Dear My Twin - 09
Dear my Twin, Let's talk about "prosperity gospel." This is something that evangelicals purport to despise, especially in the guise of Joel Osteen. But it's also something they unknowingly preach and practice in subtle ways. People speak of blessings with "because they're trying to follow God!" or "see how God has blessed me for the sacrifices I've made!" But this is clearly turning a relationship with God into a tit for tat exchange. I do this for God, I get "the desires of my heart" in exchange. I sacrifice XYZ for God, He pays me back ten fold. I tithe and give money away, and God will repay me. Which is a gross reason to be generous. This was illustrated to me clearly the other day. I mentioned in passing how Jordan and I had sent some money to a friend who was struggling, and Mom said, "Well that's the way to get the Lord to bless you, give when it hurts!" That statement was repugnant to me. It cheapened...