There is a well known American pastor whose messages and writings speak much about prosperity and well being. I've listened and read a few words from his books which made me feel an undercurrent of discontentment. Why don't I have more money? Stronger health? A bright and optimistic future? Don't I have faith to believe God for bigger and greater things?
Yes, believers should experience blessings to the measure the Lord determines.
However, such experiences of bliss in the natural are never to be compared to the higher and greater spiritual blessings God promises us.
Beloved, needs and desires are temporal but the dealings of God in our lives is eternal. An automobile will need maintenance and fuel to run. Housing requires paying monthly rent or a mortgage. The body ages and as such it grows tired, ill and is subject to death. Whatever relief or blessing we receive from His hand should be enough for the hour.
Teachings of an abundant Christian life should not cause us to be discontent or greedy but rather humble and grateful, especially when we consider the deep poverty and horrific suffering felt around the world.
Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" (KJV). The word blessing in the original is eulogeó which means "good word". We must hold to the truth that God is good - both when we are well and when we are sick. Life can be unkind and harsh but His word to us is always good. So too is His report over our lives as Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NIV).
True abundant life is a life filled with the presence of God not material things. It's understanding the truth of who and what we are in relationship to Christ as Ephesians chapter 1 describes. We are chosen (verse 4) and adopted (verse 5). We are redeemed and forgiven (verse 7) as a result of God's rich grace. These truths enrich our lives no matter the condition or state we find ourselves.
Beloved, we do well if we don't compare to those who have more goods and blessings. It does not mean our lives are diminished or impoverished. Often God blesses to illustrate His mercy and kindness to lead us to repentance. Sadly, some mistaken such prosperity and abundance as God's approval to remain unchanged and unchallenged in areas of their hearts given to sinful behaviors. They don't fully understand the moment of blessing will cease with a swift judgment to follow.
Better to be lean and hungry for Christ then full and deceived from the passing pleasures of this earthly life. Trust in His goodness my dear sister and brother. God will not leave us without provision or protection because He is a good Father. A satisfied and full life is not found in material possession but possessing the Spirit of Christ as our one true reward.
Let us say with Paul, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12 NIV).
When God takes hold of us...we learn to release the things we hold so tightly...only to find a greater life. Full and enriched.
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