Soldier's Orders: Redefined Prosperity

You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Psalm 128:2 (ESV)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.

Luke 6:38 (ESV)

Our Captain redefined prosperity,* as He and His Father planned in advance,

  • He chose simple parents, a lowly town,

  • A craftsman's job, a humble appearance,

  • Life without comforts, fishermen as friends,

  • No displays of wealth, no “crowning” by men…

  • And the most ignoble death possible**

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Our present-day world defines abundance as power, positions, and possessions. Jesus disagrees:

'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have' (Hebrews 13:5). 

‘This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom You have sent' (John 17:3).

After redefining prosperity, Jesus also redefined abundance…

  • As peace 'That surpasses all understanding' (Philippians 4:7),

  • 'Joy inexpressible and full of glory' (1 Peter 1:8),

  • Hope that 'Does not disappoint' (Romans 5:5),

  • And love that 'Never fails' (1 Corinthians 13:8).***

The size of your wallet is meaningless, but the size of your heart means EVERYTHING.

As soldiers in the Living God's army, resist the pull to measure your success… as the kings of nations, churches, business, education or entertainment do. 

Instead, measure as the King of kings does. Treasure what He treasured: God, His neighbors, and the work His Father gave Him to do.

  • As a child, He said: 'I must be about My Father's business' (Luke 2:49).

  • As a Man, He said: 'My Father has been working until now, and I have been working' (John 5:17).

  • On the Cross, Jesus said: 'It is finished' (John 19:30).

Truly, you already have a rich life with rich work to do. You are prosperous.

Soldier's Orders: Redefined Prosperity (Part 16)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Ten Bible Verses Prosperity Gospel Preachers Need To Stop Misusing: https://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2014/05/09/ten-verses-prosperity-gospel-preachers-need-stop-misuising/32019

*** 'I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly' (John 10:10).

*** Short article: What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life? What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life? | GotQuestions.org

Carey Arban