A couple years ago I posted a series of articles (now found on the blog site) about, “No Longer Being Ashamed of Prosperity”. It was received warmly and basically reviewed the reasons why God’s people ought not shy away from the biblical concept of prosperity. It is remarkable to me how much disdain is released from believers to those who have increased in their financial standing. I had even suggested that the root of some of the criticism is tied to jealousy and covetousness. That, of course, is ultimately revealed by self-evaluation, but the general observation remains. Why the irritation over someone’s blessing?
I am not reviewing what I have already written, but I want to share 12 biblical concepts that have completely, through the years, changed my views on wealth, increase, and (yes) prosperity. This post is simply the introduction to those 12 concepts, but introductions are no less powerful. I am one of those people who read the forwards, addendums, footnotes, and at times indexes to books. You would be amazed at what you will find hidden within those ancillary pages. Hopefully, you will take the time to read the posts as they drop, but all of them connect to this introduction.
“Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the Lord be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
PSALM 35:27
Psalm 35 is an imprecatory prayer release by David to ask God to bring judgment upon his enemies. These prayers were written not so much to exact revenge upon one’s enemies, but rather to emphasize God’s abhorrence of evil, His sovereignty over all mankind, and His divine protection of His chosen people. While the intent of these posts are not to exegete the purpose of imprecatory praying, the placement of verse 27, tells us a lot about the contention over God’s people being prosperous. It really underscores the question, “Who better to be prosperous? The wicked -or- the righteous?” Who would better administrate the wealth of the earth? The wicked -or- the righteous? Have you ever watched the multi-billionaires underwrite wicked and profane causes and endeavors? Have you ever watched the governments of the earth invest in evil and unrighteous activities and campaigns? Have you seen Hollywood and celebrity culture subsidize and sponsor ungodly and immoral pursuits? Of course you have.
And have you ever thought…
If only that kind of wealth could be used for righteous ends.
This is a foundation of prosperity. The Lord actually desires that His people have wealth. (There, I said it.) He actually has feelings of pleasure when His people increase and walk in abundance. Now be careful, you cannot automatically assume He has displeasure in those who financially struggle or in poverty. This is not an automatic either-or situation in the heart of God. The Lord loves people; rich and poor. He has a desire that ALL people repent and be saved. However, just because He loves ALL people does not necessitate that He automatically redeems ALL people. There are responses to His offer of salvation and grace which place certain expectations of obedience upon us. We have issues dealing with that part of God’s promises. His promises are true, but are often times conditioned upon the familiar phrase, “If you do…, then I will” (see Deuteronomy 28:1). So, do ALL God’s people prosper? No, they do not. But that may not discount the veracity of the truth or God’s goodness, as much as it may underscore the lack of our knowledge and obedience.
“Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.”
ISAIAH 5:13
Prosperity, whether it be for a business, a church, an organization, or an individual, is linked to our knowledge and understanding of how wealth is released by the hand of God. And yes, a part of that release is conditioned upon the reasons for and responsibilities of wealth stewardship. The wicked squander their riches on self-amusement, self-exaltation, self-satisfaction, and self-glorification. For the wicked, wealth is a means of power, control, and imposition of their will. The righteous do not use wealth in this way. And again, that is not to say there is not a place for the enjoyment and amenities of life, but the righteous have the Kingdom in focus first and foremost. The righteous think about money differently. It is a tool to be used under God’s hand, not the object of acquiring so one might say, “Soul take thine ease” (Luke 12:19). The reason prosperity alludes so many believers is because they think about it and use it just like the wicked. The truth is, there is no lack in God, but we are bound by a poverty mentality and if we breakthrough we find ourselves bound by carnal activity.
So yes, I am convinced, based on the Bible, that God prefers you prosper. And over the next two weeks, I hope to drop the 12 biblical concepts that have helped me embrace that thought and have trained me to think correctly (and obey accordingly). I hope some drop by and check it out. It has the potential to change your much about your future.
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