We live in a day of immense wealth. In fact, people all over the world believe all Americans are rich. Of course, that’s not really the truth, but we are, for the most part, well off.

So much so, that we have forgotten that God is the Giver, and we need to revere and exalt Him.

Though we are a blessed nation, we are in danger, skirting the very edge of blasphemy when we say we deserve to be rich.

Where is it written, in context in scripture that God is going to make us all rich? The Bible I read says that because God is a loving Father, He loves to bless His kids, and He has. But God’s view of prosperity is very different from ours.

God wants to bless us inwardly more than He does outwardly. He wants us to be like little children, not manipulating or conniving to make money, but rich in thanksgiving, generous, helpful, encouraging, and abounding in joy in the relationship with our wonderful God and our Christian brothers.

However, He knows we only grow deep in our relationship with Him in the valleys of our lives. If we had everything we needed all the time without having to ask Him, why would we need Him at all?

The truth is, we wouldn’t, and we don’t, because we are so well off. But if we are arrogant, the God who has so graciously given can also snatch it away, in an instant. And He will, if it is the only means of drawing us back to Him.

Think of third world countries that are experiencing incredible spiritual revival. What about America? Where is our revival? What if it will only come with suffering?

There are many more scripture verses that talk about suffering than wealth.

The Apostle Paul, if you recall, said he could be content in both plenty and in want. He sewed tents for a living. Does he sound like a rich man to you?

In II Corinthians 11: Paul describes his life: Are they servants of Christ?…I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers…I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

Scripture says Jesus had no place to lay His head. He simply stopped and stayed where God opened the door. And when the time came, Jesus gave up what little He had to suffer and die a terrible, tortured death on a cross. Does this sound like prosperity gospel to you?

Acts 2:44-46 says: And all those who believed were together, and had all things in common, and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Rather than getting rich, they divested themselves of material goods, selling it to give to their Christian brothers.

Matthew 5:40: And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, give him your coat also…Give to him who asks of you and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”

Does this sound like prosperity gospel to you?

Listening to televangelists, I rarely hear about sin, blood sacrifice, Jesus’ death on the cross, forgiveness, repentance, or humility. More often the topics addressed include: finding your potential, discovering your destiny, or becoming all you can be. Success and wealth. You’ve heard them.

I feel ill when I realize how we as a nation of Christian pastors and teachers have fallen into the temptation of tickling ears, sold out for the sake of a buck. We’re preaching a lie, another gospel that is not the gospel of Christ at all. If we preach the true Word of God, we may offend and lose followers, and therefore dollars. It’s sickening to hear the truth, isn’t it?

But what’s at stake here? Souls are at stake. Scripture says God will judge pastors and teachers and Christians who know the real truth, holding us to a higher standard, which means there will be blood on our hands if we don’t preach the true Word of God without compromise.

All the money in the world won’t be enough to exchange for the lost souls in hell that we could have reached had we preached the truth.

It should break our hearts as a nation that we have fallen so far. To be perfectly frank, we have an agenda of our own, and its name is money.

God help us if we don’t repent soon. In fact, every economic indicator is flashing red—a final danger signal. So--will we as believers dance and spend money like fools on the very precipice of hell, while the world falls around our ears? Will we be deaf to the cries of the Holy Spirit who says He’s shaking the Church of Jesus Christ, sorting the goats from the sheep, because the only Bride who will dwell with Him is one who is dressed in pure white, with clean hands, and no agenda of her own?

Revelation 3:17-22 says this: Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire…and white garments, that you may clothe yourself…Those who I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

This word has been harsh, but it is truth. And I dare not whitewash or dilute the true word to soothe hearts that need to be convicted before it’s too late.

Can the Holy Spirit still reach us or are we be too hard-hearted to hear? At the judgment seat, will God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Master.” Or will He say, “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.” We must examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word. Which side are you on? Have you been sucked into the prosperity lie?

If so, there’s no time to waste. Repent now—before it’s too late.

All scriptures were taken from The New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, by the Lockman Foundation.