“The Lord has pleasure in (your) prosperity.” Psalm 35:27 NKJV

“Prosperity may result in material blessings, but it never starts there.”­

My thoughts today are about “soul prosperity.”

Who doesn’t want to prosper – to do better for themselves and family? Let me be clear right at the start; God delights in your prosperity. God blessed Abraham with wealth. Genesis 13:2. God told Joshua how he could be “prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV. God blessed Solomon with such wealth as unequalled before or since. See 1 Kings 10:6-9 NIV. The Bible says plainly, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2 NKJV. Now that God’s desire and intent for you is settled, let’s consider what prosperity is, and is not.

Have you ever thought of what prosperity might look like for you? To some that may look like more money, more things, bigger house, nicer cars, better job, or a more secure retirement – that kind of things. We would probably all agree that those are nice to have. But is that really enough? Can’t you have some or all of those and still not be truly prosperous?

I think there are other things for which you would readily trade any of those, if that were necessary and possible. Consider less tangible things like peace of mind, contentment, love of family and friends, or satisfaction in the success you enjoy. What are any of those worth? What kind of price tag could you put on those and others like them?

You see, prosperity may result in material blessings, but it never starts there. True wealth always begins in one’s soul – in the heart of the man or woman who is “rich in good works.” Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV. Let me repeat the Bible verse I quoted above. “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2 NKJV. See Psalm 1:1-3 NLT. If things aren’t right between you and God, you may be wealthy but you are not spiritually prosperous.

Prosperity is not all about hard work. Granted, without your willingness to do so, you leave God without much to bless and multiply. It very much involves your relationship with God and your lifestyle of generosity. Your bank account and earnings alone, as God views it, cannot measure prosperity.

Soul prosperity both results from, and results in, a life of generosity toward God and others. Make no mistake; giving is at the heart of all prosperity. Giving begins with the Tithe, which is “holy unto the Lord,” but does not end there. Leviticus 27:30-33/Luke 11:42 NLT. Generosity toward others is also part of a lifestyle that is blessed with increase. See Matthew 6:38 NIV.

I well remember this caution from my Dad when I was still a teen, “More people can stand adversity than can properly handle prosperity.” Across my lifetime, I have observed that to be more accurate than I would have wished. Read Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV. God delights in your prosperity, but He finds no pleasure in a person’s greed, pride, or unfaithful stewardship. The Bible cautions the person who seeks wealth apart from God, “. . anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Read Luke 12:15-21/1 Timothy 6:6-12 NIV. Be grateful for prosperity; be cautious of its temptations; be faithful in its added accountability. 1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV.

My prayer for you today is to work hard, live generously, and give God all the praise.