Biblical Prosperity

Prosperity has become a hot issue in the church today.  There is polarization happening on both sides, and I find it sad.  It seems that Christians equate prosperity with the balance in their bank account.  But I believe the real meaning of biblical prosperity has nothing to do with how much money you have or don't have.

The bible has lots to say about prosperity.  But I think it's best summed up like this:  prosperity is a heart belief in the grace of God through Jesus, no matter what your physical circumstances are.  That's why I can say that I am prosperous, even though my bank account may not be much.  I believe 2 Corinithians 9:8 which says that God is able to make all grace abound toward me, that I always have all sufficiency in all things to abound to every good work!  Prosperity means I can give where and when the Lord puts it on my heart, even if there isn't much money in my bank account.

While the bible is full of examples of men of God who were financially blessed (Abraham, Lot, David, Solomon to name a few), its also full of examples of men of God who didn't have much money (Jesus and the apostles).  But even Jesus and the apostles had the means to travel and preach the gospel.  They gave themselves fully to the work of the Lord and their needs were met, and they freely gave!  They were prosperous because they had an understanding that God makes us prosperous.  

An excellent illustration of biblical prosperity is Joseph.  Here is an excerpt from an article written by Andrew Wommack entitled "Lessons From Joseph":

God’s Word declares that Joseph was “a prosperous man.” This was at a time in his life when He was serving as a slave! His own brothers had sold him into slavery and told his father he was dead. No longer the wealthy, well-dressed, favorite son, Joseph found himself on an auction block in a foreign land, stripped of everything—including his clothes. His rich Egyptian master stood beside him with all of the extravagance that came with abundant wealth, but the Bible forever records Joseph as being the truly prosperous one. That’s awesome!

God views prosperity much differently than we do! Material things are not indicative of prosperity. True prosperity is knowing that God is with you. True prosperity is keeping His vision alive in your heart. True prosperity is not wealth itself but God’s favor, anointing, and power that work in your life to obtain it. Deuteronomy 8:18 says,

“Thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant.”

Joseph believed he was prosperous because he knew prosperity came from God, not man. He had an image on the inside that was not affected by circumstance, and it enabled Joseph to operate in faith. Instead of licking his wounds and complaining, Joseph served others and ministered wholeheartedly to their needs. As he diligently labored, God blessed the work of his hands.

If Joseph could do it, so can you. You have the same power dwelling on the inside of you that raised Jesus from the dead. Joseph didn’t have that. Begin to see yourself as God sees you, a prosperous person, regardless of your physical circumstances. Recognize and acknowledge the fact that God is with you, that you are anointed and highly favored. Serve others with all your heart as unto the Lord. Eliminate murmuring and complaining, and replace them with praise and thankfulness, knowing God will complete what He has begun in your life.

That article says it better than I ever could!  I know this is a hot topic, and I'd love to hear your thoughts!