Recently there was a clipping of a hyper-grace prosperity preacher. He was watching people giving an offering. One sister came and placed Rs. 1000 in the offering box. “Sister, you have given Rupees 1000. You will get back Rupees 1000 crores (ten billion)” Was it a Prophetic statement? Promissory note? Payback insurance policy? Ponzi fund?
Sacrifice: Peter wondered how God would reward them for their sacrifice as they had left everything (family, home, inheritance, job, business) to follow Him. Lord answered that they will get one hundred times the reward in this world and eternal life. (Mark 10:28-31) It was not a billion times.
Giving: Lord taught and encouraged people to give and they will certainly be given. (Luke 6:38) What they will receive will be a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. God loves a cheerful giver.
Poor widow’s offering: Lord observed the people who came to offer in the Temple at Jerusalem. Lord commended the widow as the one who gave out of poverty, without keeping anything for herself. She was esteemed better than the rich who contributed out of their abundance. (Mark 12:43-44)
No instruction to Judas: Lord did not command Judas, the treasurer of the disciples’ band, to give the poor woman some funds. Yes, the widow had given her all. What will she do for the next meal?
No promise of prosperity: Lord did not offer her any prosperity promise neither to the poor widow nor the rich. Will she get one-hundred-fold? Lord’s commendation for the widow has inspired many generations of disciples.
Rich in money or faith? Certainly, the widow was rich in faith. (James 2:5) Pathetic prosperity preachers want to become super-rich, by promising all those who give them a guarantee to become super-rich.
Intention: True people of God give expression to their love, gratefulness, and humility. Those who give with the sole intention of multiple returns are victims of covetousness.
Pitiable and Pathetic: Those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ for the benefits, blessings, riches, and prosperity of this world are pitiable. (I Corinthians 15:19)
Does my love for the Lord permeate my giving?