I have never been a fan of prosperity theology. Instead of beating around the bush, I will just get to the meat and potatoes of why I disagree with prosperity theology. First off, God does what he wants, when he wants and because he wants to. Nothing I do or will change that. God's plan existed before I was created. To think otherwise is foolish and is counter to Biblical teachings.
If you are unfamiliar with prosperity theology, look no further than televangelism. Promoters such as Joel Osteen like to lead from the pulpit by telling people to give generously. They say to you over and over that God will bless you if you a fruitful giver. What they don't tell you about is there are two types of giving. Giving by what is laid on your heart as a selfless gift and giving with ulterior motives. If you give with the intent of receiving something in return, you are not giving anything. What you are doing is investing your money expecting a return. Prosperity theology surrounds itself with donating to the Church and giving so that you will receive something back.
God knows our every move before we make it. He knows our story and watches us as our lives play out here on earth. The one thing that God knows that no one else does is your heart. He can see your motives before you act. God knows why you are giving and if you are a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Prosperity theology encourages you to act for the wrong reasons.
When you are part of a Church that practices prosperity theology, you are encouraged to give. Not only give but financially support the Church machine. I do not say Church body because they are two different things. Buying into the prosperity mentality forces you into financially supporting the Church staff as well as lavish Church buildings and structures. This theology is nothing more than intimidation and indoctrination tool to guilt you into propping up a few.
The other edge of the sword is personal gain. Thinking that you are personally going to gain finances or health by doing something is not what the Bible teaches us.
Romans 5:3-5 NASB And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Why we are here on earth.
God didn't put us on earth to do good deeds. He put us on this earth to worship him. One of our purposes is to lead others to Christ by sharing the word of God with them. One thing that the Bible makes clear is that there are no good people.
Isaiah 64:6 NASB For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
The things that we do on earth should be for the Kingdom. If we are looking for earthly rewards, we are falling for Satan's deceit. Like the old saying goes “Nothing in life is guaranteed except taxes and death.” Death will come to us all and taxes have been around since the Bible. I would encourage people practicing prosperity theology to examine the Bible. Instead of cherry picking a few good Bible verses out of context to justify prosperity theology, look at the Bible as a whole.
I will leave you with this set of verses spoken by Jesus to his disciples.
John:15-18-19 NASB “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.