The word prosperity comes up in the reading of both Deuteronomy and Psalms today. In our United Methodist tradition we tend to shy away from any association with a "prosperity gospel." I do not think we can make an argument that God's people are financially prosperous. Prosperity in this context would be experienced through blessings. What I do see in these readings is the correlation of self-inflicted curses. Clearly, a decisive loyalty to love God and follow His teaching leads to prosperity. Choices to pursue other gods leads to destruction. Maybe we need to broaden our understanding of prosperity to one of blessings.
Here is a sample...
"See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."
Though I am baffled by the ceremonial and rigid requirements of Deuteronomy...I am inspired by the greater theme of loyalty to God.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment