"Idolatry is an economic issue. When we read about the Israelites worshiping the god Baal in 1 Kings 18, we tend to think of them developing a preference for wooden idol images. But the primary attraction to Baal wasn’t a pretty statue; it was an economic promise. For the nations around Israel, Baal was the “rider of the clouds,” who brought the rains and blessed the earth.When Baal showed up, the heavens rained oil, the rivers ran with honey, mothers gave birth to healthy children, and even the dead could be raised. Little wonder, then, that when King Ahab chose to marry a woman from Baal territory, the farmers in Israel built a house for this new god and welcomed him to the neighborhood (see 1 Kings 16:31)." Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt, and Brian Fikkert
Maybe we have more Baal worshipers than we know. "A rose by any other name." Instead of Baal, we have the prosperity gospel and the Hyper-Charismatics. Indeed, their worship is all about economic success.
1 Tim 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
There is no sense of contentment if you are sowing "seeds" to get large returns. If you are declaring and decreeing success and grand ministries for your life you will never be content. Indeed, more likely than not nothing will come to pass and you will be discouraged and depressed or an economic downturn may make it all go away. Then you may turn from God, who never promised the things you or anyone else in your life decreed. This may lead to deconstruction when you find your theology, not God's, failed you.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
You will say that the love of money is the problem, not money itself and that is true. Yet, if you are expecting all the things money can buy then you love money. Mansions, jets, luxury cars and such are not sold at Wal-Mart. The love or lust of things is a love of money for that is the only way to secure such things.
So many of our brothers and sister around the world suffer in abject poverty and persecution. Some would say that they have no faith. Their faith is stronger for they trust in Him when they have no stuff while many in the West trust Him for stuff when they already have far more than food and clothing.
We need to check if we are worshiping the God of our need or the god of our greed. Indeed, many of us need to get out of debt and downsize so when the economy dips or dies we will have less to lose so we may keep more of what we have.
Another Great Depression may be on its way and then we will see if God is really concerned about our portfolio considering Paul say all that will live holy SHALL suffer persecution rather than prosperity.
Many will finally see the truth about their false prophets of Baal when their temples are sold at auctions and their planes and mansions go away. See the truth now and turn, yea run, away from them now. Maranatha!
P.S.
The richest church in Revelation was declared "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" Revelation 3:17
They thought they were golden and all they were was pyrite.
