Mission Trip Prayer & Devotional PlanSýnishorn

"The Prosperity Gospel?"

Does God make you rich? Some Christians preach that he does — that if you give to the church you will get a phenomenal return on investment and end up wealthy. This teaching is known as “the prosperity gospel.”

In contrast, Jesus tells a rich young man to give up his wealth if he wants to experience eternal life. He will have “treasure in heaven,” though apparently not much on earth. Jesus comments that it is really difficult for the rich to truly follow God’s will. He sees wealth as a problem, not a promise.

To his disciples, who have left behind their businesses and careers to follow Jesus, Jesus promises a prosperity of relationships — multiplied home and family, which is part of being a member of God’s family. Jesus also promises eternal life.

Yes, God does make you rich — but rich in what truly matters.

You might ponder this as you prepare for your mission trip. You are giving up something to go. Whether it is a lot or a little, it is something. What kinds of rewards do you hope for?

Prayer: Lord, beneath our greedy concerns for money, we feel this universal longing for home and spouse and brothers and sisters and parents and children. We ask you to fulfill this longing in an unexpected and abundant way.