Albert Mohler's blog includes this post: The Problem of Preaching to Felt Needs. He quotes a United Methodist bishop, William Willimon:
"Jesus doesn't meet our needs; he rearranges them. He cares very little about most things that I assume are my needs, and he gives me needs I would've never had if I hadn't met Jesus. He reorders them."
Mohler also comments on the Time article in the post below. Among other things, he says:
[W]hy would an awesome and mighty God want anything less [than prosperity] for his children? The saddest aspect of that question is its focus on material prosperity at the expense of the limitless spiritual riches we are given in Christ. The problem with prosperity theology is not that it promises too much, but that it promises so little — and promises that so falsely.
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Jesus Christ." Phil. 4:19 (NLT)
ReplyDeleteIn light of this and many other verses, I think Mr. Mohler needs to be a little more clear on his definition of "needs." God clearly says that he knows our needs and meets them. I realize that the "needs" Mohler and Willimon refer to are what we "think" our needs are, but there needs to be a better definition. Examples, please? Are needs ever legitimately relative to the person, or are all "true" needs universal?
That being said, I do agree that what we perceive as personal needs may not be what God has in mind. I have always been mistrustful of what one "feels" as a need, that being such a vague and open term. The focus should rightly be on a biblical interpretation of needs, based on God's Will, not our wants.