Practicing Theology Without a License: Is God Against Success?

“It was not by a scholar’s voice”

The Best Christmas Present Ever (Clydesdale & Clydesdale/Word Publishing)

One popular criticism of American Christians: “Billy Graham lives in a big house on a hill.”

I know that I’ve got a good word for you today because the pastor of the church told me “I might use that.” Which is a cut above the FakeNews, which is always ripping things off. But then again, I’m simply getting this from God, so as long as he gives God the glory, I’m all set.

One false teaching seems to be the last false teaching you’d expect, but it’s a potent one, otherwise there would be no need to address it, and it wouldn’t be a false teaching! It’s probably the opposite of what you think I’m going to say.

I remember growing up Catholic, and I don’t want to make Catholicism a scapegoat, as many less scrupulous Evanjellyfish have been wont to do. I say this because there is an animosity toward Catholicism which works against the end game of evangelizing Catholics. I think the adage goes, you win more flies with Jesus Christ. Something like that.

Zig Ziglar said, “The Good Samaritan never could have helped out that old boy who had been robbed if he didn’t have some money to do it with.” But isn’t money evil?

Let’s start with another question. Do you think God wants you to be unsuccessful in accepting his sacrifice on the Cross to save you from your sins? Do you think God sent his Son to die and be brutalized, bloodied, beaten, to save your soul if he did not want you to succeed?

Many Christians think that the Bible preaches that money is evil. Zig Ziglar revisits the Bible verse many cite for this, and finds that if we examine it further, the money itself isn’t what’s intrinsically evil. After all, money can be used as a tool to bear great fruit. God knows the church collects plenty of it, as well as many churches which may be doing so for the wrong reasons.

“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.”

The love of money, the “coveting after” (perhaps an echo of the Ten Commandments) is the problem. The coveting money more than God.

And isn’t it silly and self-defeating to want the blessing more than the Blesser who blesses? Logical, right? Do you want the fruit or the tree which bears the fruit? I don’t mean in the sense that our partaking of fellowship is for anything but God’s glory, ultimately. But, in the way that Christ’s miracles, such as multiplying the loaves were a signpost to greater faith, is it better to value an individual blessing more than the good and loving Father who gives it to us? The God living in us, the Christ in us, the Holy Spirit living in us, would seem to suggest, “no.”

Another pastor I’m speaking with now reminds me, and us, that “faith is not defined by success.” That’s a great way to put it as well; one who is faithful to God (successful in faith) is not, necessarily materially successful. Yet, one who is faithful to God is successful in his or her faith.

Bottom line conclusion I have reached in this matter as I rush to not be late for service:

Key question is, are you using the cash to serve God, or attempting to use God (you won’t and can’t) to serve – cash?

One is holy; the other is plain stupid. You do what you want, and hopefully we see you in heaven.