Often missing from Prosperity Gospel’s (PG) and other “get
rich quick” new age things like The Secret is giving. Unfortunately when it is
used, Matthew 13:8 is cited and is twisted into giving to their ministry is how
to get back a “hundredfold”:
But other
fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some
sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
So give to my charity and get 100 fold back!! That is the
qualifier for many in the world of PG preachers. They always “qualify” that 100
fold with it may not be money, but blessings.
The Secret does mention this concept of giving in the DVD,
but you have to hunt in the bonus features to find it mentioned. It did not
make the final cut or the book, but is important either way. I like Pastor
Robert Morris’ approach to giving and God. In his books he tells stories that he has given his home, car and estate away to
have nothing, only to get it back more.
I am not saying to give it all away, but I am saying you
need to give to receive. It’s an odd concept, but giving is so much a part of
the equation. The Secret DVD does explain this in the “Director Comments”
section that if you give the universe will align itself so you can give more.
Now I tend to believe it’s deeper than this since many give
from poverty, like the widow who gave here last mite while the rich gives from
his excess. In Luke 21:1 – 4 Jesus talks about this and uses it as an example,
unfortunately it’s often used as a way to guilt you into giving and that is
wrong also. I hear of old people giving their fortunes away because of this
verse.
What is missing is not the amounts or percentages, but the
attitude. Those who give without real expectations to get anything back in
return are the ones who “get it” and seem to always have enough. It’s not about
giving everything away to get more, but giving whenever you can. We are here to
be the light, not just the salt, and often it’s shined on other by our generosity.
I also know those who live with plenty who are still tight
with their wealth. They have more than most, yet they keep a tight grip on the
funds and still play the lottery for that big win. That is an attitude of lack
and shows little trust in God. Fagin from Oliver Twist had a saying many in
this position has, “charity’s fine, subscribe to mine!” I can think of one well
of buddy who use to try to have me give him my property, and this was constant
so it went beyond a joke stage. He thought I was nuts helping out people who needed
help and just assumed I would “help” him out also.
The new age mantra is if you don’t have enough to give, your
focus is on lack and the universe will make sure you never have enough.
So the PG preachers do have it right, I just say give on
your own. Find someone who needs a buck and give them a hundred. Find someone
who needs a jump start and give them a battery. Find someone who needs a cup of
coffee and give them a decent breakfast. And find someone who needs nothing and
give them your all. It’s not only about giving to the church so it will
prosper, but to those in need.
One still needs to tithe, since the church cannot survive
without the support of its members, but at the same time we need to do extra on
our own, if not for the community but for the fun!! It’s awesome to see the
face on someone who just gets a “buck” and finds a hundred wrapped inside!