TD Jakes — Quotes Examined

"I started to give on that level so that God would owe me. I put God in debt."

The idea that a human can place the Creator of the universe in debt is breathtaking arrogance. God owns everything (Psalm 50:12). No one can give Him anything He doesn't already possess. This teaching reduces God to a cosmic vending machine and turns worship into a financial transaction.

"I'm not asking you to give to the church, I'm asking you to invest in your future."

Jakes reframes charitable giving as a financial investment with expected returns — a prosperity gospel tactic that transforms worship into a transaction. Biblical giving is sacrificial, cheerful, and directed toward God's glory — not an investment portfolio for personal gain. This language exploits the poor while enriching the preacher.