1. Prosperity is not a four letter word. It simply means to do better in every area of your life. As parents we want to see our children perform well in school, on the soccer field, have good relationships with friends. Well I’m sorry to tell you but that means you want your child to prosper. Just as you want your child to prosper, God wants you to prosper. The bible says “God delights in the prosperity of His children.”
2. True prosperity can only come from the Father. Jesus said, “what does it prosper a man to gain the whole world but loose his soul.” Prosperity begins and ends with a relationship with Jesus. Prosperity should begin with our soul – mind, will, emotions. Our soul will only prosper as we grow in relationship with Jesus.
3. Prosperity and money. Money is not a defining sign of prosperity. For instance, I think I am more prosperous than Donald Trump. Having said that I also don’t believe money is evil. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, were all wealthy. The children of Israel left Egypt wealthy. There was no lack in the Garden of Eden. As a matter of fact God put gold and fine jewels in the land, just because. Yes, Jesus was born into poverty because at the time God’s people was being oppressed by the Roman government and by the Pharisees and he had to relate to the people. When Jesus clears the temple He was angry because the Pharisees were financially scamming God’s people. Jesus came to show us we have unlimited resources in the kingdom.
I think the key to money is this: “I will bless you and you shall be a blessing.” God wants His people to bless the world. Our resources are not a means to an end. But it is to feed the hungry, heal the sick, spread the gospel, care for the widows and orphans.
I don’t believe it’s God’s will for us to pursue money, we are to pursue Him. Jesus said, “seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you.” Let’s not get offended when God is true to His word. God wants to bless his people with ALL THINGS!
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 NASB)