The real problem is that this “poverty mentality” has been preached from the pulpit for years. If you are properous, then you can’t be HOLY! Some people have never heard about Henry Ford, and other notables who helped to build America - who were devout Christians. They certainly prospered mightly. Maybe they didn’t do all they could have with their monies, but that’s not for me to decide - God will be their judge.
I thank God everyday that I believe God sent Jesus to, “... give life and that more abundantly”. Abraham was blessed “abundantly” .. because he simply believed God. Abraham wasn’t perfect, and he failed many times, but Abraham just picked himself up and went on with God.
And .. when I read, “... above all that you may proper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”, I took that scripture for myself and I have received 2 fairly major healings in my life: removal of eye tumors (without any kind of surgery or medical intervention), and a complete healing from hypoglecemia (low blood sugar). I even heard a preacher say that he’d never heard of God healing that affliction. It’s these kinds of statements that cause people to put God in a box and inform God what He can and cannot do.
I know that’s what offends people about Joel Osteen - when all Joel is trying to do is get people to have faith in God’s ability to help them - no matter what their issue - and that God WANTS TO BLESS THEM - instead of squish them because they’re not perfect.
And .. one of the real problems is that people don’t know how to talk to God. But that is what God really wants .. He wants us to communicate with HIM.