A Response to #TheJesusChallenge

John Gray and Jomo Johnson

One pastor in Washington, DC has gained national attention for issuing what he calls “the Jesus Challenge.” Jomo Johnson is exhorting believers to sacrifice one item per day, per week, or per month for a year. Johnson stated in a YouTube video, “Jesus told the rich young ruler, sell all you have, give it to the poor, then you’ll have riches in heaven…We want to be able to follow Jesus in this lifestyle of minimalism.” 

As a missionary, I’ve lived minimally for over two decades. In 1998, the Lord directed me to give away many of my belongings since I would be doing a lot of traveling. Four years later, the Lord told me to downsize even more so that everything I own would fit into three bags. Soon after I got blessed with a new luggage set...three suitcases on wheels. Since then, I’ve often had to bring all my belongings with me because of not having a permanent place to live. In recent years, I’ve sought out panhandlers by offering snacks to those professing to be hungry.

Jomo Johnson also made headlines for directing his challenge toward another pastor who wears expensive sneakers and gave his wife a Lamborghini worth $200,000. Here’s a question for Pastor Johnson: “What’s it to you?” Pastor John Gray used his own money (not church funds) to buy that car. It shouldn’t matter to Pastor Johnson how another preacher spends his discretionary income as long as it’s not for sinful activities. How Pastor Johnson manages his resources is not the standard for everyone else to follow. God isn’t into socialism but has given us “…power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Here’s something the Lord told one youth pastor when he questioned in his mind how much money his boss (the senior pastor) should be making….

“Don't you ever again presume I should consult you when I decide how to financially resource and bless one of my children. The moment you make a judgment on another's finances is the moment your finances will come under judgment. When you embrace lack and limits for another, you will not find success breaking through lack and limits in your own life. If you affirm lack for another, you will experience lack yourself.”

Once again, the Lord doesn’t mind us having things as long as the things don’t have us. 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

In Defense of Joel Osteen

One of the most well-known and controversial ministers today is Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Pastor Joel oversees the largest congregation in the United States plus reaches millions through television, satellite radio, and has written several best-selling books. Some Christians criticize Osteen’s motivational messages because they think he needs to preach more about repentance. Others disapprove of Joel’s lack of theological training. Then again, some of the early apostles were considered “unlearned and ignorant men.” (Acts 4:13)

Eight years ago in Washington, DC, I attended one of Joel Osteen’s outreach events called “A Night of Hope.” Joel ministered that night on detoxifying our thought life. The service concluded with an invitation for salvation that was much longer than what Joel does on TV. That gave me a greater respect for him.

A Facebook friend once posted the above photo of Joel Osteen’s first book “Your Best Life Now” side-by-side with a parody featuring another minister named Paul Washer who preaches very confrontational sermons. Certainly, I agree heaven will be a better place for believers. However, it’s not a sin to enjoy life on earth as long as the kingdom of God is our top priority (Matthew 6:33).

I also agree there’s a place for “fire and brimstone” preaching (see Jude 23) but not everyone will respond to messages like that. Romans 2:4 says it’s the goodness of God that leads one to repentance. Non-believers need to hear about a God who can deliver them from their drug addictions, health issues, financial problems, and other bondages. I got saved 25 years ago not because someone told me I was a rotten sinner but that God loves me and wants me to have a fulfilling life on earth as well as eternal life in heaven.  

Here’s a challenge for all the critics who accuse Joel Osteen of being a false teacher: Take a minute to log onto Lakewood Church’s website and review the page “What We Believe.” I couldn’t find anything contrary to Scripture. Since my Facebook friend thinks Osteen’s messages lack biblical content, I exhorted him to do better himself. My friend responded by sharing a YouTube video in which Joel supposedly “denies Jesus.” Joel has stated that Jesus is the only way to God but there are many ways to get to Jesus.

One thing I would like to see is Joel Osteen demonstrate more boldness when challenged with questions by the secular media. Nevertheless, self-appointed watchdogs should stop bringing division within the Body of Christ and pray for Brother Joel. He is reaching multitudes that normally wouldn’t attend a church service. Just at Lakewood Church alone, Pastor Osteen ministers to over 40,000 people weekly. How many people do you reach for Christ each week?

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” - 1 Peter 2:15