Yes, I was actually *quite* sarcastic (although I actually heard a few guys talking this way not so long ago.) The whole concept of “Prosperity Christianity” keeps cropping up in cycles throughout American History - and the only people who ever get rich are the false prophets who preach this. My father used to listen to Reverend Ike for the man’s amazing patter - but I just distrusted the man.
I believe quite firmly that we must work to comfort the afflicted, feed the poor, shelter the homeless, console the orphan, support the widow. Nor should it be only to the extent that we feel comfortable with - it shouldn’t be about OUR comfort, but theirs. That is Christ’s lesson!
Most of us are NEVER going to be “wealthy,” no matter how diligently we work or how frugal we are or how much we try to save. It is not wealth that gives us peace, but the knowledge of our union with God.
I will aver, however, that having enough money to pay everyday bills also brings some peace.
Worst-Case Scenario,
Truly, there is only one thing that brings real peace and that is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It comes by believing that He came to die for the forgiveness of our sins, that we might have eternal life in Him.
Romans 3:21-5 shows the Way of Salvation.
All who believe in Him are justified (declared righteous) by faith and by His blood.
Romans 5:1 says that as a result of having been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:6-11: For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God keeps on demonstrating His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
This reconciliation is our PEACE with God. This is not the peace that comes from knowing that you have enough money in the bank, or enough food on the table, or the absence of war, etc. This is the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Before Jesus was crucified He told His disciples that He was leaving His peace with them...John 14:27, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
He told them this just after He had promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in His name, Who would teach them all things, and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had said to them.
All of His present-day disciples have that peace within them, generated by the indwelling Holy Spirit, along with love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
This is a forever peace, and may it be your peace by His grace.
Thank you for explaining. Sarcasm is sometimes....okay, MOST of the time, lost on me.