by Steve Glenn

Created on: February 06, 2010   Last Updated: February 12, 2010

In the body of Christ, tens of thousands of believers are living defeated lives. Many are struggling in every area of their existence-home, work, and community. Although many are faithful to Sunday service, when it comes to doing the will of God , they are missing in action. The preacher has known this for years. He often wonders why people are still struggling with the same problems after all this time. However, it is impossible to live a victorious life without developing the Christ character. Christ is the only one who has overcome the world. Therefore, Christians must follow the mind and thoughts of Christ in order to overcome themselves. If not, we will constantly be held captive by worldly deceptions, temptations, and pleasures of this world. This will only make developing the character of Christ more and more challenging. Nevertheless, in order to grow in Christ's character, believers must consider several reasons for their stunted spiritual growth and overcome them.

Prosperity doctrine

One of the major hindrances to developing the Christ character today is the overwhelming teaching of prosperity doctrine. This teaching became widely known in the deep south in the early seventies by a few well meaning evangelist. The concept of seed faith was born. For example, giving money to the kingdom of God was compared to planting a seed in a ground. Believers were taught to believe that money could be giving to God in exchange for deliverance from poverty, sickness, disease, and whatever else a believer desired. However, Christ went about healing and delivering without asking others to sow a money seed. He freely gave of himself daily.

Tithing and offering are an obligatory practice for all Christians. The rent must be pain and the gospel must go fourth. But the over emphasis on the message of prosperity has overthrown the true focus of tens of thousands of believers. As Christians, our focus should be on establishing the character of Christ within our hearts rather than giving money with the intention of getting delivered from our adversities. What about believers in other parts of the world who have no seed faith money ? Struggles are necessary for the emergence of God's character within the believer. Following Christ requires all believers to avoid the easy path and to endure the offense the cross. On the cross the flesh is crucified and character is developed. Christ didn't preach prosperity gospel. He taught others to love one another and to have faith in

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