The megachurch televangelist has sparked some controversy on social media.
The pastor posted on X, “It’s the simple things in life that bring us the most joy. You may not have a lot of resources, but if you have family, you’re blessed. If you have your health, you’re blessed. If you can look up at the stars at night, you’re blessed.”
However, not all people found his statement on the “simple things” to be sincere. As The Daily Mail shared, many people did not take this post well.
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“Joel Osteen, worth $100 million, living in multiple mansions, and owning multiple yachts wants you to know that money won’t bring you joy—but he still wants you send him all of the money you can,” one commentator wrote.
Another comment read, “How any could send a dime to this morally bankrupt conman is beyond comprehension…multiple mansions, a yacht and sports cars were all purchased off the backs of the suckers he’s referring to. Religion is the greatest con on the planet.”
Newsweek also documented some of the post replies that were less-than-friendly to the megachurch minister.
“Joel Osteen worships money. Greedy, self-serving liar,” one post read.
“You donating your salary then?” another read.
These statements come after Osteen announced in January that Lakewood Church finally paid off their $100 million loan which they had worked on paying off for 20 years.
“I look back over these 19 years, and there have been great years. I mean, Lakewood has been a lighthouse to the whole world,” Osteen said.
Osteen also celebrated his latest milestone of the 1,000 sermon he’s preached since stepping into the role in 1999 after his father died.
“Some of it is just the sovereignty of God. You just step into blessings that God has preordained,” Osteen said.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
