"Christ's servants have the spiritual power to use the Name of Jesus only insofar as they yield themselves to live only for the interests and the work of the Master. The use of the Name always supposes the surrender of our interests to Him Whom we represent."~ Andrew Murray
Many popular evangelists tell us that "God will give us the desires of our heart" (wealth, health, happiness...) if we have enough faith, give enough money, think the right thoughts and say the right words. People flock to these teachers because they tell them what they want to hear: they can have it all!
But is this what the Bible teaches?
-"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers." ~ 2 Timothy 4:3
But is this what the Bible teaches?
-"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers." ~ 2 Timothy 4:3
-"Useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself." ~1 Timothy 6:5
-"And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." ~Luke 12:15
-"For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God." ~ Ephesians 5:5
-"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you." ~Hebrews 13:5
-“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." ~ John 14:12-14
- "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." ~ James 3:14-16
-"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." ~ Philippians 2:2-3
-"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." ~Psalm 37:4-5
When we make Jesus Christ the Lord of our life, His works become our works, His ways become our ways, His desires become our desires. Christ was never self-seeking but sought only to glorify the Father. The Christian life is a life fully surrendered to Christ.
It is not the promise that "you can have it all" that the world needs. What they need to see is a life that reflects Christ: a life of love, joy and strength that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. One that doesn't tell them that all your problems will go away, but that God is sufficient to see them through every circumstance they face.
-“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." ~ John 14:12-14
- "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." ~ James 3:14-16
-"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." ~ Philippians 2:2-3
-"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass." ~Psalm 37:4-5
When we make Jesus Christ the Lord of our life, His works become our works, His ways become our ways, His desires become our desires. Christ was never self-seeking but sought only to glorify the Father. The Christian life is a life fully surrendered to Christ.
It is not the promise that "you can have it all" that the world needs. What they need to see is a life that reflects Christ: a life of love, joy and strength that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. One that doesn't tell them that all your problems will go away, but that God is sufficient to see them through every circumstance they face.
