The Problem With Prosperity
Jim Carey said, “I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”
In our new series on the Minor Prophets (The Minors), we’ll be looking at the Book of Amos in a couple of weeks. Amos wrote to Israel during the zenith of its prosperity and power in the world. But his message was not a positive one. It’s not that Israel’s prosperity was a bad thing. Instead, he seems to indicate that they were blessed with riches and influence in the world. And he promises those who turn their hearts toward Yahweh that God would bless them with even more prosperity. But their problem was complacency.
While wealth and power, in and of themselves, are not bad, they often lead to complacency of soul, which is always bad. It’s why he warns them, “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria.”
So Amos gives his readers some basic reminders that can help us. After all, living in America, we enjoy a lot more material prosperity than Israel did during their height of wealth during the time Amos was writing. Here’s my takeaway from his message.
Prosperity is a test. It’s not good or bad, but it tests our hearts, whether they be good or bad. It’s what we do with our prosperity that is moral, not whether or not we have it. Paul wrote this to Timothy (about us), “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Complacency is the problem. That’s why he said, “Woe to those who are at ease…” God has you here for a purpose. You are not alive simply to enjoy yourself. But, you will get a lot more out of of life if you are going after what God created you for.
Wealth tends to obscure God. Twice in chapter five, “Seek me and live!”, “Seek Yahweh and live!” (Amos 5:4 & 5:6). This is for those who are rich or poor, powerful or weak. A life of meaning and joy is only realized when your purpose of bringing pleasure to God is being fulfilled.
Some of the nicest, most generous, godly, and fulfilled people I’ve ever known have been rich people. And some of the most selfish, stingy, and unhappy people I’ve known have also been rich people. Whether or not your life takes on significance is not based on how much you have. It’s whether or not your heart leads your possessions to honor God or your possessions lead your heart away from God.That’s the essence of prosperity, it’s a very accurate test of who you are. What’s your score?