Giving To Get
What doe the Bible actually say about prosperity?
In the 1970s a new movement among church goers grew out of the Healing Revivals of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s that is commonly called "the Word of Faith" movement. The religious professionals who lead the Word of Faith movement are for the most part non-denominational and independent of each other.
There is no governing body or umbrella organization for these religious professionals to answer to. These religious professionals say that they get their authority from the Father of Truth (Yahoveh aka Yahweh aka God aka THE LORD) and do not need to answer to anyone else. This means that there is no one to hinder them from leading others into what He has told them to do but it also means that there is no one to rein them in if they should be wrong about anything either. So this model is wonderful when they are right about something but is terrible when they are wrong about anything.
One of the main things they teach is that the Father of Truth wants all of His children to prosper. Now in all fairness, they do not all agree on exactly what prospering means. On one extreme some teach that the Children of Truth (those who obey the Father of Truth because they love Him) prospering means that they should have more material wealth than any of the Children of Lies so that they are ruling over them. On the other extreme some teach that prospering means the Children of Truth having just what is needed to accomplish His will for their lives. There are also many definitions of prosperity that fall between these two extremes. This teaching, in all of its forms, is called "Prosperity Theology".
Many of the Word of Faith churches teaching Prosperity Theology grew into mega-churches that had most of largest congregations in the US by the end of the 1990s. (Whose leaders sometimes ended up with proportionally large paychecks, but NOT ALWAYS as some of them have maintained a modest paycheck regardless of the size of their congregation.) This soon lead to many pastors in denominational churches to likewise begin to teaching some flavor of Prosperity Theology as well. Some of those congregations also grew into mega-churches. Even some of the religious professionals in the False Church of Rome started teaching Prosperity Theology and grew their congregations into mega-churches. So now, you can find someone teaching some form of Prosperity Theology from just about any organization that claims to be teaching people how to follow the Man of Truth (Yeshua HaMashiach aka Jesus Christ).
At the heart of Prosperity Theology is a core idea that if you give to religious organizations who pay the paycheck of the religious professionals who carry out the ministry of the Gospel as well as take care of the needs of the poor then the Father of Truth will prosper you. This idea of giving to Him so you can get things from Him could be summarized as "giving to get".
What does the Book of Truth teach about prosperity? The best way to answer this question is by examining the different ideas that make up Prosperity Theology one at a time to clearly see the answer to that question.
The first thing to consider is the claim by some of those who teach Prosperity Theology (but certainly not all) that they get things directly from the Spirit of Truth (Ruach HaQodesh aka The Holy Spirit aka The Holy Ghost) and therefore no one should dare question anything that they are teaching.
Does the Spirit of Truth speak to people with messages for other people to hear?
The Spirit of Truth does give messages directly from the Man of Truth to the Children of Truth (John 16:13-15). It is normal for some of the Children of Truth to speak those messages when they are assembled together so that others may benefit as well (1 Corinthians 14:3-5). Those who are in touch with the Spirit of Truth acknowledge that this is the commandment of the Father of Truth (1 Corinthians 14:36-37). So the Children of Truth are to desire to be used like this in an orderly fashion (1 Corinthians 14:39-40). So no one is to quench the Spirit of Truth by stopping people, especially those who have been called to preach, from giving these messages to the Children of Truth (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).
Are we to accept every message that people give in a meeting as being from from the Spirit of Truth?
NO! We are to test every message and only heed those that are good so that we can void all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). We are not to believe every message that someone says is from the Spirit of Truth because they might actually be a Minister of Lies (1 John 4:1).
Should we not believe a message that comes from someone who has demonstrated by the power of the Spirit of Truth that they are a Minister of Truth?
Consider Balaam. He was a real Prophet of Truth who only spoke the Word of Truth (Numbers 22:38). The Father of Truth put His Word in his mouth (Numbers 23:5). He saw visions that were given to him by the Spirit of Truth (Numbers 24:2-4). He even prophesied that the Man of Truth would rule over Israel and avenge her against her enemies in the future (Numbers 24:15-19). Yet he left off teaching sound doctrine in order to get unjust gain (2 Peter 2:15-16). He went into error because he desired money more than truth (Jude 1:11). He finally taught things contrary to the Word of Truth after spending many years as a Prophet of Truth (Revelation 2:14). So Balaam went from being one of the Ministers of Truth to being one of the Ministers of Lies.
Even Paul the Jew (Shaul aka Saul aka the Apostle Paul) would have became a castaway after he has spent a lifetime preaching the Word of Truth if he also allowed his flesh to gain control over him (1 Corinthians 9:27). Even the Minister of Truths can shipwreck their faith if they do not continue in sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
So how can we tell if a message really is from the Spirit of Truth?
We are to keep the Word of Truth in our mouth by speaking it to ourselves all the time (Joshua 1:8). [The Hebrew word translated "meditate" literally means "to mutter to oneself".] We are to hide the Word of Truth in our heart (Psalm 119:11). We are to be like the Bereans were more noble than others because they did not take the word of Paul the Jew on face value but studied the Book of Truth to see if his message agreed with it (Acts 17:10-12). (This is why I include links to every scripture so that you can do the same thing.) Paul the Jew said that we were not accept any message that was contrary to the one given in the Book of Truth even if he or an angel were to give it (Galatians 1:6-8). We are to stop being lazy and to study the Book of Truth for ourselves so that we can know if a message is from the Spirit of Truth or not (2 Timothy 2:15). We are to make the Word of Truth a part of our being so that we can discern whether or not a message is from the Spirit of Truth (Hebrews 5:12-14).
How can you tell is someone is simply wrong about something or if they are actually a Minister of Lies?
The Man of Truth says that the Ministers of Lies can be told apart from those who are simply wrong about something by examining the fruit of their lives (Matthew 7:15-17). The Ministers of Lies cannot live a life that is consistent with the Book of Truth and will even tell you to not examine the fruit of people so you can know who are Ministers of Lies (Matthew 7:18-20)! Even though the Spirit of Truth worked supernaturally through them in times past they do not know the Man of Truth because they do not do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21-23). They have heard the Word of Truth but they have not put it into practice (Matthew 7:24-27). They will not repent of teaching and doing things contrary what to the Man of Truth taught when others point out their mistakes but instead point to financial gain as proof that His Father has blessed what they are teaching (1 Timothy 6:3-5). They live a corrupt life that is always falling into adultery and other sins because they have endless desire for getting bigger, better, newer things (2 Peter 2:12-14). They were once Ministers of Truth but have left off living in the House of Truth (2 Peter 2:20-22).
Now that we have examined what the Book of Truth says about those who do not want anyone to question whether or not what they teach is from the Spirit of Truth we will examine what the Book of Truth actually says about prosperity.
Does the Father of Truth really want the Children of Truth to prosper?
Yes, He does. He wants to work when they can and save what they can for retirement (Proverbs 6:6-8). He wants them to avoid laziness so they will not be overtaken by poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11). He wants them to work hard so they can gain wealth (Proverbs 10:3-5). He wants them to be diligent so that they will rule over the lazy (Proverbs 12:24). He wants them to leave an inheritance to their children and grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22). He wants them to handle matters wisely (Proverbs 16:20). He wants them to avoid borrowing money if at all possible (Proverbs 22:7). He wants them to work with all of their ability (Ecclesiastes 9:10). He wants them not to be slothful in their business (Romans 12:11). He wants them to save back for the needs of their children (2 Corinthians 12:14). He wants them to do all they can to provide for their own children (1 Timothy 5:8). He wants them above all things to prosper and be in health even as their soul prospers (3 John 1:2)!
Does the Father of Truth promise to give to those who take care of the poor?
He has promised to bless those who take care of the poor (Proverbs 11:23-25). The Children of Truth will never lack if they give what they have to take care of those who are poorer than themselves (Proverbs 28:27). They will be given whatever they need if they will show mercy by giving to those who ask for help without judging whether or not those who are asking deserve to be helped (Luke 6:36-38). Those who give abundantly to others will receive abundantly from the Father of Truth (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Does the Father of Truth promise to give to those who take care of the Ministers of Truth?
The Children of Truth are to give offerings to build and maintain the place where they assemble to meet the Father of Truth (Exodus 25:2-8). The Children of Truth are to give one tenth of their income to take care of those who the Father of Truth has placed in the ministry (Numbers 18:23-24). Whoever does not give to take of the assembly place and the Ministers of Truth is robbing the Father of Truth but He will bless those who do these things by making their hard work pay off (Malachi 3:8-11).
Does this promise still apply to the Ministers of Truth?
The Ministers of Truth still need to be free to focus on the work of the ministry (1 Corinthians 9:4-6). They still should not have to work to pay the expenses of their services to the Children of Truth (1 Corinthians 9:7-10). The Children of Truth should still pay their expenses because they are the ones benefiting from the services of the Ministers of Truth (1 Corinthians 9:11-14).
Does the Man of Truth promise to give back 100 times the money that people give to these causes?
NO! He only said that there was a hundred fold return of homes or families for those who lost their home or families for following him (Matthew 19:29). He promised that this hundred fold return would come with persecutions (Mark 10:29-30).
Does the Man of Truth say that he came to give the Children of Truth an abundance of bigger, better, newer stuff?
NO! He said that life does not consist of an abundance of bigger, better, newer stuff (Luke 12:15). He said that he came to give them a more abundant life (John 10:10). Those with the abundant life he gives are content whether they have a lot of stuff or next to nothing (Philippians 4:11-13).
Is it wrong for people to expect a reward for doing what the Father of Truth commands?
He promised to reward Abraham (Abram) for doing what he commanded (Genesis 12:1-3). He promised to reward Isaac (Yitzhak) for doing what he commanded (Genesis 26:2-5). He promised to reward the nation of Israel for doing what he commanded (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). The Man of Truth promised to reward the twelve original Apostles of Truth for doing what His Father commanded (Matthew 19:27-29). The Man of Truth promises to reward all who obey the commandments of His Father when he rules on the Earth (Revelation 22:12-14).
The Father of Truth promise to reward all who do not despise the Word of Truth but instead fear to break His commandments (Proverbs 13:13). It right to expect a reward for doing what the Father of Truth commands because this shows faith in what He said (Hebrews 11:6).
So if the Father of Truth has promised to bless our work when we give to His causes as a reward for obeying His commandments, then what is wrong with giving to get?
Giving to get is based on greed and coveting. Giving to get puts the focus of the giver on getting things which leads to the endless pursuit of Bigger, Better, Newer. Giving to get takes the focus of the giver off of saving people which is All That Really Matters.
It does not matter how much people give to the purposes of the Father of Truth unless they are giving because they are concerned with the long term good of other people (1 Corinthians 13:3). When people give to take care of the needs of the Ministers of Truth then the Father of Truth only promises to take care of their needs - not their greed (Philippians 4:19-20). When people are giving to get then they end up not getting what they asked for in prayer because they are asking to fulfill their endless desire for bigger, better, newer stuff instead of desiring to take care of other people (James 4:3).
When people are giving to get then they are not giving out of concern for other people. So they are not operating in faith because faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). When people have have genuine faith in the Man of Truth then they also have genuine love for other people (Ephesians 3:17). Faith always works with love in those who love the Man of Truth (Ephesians 6:23-24). The same Father of Truth who commands us to have faith in the Man of Truth also commands us to love other people (1 John 3:23).
So why does the Father of Truth want to prosper the Children of Truth?
The Father of Truth prospered Abraham so he could save the human race though the Man of Truth (Genesis 12:2-3). He prospered Isaac so he could save the human race though the Man of Truth (Genesis 26:3-4). He promised to give the Land of Israel to the descendants of Israel so He could save the human race though the Man of Truth (Genesis 28:13-14). He gives the Children of Truth the ability to prosper so that His covenants to save the human race through the Man of Truth can be fulfilled (Deuteronomy 8:18). All of His promises to prosper the Children of Truth are so that His promises to save the human race through the Man of Truth can be fulfilled (Galatians 3:16).
So the Children of Truth should be "getting to give" instead of "giving to get". That is the way of love.
What is getting to give?
The Man of Truth wants people to use whatever His Father gave them for His purposes (Matthew 25:14-30). The Children of Truth are getting to give because they know that their treasure is in heaven instead on Earth (Luke 12:32-34). The Children of Truth have all been called to do their part in saving the human race by either working as one of the Ministers of Truth or by giving what they can to help the Ministers of Truth (Romans 10:13-17). Some of the Children of Truth have been given a gift by the Spirit of Truth of giving beyond human ability (Romans 12:6-8). They give more than is reasonable so they can be counted as if they were actually doing the work of the Ministers of Truth (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). The Children of Truth are happy to give whatever they can to the causes of the Father of Truth (2 Corinthians 9:5-7). The Children of Truth work hard at their jobs so they can prosper to give to the purposes of the Man of Truth (Colossians 3:22-24). The Children of Truth are seeking to prosper so they can help in saving the human race through faith in the Man of Truth (3 John 1:5-8).
Is there ever a right way of giving to get?
The Father of Truth so loved the human race that He gave His Only Begotten Son to get people to come into the House of Truth (John 3:16). The Man of Truth gave his life away on the cross to get people to come into the House of Truth (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Those who want the greatest reward when the Man of Truth rules the Earth will also give their lives away for the sake of other people (Mark 10:42-45). The Children of Truth are to give their lives away to get people to come into the House of Truth (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
The Children of Truth should be consumed with a desire to get people to come into the House of Truth because they are wise enough to know that people are the only thing that they can take with them when they die (Proverbs 11:30). They know that they brought nothing into this world when they were born and they are not taking any bigger, better, newer stuff out of this world when they die (1 Timothy 6:7).
So whoever counts themselves as a follower of the Man of Truth should be giving their lives away so they can get people to come into the House of Truth. This is giving to get in the right way.
Are you ready to start giving to get in the right way?
Perhaps you realize that you have only been giving to get bigger, better, newer things instead of giving to get people to come into the House of Truth. You need to repent of this idolatry that you may have been deceived into by religious professionals (Colossians 3:5). If you will admit that you have been sucked into this idolatry and renounce it then you will come back into the House of Truth (1 John 1:8-10).
Perhaps you have yet to come into the House of Truth because you have seen through the Ministers of Lies who promise to make everyone rich who gives to them and thought that they actually represented the Man of Truth. You can know the Man of Truth for yourself if you will come into the House of Truth. You come into the House of Truth when you give control of your life to the Man of Truth because you believe that His Father raised him from the dead (Romans 10:8-10).
Come into the House of Truth.
In the 1970s a new movement among church goers grew out of the Healing Revivals of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s that is commonly called "the Word of Faith" movement. The religious professionals who lead the Word of Faith movement are for the most part non-denominational and independent of each other.
There is no governing body or umbrella organization for these religious professionals to answer to. These religious professionals say that they get their authority from the Father of Truth (Yahoveh aka Yahweh aka God aka THE LORD) and do not need to answer to anyone else. This means that there is no one to hinder them from leading others into what He has told them to do but it also means that there is no one to rein them in if they should be wrong about anything either. So this model is wonderful when they are right about something but is terrible when they are wrong about anything.
One of the main things they teach is that the Father of Truth wants all of His children to prosper. Now in all fairness, they do not all agree on exactly what prospering means. On one extreme some teach that the Children of Truth (those who obey the Father of Truth because they love Him) prospering means that they should have more material wealth than any of the Children of Lies so that they are ruling over them. On the other extreme some teach that prospering means the Children of Truth having just what is needed to accomplish His will for their lives. There are also many definitions of prosperity that fall between these two extremes. This teaching, in all of its forms, is called "Prosperity Theology".
Many of the Word of Faith churches teaching Prosperity Theology grew into mega-churches that had most of largest congregations in the US by the end of the 1990s. (Whose leaders sometimes ended up with proportionally large paychecks, but NOT ALWAYS as some of them have maintained a modest paycheck regardless of the size of their congregation.) This soon lead to many pastors in denominational churches to likewise begin to teaching some flavor of Prosperity Theology as well. Some of those congregations also grew into mega-churches. Even some of the religious professionals in the False Church of Rome started teaching Prosperity Theology and grew their congregations into mega-churches. So now, you can find someone teaching some form of Prosperity Theology from just about any organization that claims to be teaching people how to follow the Man of Truth (Yeshua HaMashiach aka Jesus Christ).
At the heart of Prosperity Theology is a core idea that if you give to religious organizations who pay the paycheck of the religious professionals who carry out the ministry of the Gospel as well as take care of the needs of the poor then the Father of Truth will prosper you. This idea of giving to Him so you can get things from Him could be summarized as "giving to get".
What does the Book of Truth teach about prosperity? The best way to answer this question is by examining the different ideas that make up Prosperity Theology one at a time to clearly see the answer to that question.
The first thing to consider is the claim by some of those who teach Prosperity Theology (but certainly not all) that they get things directly from the Spirit of Truth (Ruach HaQodesh aka The Holy Spirit aka The Holy Ghost) and therefore no one should dare question anything that they are teaching.
Does the Spirit of Truth speak to people with messages for other people to hear?
The Spirit of Truth does give messages directly from the Man of Truth to the Children of Truth (John 16:13-15). It is normal for some of the Children of Truth to speak those messages when they are assembled together so that others may benefit as well (1 Corinthians 14:3-5). Those who are in touch with the Spirit of Truth acknowledge that this is the commandment of the Father of Truth (1 Corinthians 14:36-37). So the Children of Truth are to desire to be used like this in an orderly fashion (1 Corinthians 14:39-40). So no one is to quench the Spirit of Truth by stopping people, especially those who have been called to preach, from giving these messages to the Children of Truth (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).
Are we to accept every message that people give in a meeting as being from from the Spirit of Truth?
NO! We are to test every message and only heed those that are good so that we can void all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). We are not to believe every message that someone says is from the Spirit of Truth because they might actually be a Minister of Lies (1 John 4:1).
Should we not believe a message that comes from someone who has demonstrated by the power of the Spirit of Truth that they are a Minister of Truth?
Consider Balaam. He was a real Prophet of Truth who only spoke the Word of Truth (Numbers 22:38). The Father of Truth put His Word in his mouth (Numbers 23:5). He saw visions that were given to him by the Spirit of Truth (Numbers 24:2-4). He even prophesied that the Man of Truth would rule over Israel and avenge her against her enemies in the future (Numbers 24:15-19). Yet he left off teaching sound doctrine in order to get unjust gain (2 Peter 2:15-16). He went into error because he desired money more than truth (Jude 1:11). He finally taught things contrary to the Word of Truth after spending many years as a Prophet of Truth (Revelation 2:14). So Balaam went from being one of the Ministers of Truth to being one of the Ministers of Lies.
Even Paul the Jew (Shaul aka Saul aka the Apostle Paul) would have became a castaway after he has spent a lifetime preaching the Word of Truth if he also allowed his flesh to gain control over him (1 Corinthians 9:27). Even the Minister of Truths can shipwreck their faith if they do not continue in sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
So how can we tell if a message really is from the Spirit of Truth?
We are to keep the Word of Truth in our mouth by speaking it to ourselves all the time (Joshua 1:8). [The Hebrew word translated "meditate" literally means "to mutter to oneself".] We are to hide the Word of Truth in our heart (Psalm 119:11). We are to be like the Bereans were more noble than others because they did not take the word of Paul the Jew on face value but studied the Book of Truth to see if his message agreed with it (Acts 17:10-12). (This is why I include links to every scripture so that you can do the same thing.) Paul the Jew said that we were not accept any message that was contrary to the one given in the Book of Truth even if he or an angel were to give it (Galatians 1:6-8). We are to stop being lazy and to study the Book of Truth for ourselves so that we can know if a message is from the Spirit of Truth or not (2 Timothy 2:15). We are to make the Word of Truth a part of our being so that we can discern whether or not a message is from the Spirit of Truth (Hebrews 5:12-14).
How can you tell is someone is simply wrong about something or if they are actually a Minister of Lies?
The Man of Truth says that the Ministers of Lies can be told apart from those who are simply wrong about something by examining the fruit of their lives (Matthew 7:15-17). The Ministers of Lies cannot live a life that is consistent with the Book of Truth and will even tell you to not examine the fruit of people so you can know who are Ministers of Lies (Matthew 7:18-20)! Even though the Spirit of Truth worked supernaturally through them in times past they do not know the Man of Truth because they do not do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21-23). They have heard the Word of Truth but they have not put it into practice (Matthew 7:24-27). They will not repent of teaching and doing things contrary what to the Man of Truth taught when others point out their mistakes but instead point to financial gain as proof that His Father has blessed what they are teaching (1 Timothy 6:3-5). They live a corrupt life that is always falling into adultery and other sins because they have endless desire for getting bigger, better, newer things (2 Peter 2:12-14). They were once Ministers of Truth but have left off living in the House of Truth (2 Peter 2:20-22).
Now that we have examined what the Book of Truth says about those who do not want anyone to question whether or not what they teach is from the Spirit of Truth we will examine what the Book of Truth actually says about prosperity.
Does the Father of Truth really want the Children of Truth to prosper?
Yes, He does. He wants to work when they can and save what they can for retirement (Proverbs 6:6-8). He wants them to avoid laziness so they will not be overtaken by poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11). He wants them to work hard so they can gain wealth (Proverbs 10:3-5). He wants them to be diligent so that they will rule over the lazy (Proverbs 12:24). He wants them to leave an inheritance to their children and grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22). He wants them to handle matters wisely (Proverbs 16:20). He wants them to avoid borrowing money if at all possible (Proverbs 22:7). He wants them to work with all of their ability (Ecclesiastes 9:10). He wants them not to be slothful in their business (Romans 12:11). He wants them to save back for the needs of their children (2 Corinthians 12:14). He wants them to do all they can to provide for their own children (1 Timothy 5:8). He wants them above all things to prosper and be in health even as their soul prospers (3 John 1:2)!
Does the Father of Truth promise to give to those who take care of the poor?
He has promised to bless those who take care of the poor (Proverbs 11:23-25). The Children of Truth will never lack if they give what they have to take care of those who are poorer than themselves (Proverbs 28:27). They will be given whatever they need if they will show mercy by giving to those who ask for help without judging whether or not those who are asking deserve to be helped (Luke 6:36-38). Those who give abundantly to others will receive abundantly from the Father of Truth (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Does the Father of Truth promise to give to those who take care of the Ministers of Truth?
The Children of Truth are to give offerings to build and maintain the place where they assemble to meet the Father of Truth (Exodus 25:2-8). The Children of Truth are to give one tenth of their income to take care of those who the Father of Truth has placed in the ministry (Numbers 18:23-24). Whoever does not give to take of the assembly place and the Ministers of Truth is robbing the Father of Truth but He will bless those who do these things by making their hard work pay off (Malachi 3:8-11).
Does this promise still apply to the Ministers of Truth?
The Ministers of Truth still need to be free to focus on the work of the ministry (1 Corinthians 9:4-6). They still should not have to work to pay the expenses of their services to the Children of Truth (1 Corinthians 9:7-10). The Children of Truth should still pay their expenses because they are the ones benefiting from the services of the Ministers of Truth (1 Corinthians 9:11-14).
Does the Man of Truth promise to give back 100 times the money that people give to these causes?
NO! He only said that there was a hundred fold return of homes or families for those who lost their home or families for following him (Matthew 19:29). He promised that this hundred fold return would come with persecutions (Mark 10:29-30).
Does the Man of Truth say that he came to give the Children of Truth an abundance of bigger, better, newer stuff?
NO! He said that life does not consist of an abundance of bigger, better, newer stuff (Luke 12:15). He said that he came to give them a more abundant life (John 10:10). Those with the abundant life he gives are content whether they have a lot of stuff or next to nothing (Philippians 4:11-13).
Is it wrong for people to expect a reward for doing what the Father of Truth commands?
He promised to reward Abraham (Abram) for doing what he commanded (Genesis 12:1-3). He promised to reward Isaac (Yitzhak) for doing what he commanded (Genesis 26:2-5). He promised to reward the nation of Israel for doing what he commanded (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). The Man of Truth promised to reward the twelve original Apostles of Truth for doing what His Father commanded (Matthew 19:27-29). The Man of Truth promises to reward all who obey the commandments of His Father when he rules on the Earth (Revelation 22:12-14).
The Father of Truth promise to reward all who do not despise the Word of Truth but instead fear to break His commandments (Proverbs 13:13). It right to expect a reward for doing what the Father of Truth commands because this shows faith in what He said (Hebrews 11:6).
So if the Father of Truth has promised to bless our work when we give to His causes as a reward for obeying His commandments, then what is wrong with giving to get?
Giving to get is based on greed and coveting. Giving to get puts the focus of the giver on getting things which leads to the endless pursuit of Bigger, Better, Newer. Giving to get takes the focus of the giver off of saving people which is All That Really Matters.
It does not matter how much people give to the purposes of the Father of Truth unless they are giving because they are concerned with the long term good of other people (1 Corinthians 13:3). When people give to take care of the needs of the Ministers of Truth then the Father of Truth only promises to take care of their needs - not their greed (Philippians 4:19-20). When people are giving to get then they end up not getting what they asked for in prayer because they are asking to fulfill their endless desire for bigger, better, newer stuff instead of desiring to take care of other people (James 4:3).
When people are giving to get then they are not giving out of concern for other people. So they are not operating in faith because faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). When people have have genuine faith in the Man of Truth then they also have genuine love for other people (Ephesians 3:17). Faith always works with love in those who love the Man of Truth (Ephesians 6:23-24). The same Father of Truth who commands us to have faith in the Man of Truth also commands us to love other people (1 John 3:23).
So why does the Father of Truth want to prosper the Children of Truth?
The Father of Truth prospered Abraham so he could save the human race though the Man of Truth (Genesis 12:2-3). He prospered Isaac so he could save the human race though the Man of Truth (Genesis 26:3-4). He promised to give the Land of Israel to the descendants of Israel so He could save the human race though the Man of Truth (Genesis 28:13-14). He gives the Children of Truth the ability to prosper so that His covenants to save the human race through the Man of Truth can be fulfilled (Deuteronomy 8:18). All of His promises to prosper the Children of Truth are so that His promises to save the human race through the Man of Truth can be fulfilled (Galatians 3:16).
So the Children of Truth should be "getting to give" instead of "giving to get". That is the way of love.
What is getting to give?
The Man of Truth wants people to use whatever His Father gave them for His purposes (Matthew 25:14-30). The Children of Truth are getting to give because they know that their treasure is in heaven instead on Earth (Luke 12:32-34). The Children of Truth have all been called to do their part in saving the human race by either working as one of the Ministers of Truth or by giving what they can to help the Ministers of Truth (Romans 10:13-17). Some of the Children of Truth have been given a gift by the Spirit of Truth of giving beyond human ability (Romans 12:6-8). They give more than is reasonable so they can be counted as if they were actually doing the work of the Ministers of Truth (2 Corinthians 8:3-4). The Children of Truth are happy to give whatever they can to the causes of the Father of Truth (2 Corinthians 9:5-7). The Children of Truth work hard at their jobs so they can prosper to give to the purposes of the Man of Truth (Colossians 3:22-24). The Children of Truth are seeking to prosper so they can help in saving the human race through faith in the Man of Truth (3 John 1:5-8).
Is there ever a right way of giving to get?
The Father of Truth so loved the human race that He gave His Only Begotten Son to get people to come into the House of Truth (John 3:16). The Man of Truth gave his life away on the cross to get people to come into the House of Truth (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Those who want the greatest reward when the Man of Truth rules the Earth will also give their lives away for the sake of other people (Mark 10:42-45). The Children of Truth are to give their lives away to get people to come into the House of Truth (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
The Children of Truth should be consumed with a desire to get people to come into the House of Truth because they are wise enough to know that people are the only thing that they can take with them when they die (Proverbs 11:30). They know that they brought nothing into this world when they were born and they are not taking any bigger, better, newer stuff out of this world when they die (1 Timothy 6:7).
So whoever counts themselves as a follower of the Man of Truth should be giving their lives away so they can get people to come into the House of Truth. This is giving to get in the right way.
Are you ready to start giving to get in the right way?
Perhaps you realize that you have only been giving to get bigger, better, newer things instead of giving to get people to come into the House of Truth. You need to repent of this idolatry that you may have been deceived into by religious professionals (Colossians 3:5). If you will admit that you have been sucked into this idolatry and renounce it then you will come back into the House of Truth (1 John 1:8-10).
Perhaps you have yet to come into the House of Truth because you have seen through the Ministers of Lies who promise to make everyone rich who gives to them and thought that they actually represented the Man of Truth. You can know the Man of Truth for yourself if you will come into the House of Truth. You come into the House of Truth when you give control of your life to the Man of Truth because you believe that His Father raised him from the dead (Romans 10:8-10).
Come into the House of Truth.
Labels: Giving, Greed, Ministers, Money, Poverty, Prosperity, Wealth
posted by The House Of Truth @ May 04, 2014
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