When Prosperity Devours Our Blessings

Cotton Mather, an early American preacher said, “Religion begat prosperity and the daughter devoured the mother.”  

Oftentimes when a country, family, or person seeks godly values, they are blessed financially.

I'm not talking about name-it-claim-it false teachings like those of Joel Osteen. I'm just saying that when someone is honest, hard-working, and frugal they often acquire wealth.  

In the last century, American families have grown increasingly wealthy. My grandparents were hard-working people who had very little, but they were able to acquire their own home and a few luxuries. My parents' hard work brought them an even higher standard of living. Today, poorer people in America have more than my grandparents had. 

But instead of making us increasingly grateful, our increased standard of living has made us feel less thankful and more entitled. 

Our honest, grateful, hardworking values led to prosperity, and that prosperity devoured those values. Of course, there are many exceptions, but even among Christians we have taken on attitudes of ungratefulness and entitlement. 

“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Where is your heart, dear Christian? What are your goals in life? What do you think you deserve? 

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As you consider these questions, please read through these passages: 

Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

Luke 12:15: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Bible Love Notes will not be writing more devotions specifically about the upcoming election, but my husband shared his concerns in this post: In This Election Biblical Principles Are at Stake.

BLN