Everyone wants to prosper. And all too often we view prosperity as an indicator of success and freedom. Many commit themselves to work hard to become wealthy and gain the freedom to do what they want to do when they want to do it.
This perspective is so ubiquitous that many people view prosperity as an entitlement or a right. The Declaration of Independence of the United States declares that the pursuit of happiness is an inalienable (inseverable) right. What can bring more happiness than financial prosperity?
The dictionary defines prosperity as “a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.” The means of prosperity is commonly thought of in terms of accumulating money and other tangible assets.
In today’s economic calamity, which many regard as a recession if not a depression, financial prosperity is even more challenging than normal. How does one prosper in a depression?
If you believe in eternal life (speaking temporally) after your physical death and you recognize that tangible assets will not go with you after physical death, then defining prosperity in terms of tangible assets seems futile. In the context of eternity, physical life is very short. Hence, why focus on accumulating riches that only have value in our physical existence? Wouldn’t it be better to build riches that have eternal value?
Scripture talks about true riches as being superior to physical riches (see Luke 16) because true riches have value both for physical life and eternal life while physical riches have value only in physical life. Hence, true riches are clearly superior.
Furthermore during a recession or a depression—a time when it is difficult to increase physical riches—you can always continue to build your true riches. How?
True riches are wisdom from God, that is, the ability to live well in God’s universe. Remember, God created everything, including all the rules for His universe. God is in control of His universe. His control includes economic conditions as the text above states—God gives prosperity and He brings calamity.
The Bible is rife with testimony to the fact that God prospers those who align with Him and His purposes. Consider Job, a man who lost everything—his family, physical riches, and his health. God allowed Job to suffer a very difficult calamity—worse than any recession or depression—as an opportunity to prosper. Job prospered because he gained a deeper revelation about God (Job 42:5).
Wisdom is the ability to discern and do the will of God or to live well in God’s universe. This can be done even during economic disaster. No matter what your situation is, you can prosper by growing in wisdom. This is true riches and prosperity.
Here is your business tip. You prosper in a depression by recognizing that it is an opportunity to increase your true wealth. God is in charge of His universe. He is not surprised by calamity, rather He ordains calamity as a vehicle to prosper us by enabling us to grow in true riches. Therefore don’t be distracted by economic calamity. Don’t buy into the fear, gloom, and doom that are so prevalent. Face reality knowing that this is an opportunity to prosper by seeking the Lord for wisdom to navigate these challenging financial times. You will emerge on the other side more prosperous than ever because you will gain more wisdom—true riches—as to how to live well in God’s universe. |
