If God Loves Poverty So Much, Why Did He Never Give It as a Reward? Question 7.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks:

“If God supposedly loves poverty so much, why did He never once give it to anyone as a reward for obedience?”

He argues that poverty is never presented in Scripture as a reward and that those who oppose prosperity theology fail to consider this question. Citing Hebrews 11:6 and Proverbs 11:18, he asserts that the kingdom of God offers tangible rewards for serving Him. Shuttlesworth further references Elijah’s supernatural provision through ravens, highlighting God’s ability to meet needs miraculously.

This blog will examine Shuttlesworth’s claims, evaluate the biblical concept of rewards, and address the nuanced relationship between obedience, prosperity, and divine provision.

1. Poverty as a Reward: What Does Scripture Say?

Shuttlesworth’s challenge assumes that poverty, if undesirable, must be excluded from the Christian life. While Scripture does not describe poverty as a reward for obedience, it also does not present wealth as an automatic outcome of faithfulness.

Biblical Rewards and Obedience

Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”

The rewards described in Hebrews 11 focus on spiritual outcomes, such as a closer relationship with God, fulfillment of His promises, and eternal life. Wealth is not the primary focus.
Proverbs 11:18: “A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”

This verse contrasts the fleeting gains of wickedness with the enduring benefits of righteous living. While it suggests that righteousness brings blessings, these rewards are not always material.

Poverty in the Bible

Poverty is often depicted as a condition to be alleviated rather than a punishment or reward:

Proverbs 22:2: “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”

This verse underscores God’s sovereignty, showing that wealth and poverty exist under His providence.
James 2:5: “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith?”

The New Testament affirms that God values spiritual richness over material wealth, challenging the notion that poverty equates to divine disfavor.

2. Biblical Rewards: Tangible and Eternal

The Bible often speaks of rewards, but these are not limited to material gain. Obedience and faithfulness yield blessings that are spiritual, eternal, and sometimes material, depending on God’s purposes.

Spiritual Rewards

Peace with God (Rom. 5:1)
Eternal life (John 3:16)
Fellowship with Christ (John 15:5)

Material Blessings

God does provide material blessings in certain circumstances, but these are tools for stewardship and kingdom work, not evidence of superior faith. For example:

Abraham was blessed with wealth to fulfill his covenantal role (Gen. 13:2).
The Israelites received material blessings upon leaving Egypt, as noted in Exodus 12:35-36.

Eternal Perspective

Jesus consistently redirects attention from earthly rewards to heavenly treasures:

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

3. Elijah and Supernatural Provision

Shuttlesworth highlights Elijah’s miraculous provision by ravens (1 Kings 17:4-6) as an example of God’s ability to meet needs. This narrative demonstrates God’s sovereignty and care but does not suggest that Elijah’s circumstances reflect material abundance. Instead, Elijah’s provision highlights God’s sufficiency in times of need.

The Lesson from Elijah

God’s provision was:

Supernatural: Ravens brought bread and meat, showcasing God’s control over creation.
Sufficient: Elijah’s needs were met, but he did not live in luxury.
Purposeful: This provision sustained Elijah for his prophetic mission.

In God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, Costi Hinn warns against interpreting such accounts as endorsements of prosperity theology. Elijah’s experience teaches reliance on God, not entitlement to wealth.

4. Addressing Shuttlesworth’s Argument

Shuttlesworth’s critique of poverty as a desirable condition raises valid concerns about romanticizing hardship. However, his assertion that God only rewards obedience with tangible prosperity oversimplifies Scripture’s message.

The Gospel and Wealth

In Playing with Holy Fire, Dr. Michael Brown emphasizes that the gospel calls for humility, generosity, and trust in God’s provision, not an obsession with material gain.
John Piper warns against reducing God’s blessings to material rewards, highlighting the danger of valuing wealth over spiritual riches.

A Balanced View of Rewards

God does reward faithfulness, but these rewards often transcend material wealth. Spiritual transformation, the joy of serving others, and eternal rewards are the primary blessings of obedience.

5. A Biblical Definition of Prosperity

True prosperity begins with peace with God, as described in Romans 5:1. It includes God’s provision for needs, the ability to serve others, and spiritual growth. Prosperity is not an entitlement but a byproduct of living in alignment with God’s purposes.

Conclusion: Does God Reward Poverty or Prosperity?

While poverty is not presented as a reward for obedience, neither is material wealth the ultimate sign of God’s favor. Scripture teaches that God rewards faithfulness with spiritual blessings, provision for needs, and eternal treasures.

Elijah’s story reminds us of God’s sufficiency, not entitlement. Believers are called to trust in God’s provision, steward resources well, and focus on eternal rewards over temporal wealth.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)