False Teaching: Jesus Wants You Healthy And Prosperous

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10, NLT)

“Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32, NLT)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” (John 14:1-12, NLT)

When I (Lindsey) was a freshman in college, I sat in a church service with a visiting preacher who told me that God wanted me to be healthy, wealthy, and successful, and that all it would take is enough faith, positive thinking, and a generous donation. It sounded hopeful, and I gave my monetary donation with an expectation that it would yield blessings in my life.

I know God saw my faith in that moment, but the teaching I heard that day was false. We don’t have to sow monetary seeds to reap God’s blessings. Unfortunately, many have fallen for this lie, but when life inevitably brings sickness, hardship, or unanswered prayers, they’re left wondering whether God broke his promises or if he was even listening in the first place. Often, though, the problem isn’t God’s faithfulness; it’s that the promises never came from him in the first place.

What does Jesus actually say about faith and prosperity? Faith means believing what the Bible teaches and trusting in God for the results. Mere positive thinking cannot ensure anything, since God is sovereign, and we are not. His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). We seek his will, not ours.

In Matthew 6:11, Jesus taught us to ask for “our daily bread,” but he did not promise that our faith would unlock unlimited prosperity and perfect health. He said we would experience trials in the world, but that we should be cheerful, because he has “overcome the world” (John 16:33). We find blessing from God in our tribulations. As Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).

Nevertheless, Jesus affirmed that his followers by faith would do very great things, in some sense even greater things than what he did (John 14:12). But this is only by God’s power, not our own. This isn’t through our act of giving a monetary donation. It’s by his sovereignty and grace. Since Jesus is the resurrected and ascendant Lord, he can work mighty wonders through his faithful people. What might you ask Jesus to do that is out of the ordinary or even supernatural?

What if you don’t have enough faith? Jesus said that even an imperfect faith can be used by him to bring his Kingdom to bear on this world. A mustard seed worth of faith, even mixed with unbelief, will not be rejected by Jesus (Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 9:14-29). Consider your own life of faith. Ask Jesus to build it up according to his promises. And next time you hear someone guarantee you prosperity and health in exchange for money, know that they aren’t teaching the words of Jesus. They’ve twisted Scripture for their own gain. You can’t buy happiness or health, but you can trust in the God of the universe to care for you well in all circumstances. Hold firm to his true promises.