For the Sake of Prosperity

Most of us realize in today's society that prosperity is a must for most folks, but should it be? Prosperity, according to Wikipedia, is the state of flourishing, thriving, success or good fortune. It often encompasses wealth but also includes other factors which are independent of wealth to varying degrees, such as happiness and health.

If a person gets to the point in their life where they allow wealth prosperity to dominate or control their decision making, this could cause a major decrease in the amount of happiness and health they have acquired. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, but there is a problem if we let it become the ruling factor in our lives.

There are so many prosperous people in the world and many of them are very benevolent but not to the point that it would be pleasing to God. You see, most people that have a lot of wealth usually are in love with themselves, not others, and especially not God. Just imagine what would happen if God allowed all of us to prosper above and beyond our means. What would we do with those fortunes? Would we take care of the unfortunate or would we become greedy and uncaring towards our fellow man?

We need to realize that if God allows us to prosper, then we are to give as we prosper (1 Cor. 16:1-2). If we do this, it would be reasonable to say that God would continue to prosper us so we could continue to give. Do you see how this works?

This brings to remembrance the story of King Solomon, David's son, who was very concerned about the number of people God had placed in his care. Solomon was so concerned that he asked God to give him an understanding heart to judge God's people so he could discern between good and evil. This request pleased God and God not only gave Solomon this understanding heart, but also great riches and honor so that there would not be anyone before or after his reign like him (1 Kings 3:6-14; 2 Chron. 1:7-12).

Just as Solomon asked for understanding and received abundantly more than he asked for, we too can be the recipients of God's blessings if we walk not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night (Psa. 1:1-2).

The big question here is, “Are you doing what God has commanded you to do, or are you still allowing yourself to be spiritually polluted by giving in to the world's desires?” Once again it boils down to choice. Choosing right over wrong. Are you man or woman enough to say “NO” to the evil of this life? If not, then expect to be chastised one way or the other. If you are smart and choose to do right over wrong, then expect to continue to receive the blessings of God. Look for as much spiritual prosperity as you can and leave the material prosperity to the world.

Blessings,

Eddie