The spirit of poverty
August 29, 2010
The phrase “spirit of poverty” is nowhere in the Bible. However there is the phrase “poor in spirit” in Matt. Chapter 5 which means something totally different than what I am about to discuss.
The “spirit of poverty” often refers to some demonic spirit who curses or causes individuals, nations, or generations making them poor in material or earthy wealth and keeping them that way. This is a lie and scripturally incorrect on all levels. The Bible does have phrases beginning with “the spirit of” such as”
The spirit of jealousy (Num 5:14)
The spirit of whordoms (Hos 4:12)
The spirit of bondage (Rom 8:15)
The spirit of slumber (Rom 11:8)
The spirit of truth, error, the antichrist and I can go on and on, but when the Bible speaks of “the spirit of” it is usually talking about a disposition one has (except when talking about the Spirit of God or an evil spirit), not their situation or results of a circumstance (for example poverty can be caused by many things like bad choices, lack of education, some disaster or misfortune).
If there is a spirit of poverty then their must be a spirit of riches and we know that there is no such thing. See how silly it sounds now? Poverty is not caused by a spirit and there is no Biblical evidence implying such. Scripture teaches us not to seek after material wealth anyway because as Christians this is not where our treasure lies (Matt. 6:19-21). Jesus said to store your treasure in heaven and Paul writes and echoes Jesus, “For we have brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we should be content. 1Tim 6:7.
The truth of the matter is that wanting to be rich is a desire from our fallen nature, the flesh, and often stems from self ambition, greed, covetousness and etc. No apostle ever told the church to desire riches, they actually taught them not to. They also did not reprimand them for being in poverty; they had compassion on them and used whatever money they had to help them. Preachers today make people feel bad if they are not wealthy and tell them that it is a result of their lack of faith. They also preach messages of prosperity and blame lack on a spirit that they have to “bind” and convincing believers to “sow seeds” (which is their way of telling a believer to buy their way out of debt or to pay “God” for a way out…so sad) all under the guise of spreading the gospel. They figure if you are rich then the ministry will be rich because believers will use their riches for the furthernance of the gospel. Lord help us!
Look at King David. He prayed not to be poor that he would have to beg, but he also prayed not to be rich in fear he would forget God, something so many people do when they become rich. This is one of the snares that they fall into. Jesus promised that He would take care of us. That means He will give us all the things that we need for this life. Jesus warned that riches were deceitful and choked the Word of God unto fruitlessness. “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:19; Matt. 13:22). Paul said that those who seek after riches will lose their faith (1 Tim.6:9-10).
Jesus and the apostles always taught about spiritual riches not earthly riches. When a church or the saints are focused on earthly riches they lose the spiritual riches that are in Christ.
As Christians we have to learn how to be content, and learn not to covet for more than God has given us. Does that mean God want us to be poor? No, but if we just so happen to be poor does His Word promise that He will take care of us? Yes (Matt. 6:26).
To know the Lord and have salvation is greater than all the riches of the world and no matter how much riches we have on earth we are poor compared to the riches God can give us. The truth of the matter is that the Bible does not teach prosperity nor does it teach being poor. What it does teach is that we have and Christ is more than willing to give us spiritual blessings today and that is more important than any material gain that we can ever have. Our riches are in Heaven. We are not citizens here on earth, we are just passing by until we can enter into our mansions in Heaven and walk on streets paved with gold. Even though some think this is symbolic, however it does give us an example of how meaningless and worthless earthly riches are compare to heaven (eternal life with God; communion of life and love with the Father).
The problem is some people can’t wait for this (which takes true faith) they want it all now even if it costs their soul.
God bless you.
PDCM
