Some prosperity gospel preachers use Matt. 6:33 for their message because they focus in on the last part that says “and all these things shall be added to you.” So they preach that if you seek God (if you ask Him for what you want), he will give it to you. He will add it to you.
But is this prosperity gospel biblical? Is that what Jesus was really telling us – just ask me and I’ll give you whatever you want? Name it and claim it? Is this what Jesus wants us to do?
I challenge any prosperity preacher and/or prosperity “believer” to go back in chapter 6 and read verses 21-32. Especially verse 24 which says “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Clearly, Jesus is not promising health, wealth and prosperity. Jesus is actually saying be careful! Watch out! You cannot love God and money. He says you will love either one or the other – not both. Jesus is saying the exact opposite of prosperity.
Look further at Matt. 6:25-32. Jesus is clearly saying that we shouldn’t worry about our basic needs. God knows what we need. In verse 33 Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. If we do this, the things that will be added unto us are our basic needs – our daily needs.
So we need to consider the following questions: What do you pursue daily? What consumes your thoughts and your passions? What do you long for? What gets you excited? Are you living for God? Does Jesus reside in you and you in Him? Do you deny yourself and pick up your cross daily? Do you die to self or live selfishly? Is your heart set on God and His desires or on yourself?