For centuries, much of the church viewed financial prosperity as a hindrance to spirituality. In the 21st century, some of the church is sacrificing spirituality to gain financial prosperity. However, proper biblical interpretation reveals that they are two sides of the same coin. How does one run after God, yet still be wealthy?

Well, if the Jews prospered and flourished for 3000 years, without ever having a country to call home, how is it that the Church has remained so poor, even in the Church age? Could it be that we lack the spiritual discernment necessary to understand God's full provision for us? And as a result has the Church adopted a Poverty Mentality?

A standard dictionary will tell you that "poverty" is most often defined in monetary terms - the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions. Now let me suggest an alternative definition: Poverty is not the state of not having, its the fear of not getting, which caused you to hold on too tightly to what you have. Poverty is not a state of being, its a state of mind.

Look to Proverbs 11:24-25 and you'll find biblical support for this new definition:

"There is he that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. (KJV)