How to be truly prosperous?
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What is prosperity?
The world approaches prosperity
on a one-dimensional basis.
Millions of Americans and others from so-called rich countries
may have money and possessions, but they are not prosperous as God defines
prosperity. They are not leading fufilled and successful lives in terms
of basic values.
The world measures prosperity by the profit and loss statement,
good looks, appearances, rank in the community, etc. People using this
standard look on relationships as a means to an end. An individual's
value is measured by his usefulness to them.
Most of the time, people who base their lifestyles and
attitudes on these values end up empty, weak, insecure, and fearful-in
other words, very unprosperous.
In the world, we see two extremes:
Wealth and possessions are the ultimate desired end
in life; Wealth is sin.
Both premises are false.
"Money is a training ground
for God to develop (and for us to discover) our trustworthiness."
God's war on poverty involves putting wealth and possessions
in the proper perspective to Him.
God teaches prosperity on a multi-dimensional
basis: spirit, soul, and body:
a). 2 Corinthins 5:17 says the spirit of man is made new
through salvation (accepting Jesus as Savior).
b). Psalm 23 says the Lord "restores" the soul.
c). Isaiah 53: 4,5 says the body is healed from sickness
and disease.
In the Kingdom of God, prosperity is founded first
on a relationship as son or daughter, then on an intimate friendship
with God, initiated and maintained through prayer and studying His Word.
Prosperity in God's economy comes when you want
to praise and worship Him rather than deify self through self-indulgence
in consuming this world's goods.
Prosperity in God's economy is described as giving,
not getting.
Prosperity in God's economy is not based on class,
race, gender, or nationality-only on the attitude of the heart.
The Lord Jesus said: "For
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6: 21.
In other words, keep your treasures where you want your
heart to be. If your goal is only to be prosperous in this world materially,
then you have a temporary, unsure and insecure treasures; and these
will never satisfy you nor bring fulfilment to your life. That's why
the Lord Jesus said: " Lay up treasures in heaven.." so that
your heart will be there and you will finally end up there-in heaven!
The great apostle Paul exhorted: " Set your affection
on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2. Then
and then only you will be really prosperous, both in this world and
the world to come. Amen! Be encouraged. (Next week we'll see "some
secrets to abundance").
**************************Letter # 39 (14.10.2000)********************
