When a pastor writes a book, that is not a work of fiction, they claim the book is rooted in godly principles and the book includes references to specific passages from the Bible, we expect the use of God’s Word to be in proper context. The abuse of proper context regarding scripture is what has spawned heresies, such as the prosperity doctrine.

With Joel Osteen, I’ve never purchased and probably may never read any of his books. Because given what I’ve seen of him, I know none of his books are going to be any more honest in the use of scripture. I don’t know if he butchers scripture because of a lack of education or a sincere desire to deceive, but his best selling book Your Best Life Now is leading many, even people who don’t know Jesus, down a most dangerous road. Whether or not you have read the book, you can learn from some true scriptural analysis of the book. I stumbled upon the good folks at Spiritwatch Ministries and found that they have done a fairly detailed analysis of Osteen’s best seller, that you can hear via this audio link. (About an hour and half long and more than worth every minute you spend listening.) Melvin Jones at Pulpit Pimps has analysis of Osteen’s game, that is based on the book.

You see, Osteen plays on you gaining more. More things that will make you feel more comfortable. If you desire to follow the Lord with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul, you might find life is not as comfortable as Osteen portrays the Christian life to be.

Let’s take the apostle Paul for example. Surely more people around the world have read his God inspired writings for Christian guidance than Osteen’s book. Not to say Osteen’s book is scripture, but let’s see what Paul wrote about his life. What did Paul boast about?

Notice Paul’s experiences as a Christian seem like a total 180 to what Osteen proclaims.

The apostle Paul continues.

Paul makes no promises of earthly grandeur. He goes on in that chapter, to speak of a physical impairment, that after all his prayers to God for healing was not removed. He felt no need to send any money to access a miracle. And he learned that in weakness he had God’s grace and when he was weak is when he actually was strong. Paul mentions later in that chapter, how he never wished to be any sort of a burden on the people. He didn’t sell them books and tapes. He ministered for free, period, no strings attached. He had them put their money away for their children. Notice, no glamor, no promises of earthly riches and no peddling. He, like the other apostles was murdered. (Sites like this one offer some details about what happened to Paul.)

Folks, this is what I’m trying to help you understand. Many of you have found Christ and been turned the wrong way regarding his teachings. God gave his only Son who died for you. What more do you want? After He died for you, do you feel you should have that promotion, in His name? What more could God have given you than The Son? And after such a priceless gift, why would you dare seek more on earth in His name? Tomorrow we designate as the day to celebrate his resurrection. Serve the risen savior in spirit and truth. If you don’t know Him, read about what he did out of love for you and how you can follow him.