I don't know where or how to begin, so since Townhall is a secular website with many Christian viewers, I will simply post a couple pieces of scripture--one for each comment, although there are multiple choice Bible verses contrasting what Osteen personally believes:
OSTEEN: "I don't know who would say that you're not supposed to, you know, leave your children better than they were before."
GOD: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'--which is the first commandment with a promise--'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:1-4)
OSTEEN: "There's a belief that you're supposed to suffer more and be poor and to show your humility. I just, I don't see the Bible that way."
GOD: "This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away – and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7)
As far as what God says about how we bless people and what we bless them with, God asks us to bless people with eternal gifts--namely, Him, and not earthly ones--regardless of our mental, physical, or monetary state:
GOD: "But He [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Parting note: Belief in God, Jesus, and His Word is worthless if you do not love and obey Him. Satan believes all these things but doesn't love Him nor follow His commands.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member