Disciples of The Good News or the Good Life?
Working among the poor in India for almost 20 years, I know the darkness and opposition we face in bringing the Gospel of Jesus there.
What surprises me is that the most popular message in America would be scoffed at in India. What is this message that is so popular today?
The message most often tells people they can have both earth and heaven—that God intended them for great blessings now and untold blessings in Heaven. If we will follow their principles, heed their call to give into their ministries, follow “these seven steps” we can have wealth here and a crown and glory in heaven. We are promised safety, security, healthy marriages, great families, good retirements, long lives and on and on. That is the best-selling message today—from bookstores, on the radio, and TV.
The secular book, The Secret has sold millions by telling people—as you think, so you are. Imagine wealth and it’s yours. Call to success, it will come. Believe and everything will be yours. Is that so very different from the message in the mega-church movement providing a Christian flavoring by adding biblical references?
When you ask for God’s blessings, what are you really seeking? What is deep in your heart? If you ask the Spirit right now, He will show you.
Now, consider this—it is only men who have been robbed of the truth who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. Do you think I overstate the case? If you do, then read those same words Paul wrote to Timothy from prison in 1 Tim 6:5 and on.
In India, the Gospel is still very simple and blessings, safety, security, wealth, and comforts are not part of how we share Jesus’ love. In fact, living in riches on earth is seen as the Hindu message of Good Karma.
Our pastors live on $50 a month, which is all the support we can provide. How could I tell them “follow my ideas, grow rich and be blessed?” They know they can expect few rewards now and are grateful for food to eat and provisions for their families. They accept that their present hardships will be far outweighed by the sight of Jesus when they first see Him.
There is a secret you may not know. “Why are those with so much wealth so very unhappy?” Hmmm. Solomon answered that question three thousand years ago. God gives wealth to many people but (here is the secret), He only gives the “gift” to enjoy that wealth to a few.
“When God gives any man wealth and possessions, AND enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot in life and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.” (Ecc 5:19—emphasis mine)
We cannot have this world if we would have Jesus. The Lord spoke plainly that because we were not of this world, we would be hated by this world. Following after Him, without even speaking a word, puts to shame those who revel in darkness. His light in you embarrasses and angers those who reject the light. John spoke plainly that if we loved the world, then the Father’s love was not in us. (1 John 2:15).
Jesus was not careful or even coaxing when the rich young ruler came before Him asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. He looked into his heart and saw that his true love was his money and possessions. Though he had followed all the commandments, Jesus told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, take up his cross and he would be given riches in Heaven. “Then come and follow Me.” (Matt 19:21-22). We might shrink at calling for people to make such a drastic commitment at the start of their Christian life, but Jesus goes straight to what holds our hearts, and leaves it up to us to listen or walk away.
Do you want to be His disciple? The way is still the same. “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) That’s the Good News: We are finally able to approach God through Christ—and Eternal life is given freely to all who bear their cross and follow Him daily.
What does following Him mean? Sometimes He will lead you through the dark valley of suffering and other times up sun splashed mountain tops. So, I ask you, “Was Jesus truthful when He said who was truly His disciple?” If so, then “Will we follow Him daily, wherever He leads, even if it is through the darkness in the valley of suffering?”
The choice to follow or not still rests with each of us—just as it did when Jesus walked the earth. May Godspeed your journey homeward!
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