Prospering Financially

By Thomas Mathew

Financial Prosperity is the buzz word most of us are exposed to on a regular basis in Christendom. The one thing which comes to mind often when we hear the word ‘prosperity’ is the word ‘giving’. While ‘giving’ is an essential and important element in biblical prosperity, it certainly is not the only one, and ‘giving to God’ is certainly not a divine lottery system, as some extreme prosperity preachers would have us believe, but ‘giving’ is the very heart of God.

True biblical prosperity cannot be de-linked from our walk with the Lord. First comes our relationship with Him and every blessing flows out of our intimacy with Him. Beloved, the Lord delights in our prosperity as Ps 35:27 says “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yes, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.” Beloved, God wants us to prosper. 3 John 1:2 says “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” Biblical prosperity includes every area of our life, be it our relationships, family, health, business, jobs, future, and yes our bank accounts as well.

While listening to messages on financial prosperity, we are often encouraged to believe for the supernatural wealth transfer as mentioned in Prov 13:22b “and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” but have a look at what the whole verse in Prov 13:22 says “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”. It tells that a good man leaves an inheritance, notice the good man leaves an inheritance, not waits for one and certainly not waiting for the wealth transfer....yes the sinners wealth is laid up for the just, but that cannot be an excuse for not being diligent with the resources the Lord has entrusted in our care.

Remember the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) where the three servants receive talents according to their ability and the servant with the 5 talents trades and gets 5 more and the master rewards him with one more by taking from the wicked servant who did nothing with it. See God added the super on the natural here...the sinners wealth got transferred, but to the one who was faithful and in accordance with His divine choice (Ref Rom 9:15). Jesus emphasised further in Matt 25:29 “For to everyone that has shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that has not shall be taken away even that which he has.”

The bottom line is that God wants us to exercise every one of our faculties while we are engaged in extending the Kingdom of God on this earth. The fact is: the more we invest our God given wisdom, talents and abilities in the market place the more we prosper. Have you noticed people who are better educated and qualified usually have higher incomes than others, with few exceptions to the rule. Wise decisions produce prosperity, while foolishness results in pain, misery and poverty.
Prov 21:20 “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”

What im trying to highlight here is that planning, diligence and structured working pays in the long run. Prov 6:6 is very forthright in saying “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” Beloved, along with our regular Tithing and Offerings, it is important to have your own family financial plan, to know exactly where you are and where you intend to go (Prov 27:23). Reena and I have experienced the benefits of this, since monthly or yearly financial planning would many times highlight potential set-back areas on the horizon and has helped us in taking appropriate and timely measures to offset the same before it could cause serious damage. (Read Gen 41:34-36). Once you have a plan (Luke 14:28-30) and budget in place, stick to it, stay on course, the fruits of it are immense.

You can wait for the financial downpour from the Lord, but collect the trickles around you while waiting. The bible is clear that true financial prosperity comes in stages, and it accumulates over time.
Prov 13:11 “Substance got in haste shall be diminished: but that which by little and little is gathered with the hand shall increase.”

Above all it pays to listen to the Holy Spirit and to keep in step with Him. He will cause you to increase beyond your understanding by giving you ideas, insights and divine connections which could potentially change your life altogether. Beloved, He is our comforter and also our guide, let us lean upon Him and rest in the assurance that He has plans only for our good and not for our destruction. (Ref: Jer 29:11).