My disagreement with Joyce Myers

HopeSings said:

Why would we want people to adore our appearance?

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RileyG said:

I very much do not like prosperity gospel because it goes against Jesus's teachings regarding the poor and underprivileged. Joyce is very wealthy and seems to flaunt it. I do not like her theology, either.

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AlexB23 said:

Agreed 100%. Some rich folks might interpret Luke 19 in the wrong way. Here is the proper interpretation.

Date	April 28, 2024
Verse	Luke 19:12-27 (ESV): "A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’"
Explanation	Luke 19:12-27 is a parable Jesus told to teach His followers about faithfulness in managing God's resources and being dependent on Him rather than others. The nobleman in this story represents Jesus, who went away to receive the kingdom of God and then returned. The servants represent believers, given various talents or resources (in this case, minas, a form of ancient currency unit) to use wisely while He was away. The passage emphasizes the importance of being faithful in managing God's resources and using them for productive purposes. The first two servants multiplied their minas through business, demonstrating a good return on investment. In contrast, the third servant hoarded his mina out of fear, failing to put it into productive use and ultimately losing what he had been given. This parable also speaks about being overly dependent on others. The third servant was fearful of his master's severity and failed to trust him, ultimately losing the opportunity to increase his master's wealth. Instead, he should have trusted that his master would be gracious and rewarding for faithful stewardship.
Societal Relevance	In modern society, this passage challenges us to: Use the resources God has given us wisely and productively. Try not to be idle with our money or our aptitudes, but pursue ways to help be good stewards to others to advance God’s community. Trust in God's grace and provision, rather than relying on others or being fearful. However, if you are truly destitute, you can ask for help (1 Kings 12:6, Galatians 6:2). Avoid hoarding or misusing the resources God has entrusted to us, recognizing that we will one day give an account for how we've used them. Seek opportunities to invest in others and help them grow, just as the first two servants did in the parable, even if you get nothing in return. This could mean donating to a charity (investing your money), or helping a sick family member by shopping for them (investing your time). Understand that our ultimate reward comes from God, not from other people or their approval. This ultimate reward is spiritual and eternal, not monetary and fleeting.

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RileyG said:

Well said. I really need to pray and reflect on those Gospel passages.

Thanks for posting

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Paidiske said:

I don't necessarily think that's why people choose to dress the way we do, though, is it? I mean, seeking the adoration of others wouldn't be a very Christian motivation. But wanting to look "put together" in a way appropriate for the context isn't necessarily about seeking adoration. It may not be about the reaction of others, at all.

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HopeSings said:

Paul said that the older woman should teach the younger to be holy and good things

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HopeSings said:

It makes perfect sense.

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RileyG said:

I think we are supposed to dress modestly and not draw attention to ourselves. If that makes sense. I don't know.

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HopeSings said:

Paul dressed in rags.

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HopeSings said:

You have me confused with rich prosperity preachers. People sometimes have it backwards

Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said:
“Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

14 Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work
Among this people,
A marvelous work and a wonder;
For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,
And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.”

15 Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord,
And their works are in the dark;
They say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?”

16 Surely you have things turned around!
Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay;
For shall the thing made say of him who made it,
“He did not make me”?
Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it,
“He has no understanding”?

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