UNDERSTANDING KINGDOM PROSPERITY

“But seek first the KINGDOM of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” – Matthew 6:33

The world’s definition of Prosperity differs from the Christian UNDERSTANDING of KINGDOM PROSPERITY: “But seek first the KINGDOM of God and His righteousness, and all these THINGS shall be added to you” (Mt.6:33). The people of the world pursue an ephemeral prosperity with all of their heart and soul; whereas for the true believer, prosperity is a Covenant right and blessing from our loving Father-God. Also, the world defines prosperity in a very narrow sense as material “things” such as money, affluence, riches, wealth, social status, titles, popularity or political influence. This however, is the opposite of the teaching of Jesus and the Word of God: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mk.8:36-37). Beloved, your soul is superior to material things!

The God-kind of Prosperity includes, but is much more than money or material possessions. God wants us to be prosperous in every aspect of our lives. We can broaden the dimensions to include: spiritual, mental, physical, relational, and financial prosperity. This implies that financial prosperity or material success is only a portion of God’s prosperity Plan for humankind.

Spiritual prosperity means to be born again, spirit filled, and daily living under the Lordship of Jesus: “and this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” (Jh.17:3). We are admonished to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph.5:18). This is what it means for a soul to prosper (3Jh.2). In more specific terms, prosperity of the soul is having your mind renewed to God’s Word, your will conformed to God’s will, your emotions controlled and stabilised, and your thinking faculties selective of what you think about (Phil.4:8).

Mental prosperity means to have your mind free from addictions, anxiety, depression, fear, lustful desires, oppression and other negative attitudes, emotions, and thought-patterns. It describes a sound mind filled with God’s peace: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim.1:7). Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” That is the biblical portrait of mental prosperity.

Physical prosperity means to have your body healed, healthy, and strong with God’s strength, free from sickness, pain, and disease. These are prime aspects of our redemption package in Christ: “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having dies to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed” (1Pet.2:24).

Relational prosperity means to have the blessing of God in your relationships, especially in your marriage and family. It means that you’re growing in love according to 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8, and you’re living free from strife, resentment, and un-forgiveness. This ensures that you have God’s divine order and blessing operating in your home life.

Financial or material prosperity means to live by God’s provision, and be able to meet your financial commitments to God, His work, your career or business, family, friends, and society, without stress. You’re able to give your tithe and offerings, bless the poor and needy, have your bills paid as and when due, and be debt-free. God is not opposed to us having money or materials but He is against money and things having us: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2Cor.8:9). Jesus Christ went to the cross to redeem us from the curse of poverty so that we could be blessed with His riches (Gal.3:13a). 

God’s Word is the source of all facets of prosperity. When you understand the Bible perspective to Prosperity and walk in the Word, you will prosper wholly. As you walk in the light of His Word, you will become prosperous in every area of your life.