True Prosperity
Many of us want prosperity, but do we want true prosperity? Yes, many of us know the material things we want…but is that the be all, end all of prosperity as God defines it?
Often times when speaking about prosperity, we usually refer to Abraham and King Solomon.
Of Abraham it is said:
The LORD has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 24:35
Of King Solomon the LORD said:
Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for – both riches and honour – so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.
1 Kings 3:13
And often times we stop there. But if that was the ONLY definition of true prosperity, would Jesus have said:
For what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world (with all its pleasures), and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36
Any material prosperity gained should therefore not be at the expense of the soul. I am convinced therefore that material prosperity void of spiritual prosperity is no prosperity at all. And I shall prove it to you:
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31-33
What is His righteousness?
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30
True prosperity is anchored on Christ. Prosperity outside Christ is not full prosperity.
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see.
Revelation 3:17-18
It is possible to be extremely rich and yet destructively poor at the same time.
Apostle John gives us the true picture of prosperity:
Beloved, I pray in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health (physically), just as I know your soul prospers (spiritually).
3 John 2
Your Turn
Of Abraham it is said:
[…] “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:3
King Solomon said:
Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiates 12:13
Both of these men were truly prosperous. Yes, even the controversial king 😀, who experienced ALL the world had to offer and yet with conviction made the statement you have read in the above mirror.
Both of these men were imperfect, but that did not disqualify them from being partakers of true prosperity and neither does it disqualify you.
True prosperity begins in your soul and flows out to your possessions and your health. Do not neglect any of these areas for altogether they make you prosperous.
Question: Is your soul prospering?