S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Joel Osteen's book Your Best Life Now has caused many people to seek their "best life now." Among the claims Mr. Osteen makes are "God wants to increase you financially" (page 5). He goes on to exp...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jennifer Henkel Supporter Bible/History Middle School Teacher, Lover of the OT!

This is simply the "health and wealth" so-called gospel, that Jesus wants to come into your life as your servant, instead of the other way around.

Try telling our brothers and sisters in North Korea, Vietnam, Sudan, and many other places where Christians are hated and severely persecuted that they just need more faith, and Jesus will deliver that new car and fat bank account, not to mention popularity!

The message in YourBest Life Now is very "me-centered" and NOT Biblical. Jesus says we are die to self, not indulge self.

April 11 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Vin Smith Supporter Concert Pianist. Piano Tuner. Talk Show Host. Novelist.

I have wondered about a scripture for over fifty years. Here it is. Matthew 7:23, KJV. "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Seems to me those who profess the prosperity gospel are poster boys and girls from those who proclaim Jesus, but do not live by Him.

February 23 2015 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

Yes, I believe believers can live the life Pastor Osteen describes in his book as your "best life now", NOW. The life he depicts in his sermons is a life that honors The Lord for who He is and for all He blesses His servants with. 

The Word says that "All good things comes down from The Father... God is sovereign over all, the rich as well as the needy" So a good interpretation of James 1:17 is that ALL that comes from The Father is good, whether it feels good or not.

I'm not a fan of prosperity teaching, but I don't have to be to understand that God made some of His children rich on purpose according to the scriptures. Not everyone is destined by God to be wealthy, but that doesn't mean God takes issue with those who do well financially.

I don't think Pastor Osteen is COMPARING the life to come with this life when he says BEST life.I think he's saying that this life can be a BLESSED life in every sense of the word BLESSED. There are many "Christians" who, judging by their comments, believe that to desire to abound in the blessings of this world is to deny The Lord His proper place in your life. I disagree. Some people are ambitious and some are not. Some desire to preside and thereby serve, and some only want to help those who preside. 

All the above described followers of Christ need to be taught to live the BEST life they can, right here, right now, for The Lord Of Glory. That's all I think Pastor Osteen and Lakewood Church is trying to model for a world that needs to witness something positive about a life lived for Christ. 

I personally get excited at the teaching and preaching of 'The Grace of God' of how He cleansed me for no other reason than that He loved me just as I am. And there are those "of the faith" who will take issue with what I just stated. 

Pastor Osteen's words are being twisted in my view.

July 11 2015 • 5 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Can Christians live their best life now?

Many people speak about "living your best life now" as enjoying health, fulfilment, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. From a Christian perspective, this idea has truth, but it needs to be understood through Scripture. 

The Bible encourages believers to enjoy God's blessings in the present while also looking forward to the greater hope that is still to come.

Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). This suggests that faith in Christ is not merely about the future. Through a relationship with God, Christians can experience a rich and meaningful life today. They can know forgiveness, peace of conscience, direction, spiritual growth, and the comfort of God's presence. These blessings are available regardless of age, background, or circumstances.

At the same time, the Bible does not present the Christian life as one of uninterrupted success or comfort. Jesus warned His followers that they would face difficulties in the world (John 16:33). Illness, disappointment, financial pressures, grief, and personal struggles affect Christians just as they affect others. Faith does not remove every problem, but it provides strength, wisdom, and hope in the midst of them.

The apostles' lives illustrate this balance. They saw God answer prayers, transform lives, and open doors for the gospel. Yet they also faced opposition, hardship, and sacrifice. Their joy was not dependent on favourable circumstances but on their confidence in God's purposes. This teaches that a good life is not measured solely by material success or personal achievement.

Christians are therefore free to appreciate the good things God provides. Family, friendship, meaningful work, opportunities to serve others, and moments of happiness are gifts to be received with gratitude. There is nothing wrong with seeking to improve one's life, develop talents, pursue health care, or pursue worthwhile goals. Scripture encourages responsible living, diligence, and contentment.

However, the Bible also reminds believers not to place their ultimate hope in earthly things. Even the greatest experiences in this life are temporary. Human achievements fade, possessions do not last forever, and this world is not the final destination for those who belong to Christ. Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognising that God's ultimate promises lie beyond the present age.

The New Testament points to a future when Christ will return, evil will be defeated, and God's people will enjoy perfect fellowship with Him. Revelation 21:1-4 describes a time when death, mourning, crying, and pain will be no more. This future hope gives meaning to present challenges and encourages believers to persevere.

So, can Christians live their best life now? In one sense, yes. Through Christ, they can experience purpose, joy, peace, spiritual fulfilment, and many of God's blessings now. Yet in another sense, no. The fullness of what God has promised has not yet arrived. Christians live between the blessings they already enjoy and the greater inheritance that awaits them. The Bible presents both realities together: a life of gratitude and faithfulness now, and a confident expectation of something far better still to come.

Summary of the whole topic

Christians can make the most of life by growing close to God, building strong relationships, serving others, and appreciating everyday blessings. This may include starting the day with prayer, treating people with kindness at work, being patient with family members, helping a neighbour, managing finances wisely, and finding contentment in what God has provided. Following Christ does not remove difficulties, but it gives guidance, strength, and hope through them. As Colossians 3:17 says, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." A fulfilling Christian life is found in faithful daily choices, gratitude, and trust in God as we look forward to His future promises.

October 15 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report