It has become commonplace in the day and age we live in, to hear ministers of the Gospel speak more about prosperity than any other topic. In fact, I would dare to say that many try to attract the multitudes into the Church by making extravagant promises and guarantees of prosperity, mostly relating to the realm of finances.
What is true prosperity? This week’s message seeks to explore this from a Biblical perspective. Is prosperity constrained to just financial blessings, or is it more than that? In fact, could a person be prosperous without being extremely well off financially?
What does the Bible say about prosperity? The elder writes in 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Prosperity therefore is more than just financial abundance. The Lord’s vision of prosperity for us includes our entire well-being in all spheres of our existence i.e. emotional, physical, spiritual etc. Prosperity essentially means leading a balanced life, having enough financial provision for yourself and enough to give generously to those in need. You cannot be prosperous if you’re rich financially, but if the maintenance and upkeep of your riches leaves you precious little time to spend with the Lord, in service to others and with your family. You cannot be prosperous if you deny yourself those very basic but essential life experiences that bring so much variety and joy to life!
True prosperity is not about the wealth you slave for in life, nor the size of the estate you leave behind in death. True prosperity comes from leading your family and friends to the Lord, proudly handing down a legacy to your children that is more than financial reward. True prosperity is like a footprint that you leave behind on this earth- your niche, your mark on this world. It is evidenced in the godly example and lessons you teach others, which live on through them long after you are no more.
This marathon of life is no ordinary marathon. It’s a relay race-you’re constantly handing down the baton to the next generation. The Church runs this race together, as a team. Our success in this race depends on our ability to work cohesively and gracefully. As we race to the finish, let us work as the Body of Christ for our success depends on it. To run a relay, you have to give up the baton! True success and prosperity comes not from amassing great wealth or gratifying selfish desires, but from leaving a legacy. Pour out your life in service. Share your knowledge, talents, wisdom and gifts with others. That is true prosperity!
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."-Luke 12:34
"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. "-Acts 20:35
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works."-Matt 16:24-27
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."-Matt 6:19-20
