The problem with the “Prosperity Gospel” isn’t about gaining prosperity.
It’s about what I’m inclined not to do in that process.
Because the Lord actually does want me to be successful and prosperous, but in a manner that’s conducive to His methods of achieving those goals. His instructions to His people Israel through Joshua are clear:
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” [Josh. 1:8] [my emphasis]
Note that a condition was placed on prosperity and success: “do according to…for then.” This wasn’t a suggestion to simply check off another box or spend a couple of hours a week learning something new.
And how interesting that the genius of the Lord’s purposes seems to be demonstrated and fulfilled by a man’s intuitive desire to discover and improve. But, in His infinite wisdom, He seems to build obstacles to overcome in that process. Yet I’ve become convinced that experiencing that degree of difficulty in my search for answers in this life is what amplifies my reverence and awe for His majesty.
He created everything. He doesn’t need me to create anything else. But whether it’s a machine or a concept or an opportunity, I’m certain that He’s waiting for every one of us to uncover more secrets of Creation or ways for us to enrich our lives and those around us.
We were, after all, made in His image. So we are unique among the creatures of the Earth in our ability to discover and remake things. We are, then, in that sense, types of “co-creators” in His stead.
The world has always lived in exciting times.
It just never realized it.
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Posted: April 13, 2026 by cjournalme
To Discover is to Prosper
The problem with the “Prosperity Gospel” isn’t about gaining prosperity.
It’s about what I’m inclined not to do in that process.
Because the Lord actually does want me to be successful and prosperous, but in a manner that’s conducive to His methods of achieving those goals. His instructions to His people Israel through Joshua are clear:
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” [Josh. 1:8] [my emphasis]
Note that a condition was placed on prosperity and success: “do according to…for then.” This wasn’t a suggestion to simply check off another box or spend a couple of hours a week learning something new.
And how interesting that the genius of the Lord’s purposes seems to be demonstrated and fulfilled by a man’s intuitive desire to discover and improve. But, in His infinite wisdom, He seems to build obstacles to overcome in that process. Yet I’ve become convinced that experiencing that degree of difficulty in my search for answers in this life is what amplifies my reverence and awe for His majesty.
He created everything. He doesn’t need me to create anything else. But whether it’s a machine or a concept or an opportunity, I’m certain that He’s waiting for every one of us to uncover more secrets of Creation or ways for us to enrich our lives and those around us.
We were, after all, made in His image. So we are unique among the creatures of the Earth in our ability to discover and remake things. We are, then, in that sense, types of “co-creators” in His stead.
The world has always lived in exciting times.
It just never realized it.
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