The terrible risk of prosperity

When we think of the phrase money troubles, our minds jump immediately to things like job layoffs, huge credit card balances, heavy student loans, investment crashes, house foreclosure, or huge medical bills. We don’t generally use the phrase money troubles to describe wealth.

But maybe there are times when we should. Having too little money is a problem, but so is having a lot. Wealth is a wonderful tool to make things happen, but it easily becomes an idol. The chase for it is consuming, and the power that comes with it is seductive. Be careful of asking God for wealth. Moses observed that prosperity was a problem for the Israelites. They “grew fat and kicked; filled with food, they became heavy and sleek. They abandoned the God who made them and rejected the Rock their Savior” (Deuteronomy 32:15).

God loves to be generous with his children. He would give us even more if he dared, but believers have a terrible track record of coping with too much wealth. Imagine his crushed heart as he watched his children prosper because of blessings he sent them only to see them abandon him and lose their faith. Imagine former believers going to hell clutching a fat balance sheet.

Have you been blessed with many years of stable income, steadily growing assets, and many comforts in your home? Ask God for discipline, balance, and wisdom. Cultivate a spirit of generosity so that you honor the Giver.

And be grateful, not boastful.