WISDOM FOR 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 Word of God is the Source of WISDOM for 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 world’s perspectives to Prosperity differ from the Christian perception. People of the world pursue an ephemeral prosperity with all of their being; but for the true believer, prosperity is a Covenant right and blessing that derives from relationship with our loving Father-God. Also, the world defines prosperity in a very narrow sense as material “things” such as affluence, money, riches, status, titles, wealth, popularity or political influence. This contradicts the teaching of Jesus: “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). The human soul is superior to material things!

Although some preachers seem to have abused the message of prosperity, it remains a true, biblical message. God delights in the prosperity of His servants (Psa.35:27). Kingdom Prosperity is based on God’s Book – the Bible: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way PROSPEROUS, and then you will have GOOD SUCCESS” (Jos.1:8). Financial prosperity or material success is only a portion of God’s Prosperity Plan for humankind.

Kingdom Prosperity is balanced, holistic Prosperity; it is much more than money or material possessions. God wants us to prosper in all aspects of life: “Beloved, I pray that you may PROSPER IN ALL THINGS and be in health, just as your SOUL PROSPERS” (3Jh.2). Balanced Prosperity includes: the spiritual, mental, physical, relational, and financial.

Spiritual prosperity refers to being born again, Spirit-filled, and living under the Lordship of Jesus. This is what it means for a soul to prosper (3Jh.2). It means having our minds renewed by God’s Word, our will conformed to His Will, our thoughts and emotions submitted to the control of His Spirit (Rom.12:1-2; Eph.4:8). We are to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph.5:18).

Mental and emotional prosperity means to have our minds free from addictions, anxiety, depression, fear, lustful desires, oppression and other negative attitudes, emotions, and thought-patterns. The prosperous mind is a sound mind: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Tim.1:7). It is a peace-full mind: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa.26:3).

Physical prosperity means to enjoy divine Health and Healing, be free from disease, pain, and sickness, and be blessed physically with God’s strength, as prime products of our redemption package in Christ: “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed” (1Pet.2:24).

Relational prosperity means to enjoy God’s blessings in our relationships of marriage, family, friendship, business, and other associations. It implies growing in love and living free from strife, resentment, and un-forgiveness (1Cor.13: 1-8).

Financial or material prosperity means to enjoy God’s provisions, and be able to meet our financial commitments to His Kingdom work, our career or business, family, friends, and society, without stress. We’re willing and able to give the tithe and offerings, bless the poor and needy, have our bills paid as and when due, and be debt-free. God is not opposed to us having money or material goods but He is against money or things possessing our souls. Jesus Christ died on the cross to redeem us not only from sin, but also from sickness and the curse of poverty, so that we might be rich in Him (Gal.3:13a; 2Cor.8:9).

God’s Word is the source of all True Prosperity. When we understand the Bible perspective to prosperity and walk in the Light of God’s Word, we will prosper all-round, in every aspect of life.