Want Prosperity
(5/9/06)


Joshua 1:8-9 8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Almost every sermon you hear nowadays throws the words tithe and offering into them somehow, as if this is the most major foundation of the word of God. “Prosperity this and prosperity that” are the epitome of the reason for faith in a large percentage of Christians. Prosperity, however, was never designed as something to be sought so heavily by us that believe. Financial concerns were to be the least of our concerns. In fact, this is one of the bases of the tithe – as an act of faith and trust in God, honoring Him with that which He has blessed us to be able to obtain. It has nothing to do with salvation, which is the true foundation of the faith. This is why Jesus told the Pharisees to continue their tithe (He didn’t tell them to stop doing it, nor that it was irrelevant) but focus now on the weightier matters such as love and compassion.

These matters are weightier because they carry the true image of God, and the pure goal of saving as many souls as possible by showing the love of God to the world. The greatest lesson that can be provided is done through action, as actions have always spoken louder than words. In the true service of God (in obedience, faith, love, etc.), prosperity is a given. In fact, the greater obedience and service given to God’s work, the greater that God will bless you so that you can provide greater service.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Bringing glory and thanksgiving to God is the desired response. Therefore, focus on God. Stop chasing prosperity; prosperity will chase you automatically as a result of your righteousness. When you do give, give out of a heart of thanksgiving that is just pleased to increase the work of God and honor Him. Give to the work of God for the benefit of being able to help serve the kingdom and win hearts over to God, not to see what you can get. If you want prosperity, stop chasing it, and pursue Him alone not worrying about what you can get out of it, and then shall your hearts desires truly be rewarded unto you.

By the grace of God,


Rev. Kelvin N. Broadus