“God is not glorified when we keep for ourselves (no matter how thankfully) what we ought to be using to alleviate the misery of unevangelized, uneducated, unmedicated, and unfed millions. The evidence that many professing Christians have been deceived by this doctrine is how little they give and how much they own. God has prospered them. And by an almost irresistible law of consumer culture (baptized by a doctrine of health, wealth, and prosperity) they have bought bigger (and more) houses, newer (and more) cars, fancier (and more) clothes, better (and more) meat, and all manner of trinkets and gadgets and containers and devices and equipment to make life more fun. They will object: Does not the Old Testament promise that God will prosper his people? Indeed! God increases our yield, so that by giving we can prove our yield is not our god. God does not prosper a man's business so that he can move from a Ford to a Cadillac. God prospers a business so that 17,000 unreached people can be reached with the gospel. He prospers the business so that 12 percent of the world's population can move a step back from the precipice of starvation.”
Explore This Quote Further
Example of Usage
In his powerful message, John Piper challenges Christians to re-examine their priorities and consider how they are using the resources that God has blessed them with. He emphasizes the importance of giving generously to those in need, rather than simply accumulating wealth for personal gain. Piper argues that true prosperity is not measured by material possessions, but by the impact we can have on the lives of others.
Quote Analysis
In this quote by John Piper, the author criticizes the belief that God prospers individuals solely for their own personal gain. He argues that wealth should be used to alleviate the suffering of those less fortunate, rather than simply being accumulated for personal pleasure. Piper suggests that prosperity should be viewed as a means to serve others and advance the kingdom of God, rather than as a sign of personal success or entitlement. He emphasizes the importance of generosity and selflessness in the Christian faith.
Modern Relevance of John Piper's Quote
In today's consumer-driven society, John Piper's words serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with prosperity. The emphasis on material possessions and personal gain often overshadows the importance of helping those in need. Piper's message challenges Christians to use their resources to alleviate the suffering of others and spread the message of hope. Let us reflect on these words and consider how we can make a positive impact in a world filled with inequality and poverty.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on the quotes from John Piper, consider the following questions:
- In what ways do you see yourself prioritizing material possessions over helping others in need?
- How does the concept of God prospering us to benefit others challenge your current mindset on wealth and possessions?
- How can you use your resources and blessings to make a positive impact on those who are suffering or in need?
- How does your view on wealth and prosperity align with your understanding of Christian values and principles?
- What steps can you take to shift your focus from accumulating possessions for personal gain to using your resources for the greater good?
Similar quotes
“Does not the Old Testament promise that God will prosper His people? Indeed! God increases our yield so that by giving we can prove that our yield is not our god. God does not prosper a man’s business so he can move from a Ford to a Cadillac. God prospers a business so that thousands of unreached peoples can be reached with the gospel.”
“We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God.”
“Do not think, because you experience adversity, that the hand of the Lord is shortened. It is not our prosperity but our holiness that he seeks with all his heart. And to that end, he rules the whole world...He is a big God for little people, and we have great cause to rejoice that, unbeknownst to them, all the kings and presidents and premiers and chancellors of the world follow the sovereign decrees of our Father in heaven, that we, the children, might be conformed to the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.”
“Jesus came into the world with good news, not bad news. He does not call us to a willpower religion that feels only duty and no delight. He calls us to himself and to his Father. Therefore, he calls us to joy. Of course, it is not joy in things. Jesus is not preaching a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel—one of America’s most lamentable exports to the world. It is joy in God and in his Son.”
“When a man becomes a Christian, he becomes industrious, trustworthy and prosperous. Now, if that man when he gets all he can and saves all he can, does not give all he can, I have more hope for Judas Iscariot than for that man!”
“Suffering in the path of Christian obedience, with joy - because the steadfast love of the Lord is better than life (Psalm 63:3) - is the clearest display of the worth of God in our lives. Therefore, faith-filled suffering is essential in this world for the most intense, authentic worship. When we are most satisfied with God in suffering, he will be most glorified in us in worship. Our problem is not styles of music. Our problem is styles of life. When we embrace more affliction for the worth of Christ, there will be more fruit in the worship of Christ.”