In light of popular prosperity doctrines and preachers, I wonder how many are being led astray by their false narrative. While some post-modern pulpits promote gain and glory, could it be that God’s grace and goodness is even more profound in loss and suffering? I submit it to be so.
The Lord’s great desire is to save us. His purpose is for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. He did not die so that we could have a better job or more vacation time. The Cross of Calvary was not intended to offer us a pain-free life. It was meant to rescue the soul from sin; an atonement through the Blood. Jesus came to give us Life and in the purview of the Almighty, our eternal salvation is far more important than any temporal thing.
Christianity was never meant to provide worldly success. The single focus is to be saved when the Trump of God sounds. All of which begs the question, “What will it take for you to be saved?” Because trouble and loss might be the vehicle to lift you out of this world. Tribulation and suffering might be the only thing that drives you toward Heaven. What difference would it make if you gained the whole world and lose your soul? What good would it do if you are comfortable here, but you miss the rapture?
Please don’t misunderstand: I’m happy if you are blessed in this temporal life. I rejoice at the testimonies of material blessings. Praise God for increase! I am thankful for the provisions that come from the Lord, even if they are temporal. However, none compare to that Great and Terrible Day of the Lord when He shall split the eastern sky with a heavenly host.
I want you to be blessed, but not at the expense of your eternity. I hope that your businesses grow and you are able to afford new things. I’m happy if you are equipped with knowledge and that your stewardship is sound. However, if you forfeit your prayer life, church attendance, and ultimately your salvation, then all of your accomplishments are a detriment to the eternity that awaits you. If gain comes at the cost of heaven, then your gain is a reproach to the Cross.
This is the temporal versus the eternal. This is the only thing that matters.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole