jesus Because He Is Worthy
Ultimately, the reason we follow Christ isn’t to get something from Him. We follow Him because He is worthy. He already gave us the greatest gift—salvation—and that alone should compel us to worship and trust Him. Our motivation for following Jesus should be rooted in His worth, not what He can give us.
In Conclusion
It’s time to challenge the subtle ways we may be following a prosperity gospel that’s not about money, but about comfort and expectations. Ask yourself: Am I following Jesus only when life is going well? Or am I ready to follow Him, no matter what, simply because He is worthy of my devotion?
For a deeper dive into this topic and how we can reframe our hearts, head over to my YouTube channel or listen to my Podcast where I share more insights about staying faithful to Jesus through every season of life. Let’s continue the conversation there!