Interesting story in today's news...

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/10/tim....tm/index.html

Interesting article. I don't think we have to be poor to be faithful, neither do I think that our wealth is a sign of our rightousness. I believe that God would like us to prosper and share what we have with those who are in need. I also think that one should not focus solely on material wealth. ( We just discussed this in church today!) If while living our lives following Christ we are blessed with wealth, I think that we should share what we have. I think it's silly to think that God wants us to be poor so we can follow his laws better. I don't think God wants us to suffer.
Anyway, I think I'm rambleing....
-C.

I think if you are given riches it's probably to do something good with it but I certainly believe that God doesn't intend for you to be destitute or a slave to money woes. If you love God then you are to do it whether your wallet is full or empty and give your best in any circumstance. Either way, your situation can change very quickly, being mindful to use your gifts well should be the focus. IMO

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* Let it not be said that no one cared, that no one objected once it's realized that our liberties and wealth are in jeopardy.

~Ron Paul

"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
- James Madison

I, too, found this article interesting...

I know people (formerly close friends) who are part of the "prosperity" movement. They give their 10 percent to the church, but they are very focused on material gain -- to the point that they made me and DH uncomfortable.

As a country, I believe we experience tremendous wealth. I often struggle with the phrase "God Bless America" because I believe that he HAS blessed America. This is an incredible place to live -- we have so many more material comforts. [Disclaimer: I'm not saying we don't have poverty and that there aren't people who don't struggle financially, but on the whole we have it good compared to other parts of the world.]

I can't imagine that God would want us all to be super rich -- isn't there something in the Bible about (totally paraphrasing) the likelihood of a rich man getting into heaven is about as likely as a camel passing thru the eye of a needle???

I am also rambling...sorry. It's an interesting topic...one that's got me thinking

I agree with Rick Warren (sp) that the idea is rather laughable. I believe many people are taken by it because it promises wealth, health and prosperity. The Bible states that our riches will be in heaven. I may not be rich here on Earth, but I have much to look forward too!

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Formerly known as Mrs12bfishin

My Bible Study was just talking about this movement last week. I think it is a poor testimony for those who are not believers to what Christians think and why we worship Jesus Christ. There has to be a balance. God provides what is needed. In the Old Testiment, Jews were rewarded in that way, however, in the time of Jesus that is not the case, we are under a different time and covenant. Jesus is our precious wealth now!

Wow. I haven't read the entire article.... yet... but there are lots of thoughts running through my mind. The first thing I thought about when I read this thread was Phillippians 4:11, "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Paul was in prison, but he was still satisfied with his life--JUST as it was.
Christians are called to be "Christ-like." Christ was in NO means "rich" according to the world's standards. That said, I don't think being wealthy is forbidden, yet, not many Christians that I know personally are what I would consider wealthy.
I think it all boils down to this: God knows our hearts. He knows if our intentions are upright and just. Read chapter 13 of Luke.... (Specifically v. 13-15)
Now. Off to finish that article!