I don't know about you but I used to find it difficult reconciling money matters and church doctrines. Didn't it say 'Thou shall not serve both God and money'? Where does that leave the good-hearted businessman trying to provide for his family? Are you either pious and poor or rich and wretched?
Fortunately, as time progressed, knowledge and wisdom in regards to biblical prosperity grew as well. As it happens, not only are you allowed to eat three square meals a day; God wants to bless you with abundance and prosperity.
The question then is, what does God say about money and possessions? There are several scripture verses that talk about biblical prosperity. The first of which is that God desires for His people to prosper (Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 35:27; John 10:10). God promised riches to Abraham and not only was he abundantly blessed with money, possessions and favor among men-he also got his heart's desire, a son. You see, God knows what your personal prosperity is and He will add it on top of all the other gifts He will give you.
You cannot search the scriptures for topics on finances and not find tithing as an integral part of God's plan of prosperity (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 10:10). Obviously God doesn't need your money; the world belongs to Him and the only currency he operates in is faith. Tithing is a sign of your trust and obedience in Him. God will always provide so think of tithing as an opportunity to be blessed beyond what your mind can comprehend.
In line with this, prosperity is a reaping of investment you have decided to put in God (Luke 6:38; Deuteronomy 28, Matthew 6:38). Everything is in seed form. Your money, your obedience to His laws, your investment in doing His work here on earth-it is all accounted and the faithful will be more than compensated for. This is not to say your works are a payment for the blessings; it only means that you cannot out give God.
Before you can say, 'Money cometh!'-understand that riches come with a responsibility to be a faithful steward of it (Mark 10:17; Luke 12:48; 1 Timothy 6:17). Make money work for you not the other way around. Sometimes we forget that possessions are things to be enjoyed only and not loved. While money in itself is not bad, the unhealthy pursuit of it causes many to stumble. It is important that when prosperity comes, your priorities are straight and your heart is well-guarded.
And lastly, God gives us the ability to produce wealth so we can help other people realize their dreams also (Deuteronomy 8:18; 2 Corinthians 8; Philippians 4:14-18). He wants you blessed to be a blessing so that graces will abound in your life.
The purpose of abundance and prosperity is not to have the most material possessions among your fellow man. Enjoy a comfortable life that riches can give you but never forget-- it is not a substitute for love and relationship to God and your neighbor. True riches are found in well-being, selfless service, obedience and trust. Pursue these, and money will inevitably find its way to you.
Zoe Smith experiences abundance and prosperity in every area of her life. Find out how learning about Biblical Prosperity can help change your life too.
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