Prosperity and poverty are not easily defined. If the definitions are restricted to simply net worth or income ranges, it will miss the totality of how God defines it. For example, the US government defines the poverty line to be $12,760 for a single person. Each additional person in a family would add $4,480, so the poverty line for a family of 4 (in America) would be $26,200. There is no argument from me that the income level identified would make it super challenging to navigate the current American economy, perhaps impossible, for a family to experience a quality of life we have come to expect as Americans. However, allow me to use those numbers for a moment and give a broader perspective.
For example, if you made $26,200 in 1960 when the average household income was $5600, that $26,200 would be significant. In fact, you would be considered “prosperous”. If you made $26,200 and lived in some other struggling countries around the world, you might be considered wealthy. So, the actual amount of income your household generates is to some degree defined (or at least linked) as prosperous or impoverished depending on the time period and the geography you find yourself living in.
I can’t imagine anyone arguing the fact that by and large, almost the whole globe lives better than people did in 2000 BC, or the 1st century AD, or the 16th century AD. (I think you are getting the point.) That is not to minimize people’s challenges or legitimate needs in the 21st century, but what we define as impoverished in 2020 America is opulence in a 13th century context.
Let me also say that a wealthy king of a nomadic tribe in the middle of an African desert might actually look impoverished if he were suddenly dropped on the shores of France in Monaco or perhaps Manhattan in downtown New York City. Prosperity and poverty transcend simple income definitions, net worth, and acquisition of “stuff”. People don’t have something their neighbor has and some how they feel “impoverished” or “lacking”. People think that if they reach a 6-digit income stream then at that moment they are actually “prosperous”, until they become used to that income or inflation eats it away.
I could literally give untold illustrations to demonstrate that prosperity and poverty have to be understood in broader and more importantly, biblical ways.
The Hebrew definition of prosperity carries the concept of advancement or pressing forward. It has to do with progress and not just static goods. Yes, position, possessions, and money are included inside that definition, but the key to prospering is advancement in a quality of life. It is used over 66 times in the Old Testament. Unsurprisingly, the Greek word tends to follow that definition path of advancement. The passage in 3 John 2, tends to illustrate the meaning:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
Just as one might anticipate spiritual growth and advancement as a normal aspect of the Christian walk, John connects that reality of prosperity to “all things”. All things would include relationships, possessions, positions, influence, finances, and a general quality of life that honors God and His purposes in your life. I define it this way:
“Prosperity is a quality of life that ENABLES a person to thrive in and accomplish God’s purposes and promises.”
Let’s flip the coin now and define poverty. If prosperity and poverty are antonyms, then let’s reverse the definition and see if we can find something deeper than just “lack” of resources.
“Poverty is a quality of life that IMPEDES a person’s ability to thrive in and accomplish God’s purposes and promises.”
Let’s go even deeper.
I have come to the conclusion that poverty is not only the lack of resources which impedes the fulfillment of God’s purposes, but the FEAR of a lack of resources. Remember Jesus’ words to the Church in Smyrna when He said, “I know your…poverty (but you are rich)…” (Rev. 2:9) How can you be in poverty, yet rich? I can think of several ways, but I am convinced one of those ways was “fear” (see v.10). My point in all of this is to simply underscore the point that the definition of these two terms is broader and deeper than dollars and cents. It encompasses a state of “being”. This would include a quality of life, a wholeness of heart, a peace of mind, and a stability of spirit. Prosperity is larger than wealth but would certainly include financial well-being.
This is why prosperity and poverty can look differently in various geographic locations and economic situations. Biblical prosperity is not analogous to a first world standard of living. It is analogous to a God-designed standard which facilitates His purposes in your life and in His Kingdom. This is critical in understanding, especially if America is economically challenged in the coming years.
This is also why…
I am no longer ashamed of prosperity…
It is God’s Will as He resources His Kingdom mandate and mission through His people…
More to come…
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