Establishing the right mindset for Kingdom Prosperity

When dealing with the subject of money it's important to establish the right mindset in accordance with the will of God. In doing so it's important first to establish why God wants us to enjoy financial prosperity here on earth and what He wants us to do with it. As mentioned in the last post, it is certainly God's will for His children to prosper, which is one of the reasons He sent Jesus in the first place. In 2 Corinthians 8:9 it states "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." Just in case you were wondering, the Greek word translated 'rich' in this passage means 'to become wealthy' or 'to be increased in goods' (Strong's #4147) so it's certainly talking about financial and material wealth. Think about it - what good earthly parent wouldn't want their child to prosper in all ways, let alone our heavenly Father. Is it too unrealistic to think that He wants the very best for His children rather than to see them suffer with needs and lack?

Let's consider Father Abraham. The bible stated that he was "very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold" (Genesis 13:2). Anyone who is in Christ is by faith Abraham's seed and are therefore "heirs according to the promise"(Galatians 3:29). The promise is the one which God made to Abraham - that he and his descendants would be heirs of the world (Romans 4:13). This inevitably includes the wealth of the world.

God not only wants to see us prosper, He's also made available everything that we need to live the abundant life which Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). The principles are set out in His word. But before we delve into this deeper, the reason for our wealth needs to be established. Of course God wants us to live comfortably and not suffer or lack anything but that is not the primary reason for our wealth. People in the church often get uncomfortable when you mention finances, particularly in reference to the following verse:

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows"(1 Tim 6:10)

What many fail to realise is that this scripture is talking about the love of money not money in general. In fact the bible states that money is a defense (Ecc 7:12) and that money answers all things (Ecc 10:19). God is certainly not against us having alot of money but the bible does warn us against making money an idol or trusting in uncertain riches rather than God Himself. It is important to realise that we shouldn't be a servant to money but rather money should serve us. Of itself, money is not a bad thing but when it gets into the wrong hands it can be used for evil purposes. Money takes on the character of the person whose hands it is in. For that reason we are admonished to steer clear of materialism and greed (1 Timothy 6:9).

We should not desire to be rich because we are not the poor trying to become rich, we are the rich finding out about and laying hold on our God-given inheritance! It's rightfully ours in Christ. The bibles states that we ought to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) so, in the context of finances, our desire should be to advance the Kingdom through prosperity and wealth. "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad" (Zechariah 1:17 KJV). This is the primary reason for our wealth!

The gospel is free but getting the message spread to the ends of the earth is an expensive affair. It requires sponsorship and that's where our wealth is required - to preach the gospel around the world. How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they preach if they are not sent? Through your prosperity you can sponsor the spread of the gospel abroad and bring an unprecendented number of souls into the Kingdom. This is God's number one agenda.

On a more local level, your life can be a witness to God's power. As you prosper it can make you a powerful witness to many who will be drawn to your great life in Christ. After all, there won't be many who will be drawn to the life of a poor man. The bible itself states that the wisdom of a poor man is despised and his words forgotten (Ecc 9:13). Jesus certainly wasn't poor and thus his words endure forever. His very clothes were of the finest quality causing the Roman soldiers to cast lots for it (John 19:23). Don't forget that with wealth comes responsibility; as you are blessed use your blessings to also bless others. Wealth is not to be laid up here on earth, it should be used to help others who have needs, thus laying up for yourself eternal riches (1 Timothy 6:18-19; Matthew 6:20) which is far more precious and more pleasing in the sight of God. By doing these good works with your wealth, it shows that you have a heart for the gospel and the things that matter most to God; "for where your treasure is, your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).

Therefore let us wake up to the wealth of which God has brought us into an inheritance. Remember that God gives us the power to get wealth (Deut 8:18). Through principles laid out in the scriptures we can begin to walk in this prosperity and advance the Kingdom of God. In the next post you will see how the current economic crisis should be an opportunity for the children of God to shew forth this prosperity like never before.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)