Posted on 01/20/2019 4:31:33 PM PST by SeekAndFind
January 14, 2019
Evangelist Joyce Meyer recently admitted that in the past, her views on the “prosperity Gospel” were “out of balance.”
Meyer, who has received much criticism for her preaching on the prosperity Gospel, shared with her Instagram followers the dangers in taking such theology too close to heart.
A post shared by Joyce Meyer (@joycemeyer) on Jan 7, 2019 at 5:30pm PST
“I’m glad for what I learned about prosperity, but it got out of balance,” the well-known Christian author and speaker said. “I’m glad for what I’ve learned about faith, but it got out of balance.”
Meyer noted that this sort of theology led her to believe that the reason others experienced calamities was due to a lack of faith.
“Every time somebody had a problem in their life, [I thought] it’s because they didn’t have enough faith. If you got sick it’s because you don’t have enough faith. If your child died, it’s because you don’t have enough faith,” Meyer said.
She explained that she has since learned that faith doesn’t ensure that everything will be perfect, but rather it means simply putting your trust in God in all things.
“Faith is something God gives you that you need to use and release in your life. It’s a powerful force but it’s not just an automatic, you put your trust in God, you put your faith in Him,” Meyer added.
Meyer’s announcement came as a surprise to some, as she has been a major proponent of the prosperity Gospel in the past.
In a June 2015 column for The Gospel Coalition, Russell S. Woodbridge, co-author of “Health, Wealth & Happiness: Has the Prosperity Gospel Overshadowed the Gospel of Christ?,” stated that the prosperity Gospel had risen in popularity in the U.S thanks to “Joel Osteen, T. D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer and others.”
In a separate Huffington Post article, Pastor Rick Henderson argued that listening to preachers like Joel Osteen or Joyce Meyer would be detrimental to one’s long-term relationship with Jesus.
“If you listen to Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, if you take what they teach seriously, it will not be good for you. It will be detrimental to your long-term growth as a follower of Jesus,” Henderson wrote.
Pastor John Piper has also spoken in-depth about the dangers of the prosperity Gospel.
In a video for his ministry, Desiring God, Piper argues that a huge component of the prosperity Gospel is wealth.
He points out that Paul talks about the dangers of money in 1 Timothy 6:6-10:
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
“In other words, the very thing that leads people to suicidal piercings of pain is nurtured and cultivated by the prosperity preachers,” he notes. “They are encouraging that this suicidal behavior happens. That is abominable.”
“It’s because riches are such dangerous things. They’re not a blessing usually, they’re usually a curse. People are cursed with riches; they’re destroyed by riches,” Piper added.
He goes on to point out that “it’s not sinful to make a lot of money, but sinful to keep a lot of money.”
Meyer’s Instagram video has gained a lot of support, garnering over 100,000 views since it was posted.
One Instagram user commended Meyer for admitting she was wrong:
“God honors a repentant and humble heart who can admit they are wrong!” a user named Mylestan wrote. “This is awesome.”
Another user with the username pleasingtothepotter commented, “What an amazing God we serve. I am glad to see Him at work here. I had stopped watching you the past few years because of what you were teaching, Joyce. I’m glad to see that God is continuing to work in your heart. You have a tremendous following which affects the lives of many. I know God is pleased hearing your confession and speaking His truths. May He continue to bless you and yours in all your endeavors.”
Joyce Meyer recanted!
Otten family still skeptical.
This is interesting. “ professional Christians” seek common lucre from sheep as non appointed agents of God in what can be nominated as total fraud. A fool and his money are easily parted . God Doesn’t need your money. He created it.
As a NEWBIE, you are all over FR. Have Manners, be polite......and DONATE MONEY to FR!!
Who are you? Adios.
Good for her. Joyce has a lot of influence and I hope this is God working in her life.
Perhaps Joyce should have a conversation with John Gray, the ‘It’s All About Me’ “pastor” who just gave his wife a $200,000 Lamborghini.
Hey Cletus I think you are thinking about Marie Meyer.
Lutheran PING at ya.
Where was mikemurphy impolite in this discussion?
Repentance is a wonderful thing!
I am both stunned and gratified at the brutal frankness of her confession expressed in this piece.
Just wow!
It’s all over now - speed of light.
Certainly this cleric took no vow of poverty.
If he did he is failing miserably.
If you eat a meal at a restaurant you don’t eat for free.
If you are fed spiritually by a teacher you should not eat free
Well noob Ann has been around here at FR from the very beginning. You haven’t. Her suggestion is valid
Ann never said he was impolite. Just suggested since he is new and utilizing FR he ought to consider paying something for it
“Does this mean Joyce Meyers will sell her private jets, expensive cars, extravagant jewelry, lavish homes and sumptuous clothing and give the money to the poor?”
I applaud her for admitting she was wrong. However, you make an excellent point. One would hope that she would apply her newfound eschewing of riches to her own life.
Though I do not presently attend a Baptist church, I am thankful for the Baptist church I grew up in, and our pastor who lived modestly.
Nice post. Be nice to your FReepers baby.
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