You ask: Why do so many churches focus primarily on material blessings?
due to the fact that these are poor churches. People want money and health. Bring plenty of people to a church by promising believers [wealth and health] in God’s name. Unfortunately, though, it is unrelated to the gospel.
Be content with what you get
The Bible is clear about this: those who think that becoming a godly person is a way to get wealth, or that having faith will make you wealthy, “are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth” (1 Timothy 6:5). Paul teaches us that contentment with what the Lord provides us is the path to happiness, rather than pursuing wealth. Furthermore, he says, “But those who aspire to wealth fall into a trap, into temptation, and into many harmful and senseless desires that lead people to ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9).
Danger to eternal salvation
If you are in a church that prioritizes earthly rewards over the Gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, what should you do? “You, o man of God, flee these things,” Paul instructs Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11). Thus, leave as soon as you can. Get out of that church. It poses a risk to your everlasting salvation. “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers,” Jesus would one day remark to the false teachers in those churches, just as He did to the vendors in the temple (Matthew 21:13).
Fight the good fight
What should you be looking for in a church rather than an emphasis on earthly blessings? Paul does not leave us in the dark. He tells Timothy: “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
In the church it should all be about faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The end of that faith is eternal life. The Gospel is first and foremost about eternal life. While we are waiting for the full and final salvation that will come when Jesus returns, we are to grow in holiness. We are to worry whether we are righteous, godly, loving, steadfast, and gentle. Look for a church that keeps your eyes on the end goal of eternal life and helps you to grow spiritually on your way there.
