SHOULD PROSPERITY BE THE GOAL OF A BELEIVER?

Do we, as believers today, think that our blessings of WEALTH are
an indication of how well we are doing in our relationship with JESUS?
That concept certainly has a following in many places in today's church.
You hear that being talked about among a lot of "notable" church
leaders and TAUGHT by quite a few in their Churches, TV , and
Internet Web sites.  This has brought about some conflicting discussions
between these "Hi-Profile"  evangelicals that are in the public's eye via
the afore mentioned outlets that are exposing some strong opinions on
both sides of the debate.  Biblically we know that there is nothing
inherently Wrong with Wealth.  This is a SCRIPTURAL Truth according
to Paul. Especially if given to a Believer  (that believer is also told what to
do with that Blessing of Wealth and that is to HELP other BRETHERN
in need! ) This is well and good as it should be, however, we here are
bringing to Question the Priority of asking the LORD for economic
Blessings through Prayer. The General message nowadays seems to be
( I'm lump-paraphrasing here)  that if you seek JESUS, HE will prosper
you in return in the form of BLESSINGS of wealth.  Really?? Is that
what we have to use as "BAIT" in our current society to bring people to
the LORD? It certainly seems to be the case with so many TV preachers
today.  After all,  wealthy parisheners mean fuller collection plates!  
      I think the "finacial blessing" feature of today's evangelical message
should be stricken from the debate!  It is NOT priority ONE!  In fact I
believe it should be WAY down the list of "Benefits" of a relationship
with the HOLY SPIRIT.  It really shouldn't be mentioned at all from the
pulpit.  Accepting and getting to KNOW the LORD PERSONALLY
should be the ONLY message!  Then it's up to the LORD and the new
believer as to the blessings he or she receives.  Human nature being what
it is,  the first thing people will ask for is financial relief or some such,
and when they don't recieve it they're "turned off".  I Know this to be
true as I've witnessed this many, many, times.  Then the disappointment
is turned against you and your Salvation Message making the follow-up
all the more difficult.  Money does NOT help bring someone to the LORD.
It soon makes itself a priority and puts JESUS in second place.(if that)
Even if the LORD has given YOU money, that's not to say HE WILL give
any to the new recruit you are witnessing to.  So a word to the wise,
let the LORD do the "talkin".  In this case MONEY DOESN'T TALK!
JESUS DOES!!!  CLOSENESS to the LORD is reward enough, try it
and see for yourself.  A Treasure beyond measure.


MARANATHA!

       T.H.