The Dangers of Material Prosperity: How to Avoid Them and Grow in Faith

Why Material Prosperity Can Test Our Faith

When we think of the trials that test our faith, we often think of suffering, adversity, and loss. We don’t usually think of material prosperity as one of them. In fact, we tend to pray for God to bless us with material prosperity and deliver us from need as soon as possible. But what if experiencing need holds greater spiritual blessings than experiencing plenty?

Perhaps the reason material prosperity can test our faith is that it can lead us to depend on ourselves rather than on God. When we have plenty, we may be tempted to think that we don’t need God’s help. We may become proud and self-sufficient, forgetting that all good things come from God (James 1:17).

On the other hand, when we are in need, we are more likely to turn to God for help. We may be more aware of our dependence on him and more grateful for his provision. In this way, experiencing need can be a gift that draws us closer to God.

So, while material prosperity in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, it can become dangerous if it leads us away from God. In this article, we will explore some of the dangers of material prosperity and how to avoid them.

The Dangers of Material Prosperity

1. Pride

One of the greatest dangers of material prosperity is pride. When we have plenty, we may be tempted to think that we are self-sufficient and don’t need God. We may become proud of our possessions, our accomplishments, and our status in society. We may look down on those who have less than us and judge them for their lack of success.

But pride is a sin that God hates (Proverbs 8:13). It separates us from God and leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Jesus warned his disciples about the danger of pride when he said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Material prosperity may give us temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but it will never satisfy our deepest needs and desires.

2. Greed

Another danger of material prosperity is greed. When we have plenty, we may be tempted to want more. We may become obsessed with accumulating wealth and possessions, thinking that they will bring us happiness and security. We may be willing to do whatever it takes to get what we want, even if it means exploiting others or disobeying God’s commands.

But greed is also a sin that God hates. Jesus warned his disciples about the danger of greed when he said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). He also said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

3. Distraction

Another danger of material prosperity is distraction. When we have plenty, we may be tempted to focus on our possessions and our comfort rather than on God and his kingdom. We may become so busy with our own pursuits that we have little time or energy for spiritual growth and service to others.

But Jesus warned his disciples about the danger of distraction when he said, “The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). He also said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

How to Avoid the Dangers of Material Prosperity

So, how can we avoid the dangers of material prosperity? Here are some suggestions:

1. Recognize that all good things come from God

As we mentioned earlier, recognizing that all good things come from God can help us avoid the danger of pride. When we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, we are less likely to become proud of our possessions and accomplishments.

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” We can thank God for his blessings and use them to serve him and others, rather than to promote ourselves.

2. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude

Cultivating a spirit of gratitude can also help us avoid the danger of pride and greed. When we are grateful for what we have, we are less likely to want more and to be envious of others who have more than us.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We can thank God for both the good and the bad in our lives, knowing that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

3. Use our resources to serve God and others

Using our resources to serve God and others can help us avoid the danger of distraction. When we are focused on serving others, we are less likely to be distracted by our own pursuits and desires.

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). We can follow his example by using our time, talents, and resources to serve others and to advance God’s kingdom.

4. Store up treasure in heaven

Finally, storing up treasure in heaven can help us avoid the danger of greed. When we focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary pleasures, we are less likely to be obsessed with accumulating wealth and possessions.

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Conclusion

Material prosperity can be a test of our faith, but it can also be a gift that draws us closer to God. When we recognize that all good things come from God, cultivate a spirit of gratitude, use our resources to serve God and others, and store up treasure in heaven, we can avoid the dangers of pride, greed, and distraction that can come with material prosperity.

Let us remember the words of Jesus: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26). May we seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and trust him to provide all that we need (Matthew 6:33).