Every town has them—the individuals or families who suddenly rediscover religion when their personal or financial circumstances take a turn. They find God when they need Him most—or rather, when they need you, His faithful flock, to lend support, encouragement, or perhaps a vote. These are the Bible-thumpers for prosperity, and while they may blend seamlessly into the pews on Sunday mornings, their true intentions are often less divine than they appear.
We’ve all seen the pattern. A political candidate who suddenly appears at every church picnic, potluck, and Bible study in the months leading up to election season. A struggling business owner who shows up at church, eager to network with the congregation, hoping for patronage or loans. These individuals often present themselves as deeply devoted, quoting scripture, raising their hands in praise, and emphasizing their walk with Christ. Yet, after they achieve their goal—whether it’s winning an election, securing a contract, or gaining financial support—they mysteriously vanish from the church scene. No more Sunday sermons, no more prayer circles, no more handshakes in the sanctuary. Their relationship with the congregation, it seems, was transactional all along.
So, what should we do about this recurring phenomenon? Should we call these individuals out, confront them, and hold them accountable for their duplicitous behavior? Or should we let it go, trusting in the belief that God will deal with them in His time?
The answer may not be as simple as we’d like. Confronting someone about their faith—or lack thereof—can be a tricky and sensitive matter. After all, faith is deeply personal, and none of us are perfect in our walk with God. To publicly expose someone’s hypocrisy might do more harm than good, not only to them but to the church community as a whole. It risks creating divisions and turning the house of worship into a house of judgment.
On the other hand, allowing these individuals to exploit the goodwill of the faithful is equally problematic. Churches thrive on trust, shared values, and mutual support. When Bible-thumpers for prosperity misuse these sacred spaces for personal gain, they undermine the very foundation of the church and sow seeds of distrust among the congregation.
Perhaps the best course of action lies somewhere in the middle. Instead of outright confrontation, we can lead by example, showing what genuine faith and community commitment look like. Extend kindness to those who show up only when they’re in need, but do so with discernment. Support them in ways that encourage lasting transformation, rather than enabling their pattern of convenience-based faith.
Ultimately, it’s not our job to judge; that’s a task for a higher power. The Lord sees all and knows the hearts of those who profess His name. In the meantime, we can take comfort in our own authentic faith journeys, focusing on our relationship with God and the ways we can genuinely serve our community. For the Bible-thumpers for prosperity, the path they’ve chosen is their burden to bear. Let us pray that they find clarity, sincerity, and true faith in time.
