In keeping with the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, Joel Osteen demands excellence and diligence and opposes mediocrity and slothfulness. Many believers wallow in the mire of mediocrity; instead of showing initiative, they oppose Joel’s teachings on the old fashion virtues of profit and industry.
Uninformed Christians accuse Joel of not preaching against sin. The fact is that Joel preaches against sins of the heart, which other ministers tend to ignore. Traditionally, sloth has been regarded as one of the seven deadly or cardinal sins. Few of Joel’s detractors have the energy and smarts that he has to build the Kingdom of God on earth.
Joel’s messages from Lakewood Church in Houston are broadcast world-wide 24/7 via TV and series radio. He has been a best-selling author of books written to encourage men to do great things for God and their fellows. Instead of appreciating his challenging teachings, they demean him by referring to him nor as preacher or pastor, but merely as a “motivational speaker.”
A number of my businessmen friends have told me over the years that they prefer not to hire Christians, because the Christian employee tends to have an entitlement mentality; he thinks that his employer ought to overlook his tardiness and laziness. They expect to be rewarded for their Jesus’ talk more than their productive work. Other Christians are content to be on the dole year after year.
What is behind all the unjust criticism of Joel Osteen? I suspect that Joel’s teachings, personal diligence and success convicts the slackers of their own shortcomings and sins with which they have learned to be content and which they are not interested in changing. The problem is not Joel but their envy of Joel and their lack of faith to do great exploits for God.