True Prosperity

"Blessed is the man who does not walk

in the counsel of the wicked

or stand in the way of sinners

or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields it fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither.

Whatever he does prospers."

Psalm 1:1-3

She put her all into living for God.  Every waking moment was spent thinking of ways to please Him.  Soon, an opportunity came along that seemed good but instead of talking to God about it, she decided it was too good to pass up: it must be from God!  Consequently, she unwittingly walked down the wrong path.  After awhile, she noticed her life began falling apart: Relationships were strained, debt was piling up, her joy and inner peace were gone.  Where did she go wrong?

While living for God is not a formula to be followed where doing "A" will automatically bring about "B", there is one certainty: Doing things God's way and letting Him be Lord of my life will lead to blessing.  These blessings may come in the form of spiritual fruit, physical qualities or material gifts but whatever the type, things go better when I submit to God's absolute authority in every part of my life.

Many times, however, I find myself like the woman in the above scenario.  I try to do the right thing, putting a lot of effort into pleasing God without getting to know Him personally.  I'd rather do for Him than let Him into the innermost parts of my life where darkness dwells.  Giving Him access, however, is the ultimate manifestation of intimacy.  And without closeness to the one whom I call "Lord," there is no real relationship.

If I want to follow God's lead and enjoy a kingdom-prosperous life, I will have to give Jesus lordship over every part of my life so I won't get caught on the wrong path.

Walk in the Ways of the World

The world tells me to consider my own needs and wants above all else, to promote my own strengths and work hard to utilize them well, and to make decisions based on what seems best for me.  If I follow these basic guidelines, I will be able to climb the corporate ladder of success in any career field.  This mindset, however, does not translate into  God's kingdom where things are backwards, upside down and radically different from the ways of the world.

If I try to succeed as a Christian by working hard, doing things that benefit me, and stay within my realm of experience then I will end up further and further away from God.  He is not impressed by my work ethic, my desire to achieve or my decision-making skills. (Proverbs 14:12)  What He does desire is my wholehearted devotion to His plan, placing all my eggs in His basket. 

Jesus talked about a poor widow who came to the temple to offer two small coins to the Lord.  Although it was a very small donation, Jesus said she gave more than everyone else who had been giving large amounts of money.  In my eyes, the rich people gave much more, but Jesus said that while they gave out of their abundance, this humble women gave all she had.  (Luke 21:1-4)  This is the kind of devotion God is looking for in my heart by the way I live every part of my life.

Therefore, instead of using my own common sense to make decisions and to think of my walk with Jesus as some kind of business transaction where I will succeed if I follow certain rules, I need to get serious about listening to Him and then doing what He places on my heart.

If I am offered a prestigious, well-paid position in a highly profitable corporation but I sense God's lead to start up a risky-sounding business to benefit children, I will only receive good things from God if I heed His call and take the plunge.

If I spent thousands of dollars on a college degree but my Shepherd leads me down a path that keeps me at home to raise my children, that career that seems so tempting will never bring the satisfaction that will come from obeying God in what the world says is foolishness.

If I would rather be my own boss and make my own decisions but God clearly intends for me to submit to Him, the plans I have for myself will never amount to much as I stray from His path.

The wisdom of God dispensed through Solomon says that I need to, "Trust in the Lord will all (my) heart and lean not on (my) own understanding; in all (my) ways acknowledge Him, and he will make (my) paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I can only hope for true prosperity if I turn my back on the ways of the world and let the Lord rule my life in every way.

Take the Path that leads to Destruction

It looked so pleasant; the walkway was wide and flat without a pothole or stone upon which to trip.  The road was lined with fragrant roses and lit by pleasant gas-lamps.  Even the gateway to enter this  route looked attractive with its embellished wrought iron archway covered in emerald ivy.  This must be the right way, I thought.  After all, look how many people are waking this path while the other choice is much inferior in quality and nearly barren of travelers; this broad road must be the best.  (Matthew 7:13-14)

It is easy to find myself on the path that leads to destruction.  I justify the little sins, telling myself that "at least I'm not as bad as them."  Soon I am categorizing sin, placing it into classifications of "serious" and "not so serious."  After awhile, the little sins seem to be less of a real sin and I begin to think of them as "mistakes" or "mess-ups."  I start to tell myself that God isn't offended by what I do because He knows I'm trying.

Before long I am living with many strongholds of sin, allowing them to rule my life without regard to the grief I am causing the Holy Spirit in my careless attitude. (Ephesians 4:30)  

I am headed toward destruction when I lie to the IRS by fudging the numbers to give myself a lower tax bill.  Everyone does it so its not really that big of a deal.  Unfortunately for me, I am ignoring God's desire for His people to be known as honest and trustworthy in order to reflect His character. (Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 16:11, Psalm 119:160)

I am headed toward destruction when I watch television shows or movies which portray graphic sex-scenes or filthy language, thinking to myself that I'm only watching it, not taking part in it.  As I minimize sin in either myself or others,  I am making light of His desire for me to live a holy and pure life, devoid of sexual immorality of any kind. (1 Corinthians 6:18, Matthew 5:28, 1 Peter 1:16, Psalm 51:10, Matthew 5:8)

I am headed toward destruction when I share prayer requests to my friends about all the horrible things with which another believer is struggling, calling myself righteous for my good deeds.  Gossip can never be considered helpful, no matter what I tell myself and I am guilty of spreading hearsay regardless of how I dress it up. (Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 21:23, Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 26:22)

I can only hope for true prosperity if I choose to follow my Shepherd down the narrow path of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3)

Turn into a Hypocrite

They placed a heavy burden on the people in their quest to help members to live their lives in a way that pleased God.  They spent so much time analyzing others' behavior in light of scripture that they never took the time to examine their own actions, beliefs or attitudes.  Obviously, if they were placed in such a position of authority, they thought, they must be as one who is to be emulated.  Unfortunately for the Pharisees, this was not the case.  Instead, here is what Jesus said of them and their efforts:

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.  In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:27-28)

There are times when I think like the Pharisees.  I get the idea that with all the things I do for God, He will certainly overlook the areas where I am off-base.  Instead of taking Him seriously, I brush certain sins aside, assuming a good effort is all that matters.

God, however, cannot be mocked.  I reap what I sow.  (Galatians 6:7) If I plant seeds of selfish living, I will reap the fruit of the flesh.  (Galatians 5:19-21)  If I live according to my own desires, my life will end up in ruins. (Galatians 6:8) If I only think of myself and my family, rarely giving of my time, talent and money to others, my life will be marked by this stinginess and I will be given little. (Luke 6:38)

No matter how small a sin may seem to me, to God it is serious enough for Him to send His Son to die as a punishment for the transgression.  As a holy God, my uncovered sin is an affront to Him and makes me His enemy.  Only through the atoning sacrifice Jesus made on the cross do I have any hope of pleasing Him.  Because of this gift of grace, I must always strive to take God seriously and guard against the hypocrisy of overlooking my own sin while paying attention to the transgressions of others.  

We are all in the same boat and have received the same death sentence. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)  Only through Jesus do I have the hope of eternity with Him.

I can only hope for true prosperity if I guard against hypocrisy and know my true identity as a sinner saved by grace.

My life can be like a tree that is planted near a revitalizing stream if I will keep myself separate from the ways of the world, stay off the path of destruction, and shield my heart and mind from carrying a double standard.  Then, I will experience true prosperity as I walk in God's ways, travel down the rocky path that leads to life, and live authentically and humbly before God.  This is a life worth living.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can take God seriously in all my ways.

How do I minimize sin in my life?

When am I hard on others but give myself a pass?

The Gnat and the Camel

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees,

you hypocrites!

You give a tenth of your spices--

mint, dill and cummin. 

But you have neglected

 the more important matters of the law--

justice, mercy and faithfulness.

You should have practiced the latter,

 without neglecting the former.

You blind guides!

  You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."

Matthew 23:23-24

Jesus hammered the church leaders hard.  He said they were so quick to enforce the law when it came to others but neglected their own hearts.  Consequently, they had become blind guides; cold and indifferent to the suffering of others.

How do I pay more attention to outward appearance or behavior than I do to the heart?

It's easy to condemn homosexuality as wrong but forget the soul in need of the grace found in Jesus.

I can quickly point out the evils of prostitution and pornography or drug and alcohol abuse, but ignore the underlying need for a Savior.

Jumping to conclusions comes naturally, but letting God show me His perspective takes humility. 

Sin is sin, and I must remember that each one of us relies on God's grace.

Unexpected

"Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!

Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

righteous and having salvation,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Zechariah 9:9

My heart sank as I felt the "thud, thud, thud," of the flat tire.  Resigning myself to the fact that I couldn't drive to the nearest service station, I carefully pulled off the interstate.  Cars continued to speed past me, adding to the desperation of my situation.  Why now, Lord?  Why couldn't I at least get to a safe place?

I pulled out my phone, preparing to dial the number to my auto club when my greatest fear was realized.  

Tap, tap, tap.  "Ma'am, is everything okay?  Do you need help?"

I cautiously turned toward the driver's side window, fearing the worst.  What I saw set my heart to racing.  A rough looking long-haired man covered in tattoos wearing raggedy jeans and a muscle shirt stood looking at me expectantly.  

Should I trust him?  He looks kind of scary.  What if he's trying to rob me. . .or car-jack me. . . or worse?

Reluctantly, I cracked the window open.  "Yes, sir, can I help you?"

"Well, it looks like you're the one who could use some help.  Pop your trunk and I'll change your flat.  Do you have a spare tire?"

"Yes." I blushed at his kindness as I remembered my prejudicial thoughts.  Maybe he's not so bad after all.

It wasn't long before he finished the job.  I thanked him profusely as he refused any offer of payment.  "I'll tell you what you can do for me."

"What's that?"  I ask suspiciously.

"You can let me pray for you."

And that's exactly what he did as the wind from the passing vehicles whipped my hair wildly about my face, He called on his Father in heaven to protect me and guide me safely home.  

That was unexpected!  I thought as I watched him cross the lanes of traffic to return to his 18-wheeler.

Just as I expected certain behavior to come out of the tough-looking character who helped me on the side of the road that day, so do I assume Jesus will show up in places that fit into my experiences, upbringing and understanding.  Maybe I'm looking for Jesus in the wrong places.  I think I should find Him in the lofty, impressive locations instead of in dirty, lowly positions.


It could be that the young girl selling herself shamelessly on the street corner needs to hear of the Savior who loves her like a precious jewel. Or the loud and obnoxious customer who gets on my last nerve just may need a kind word from Jesus today.  Maybe the neighbor who's been nasty to me could use a dose of forgiveness from the Prince of peace.  When I venture into those places, Jesus goes with me, even though it doesn't seem like the kind of place you'd find a King. 

It's always been this way with Jesus.  He came to earth as a human out of obedience to His Father.  From the moment He was placed in Mary's womb, he began shattering people's perceptions of what the Messiah would look like, from what family he would come and to what position He would hold.  I might as well face it, my expectations are way off.

Righteousness

Jesus really let them have it.  "Hypocrites!  You try to look so good on the outside, but really you're filled with greed and self-indulgence.  You try to appear righteous to people but really you're like a whitewashed tomb; full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.  Your heart is wicked."  (paraphrased from Matthew 23:25-28)

It's easy for me to point my finger at the Pharisees and teachers of the law to whom Jesus reprimanded.  After all, Jesus himself called them out as examples of self-righteousness.  But I'm not so different.  I effortlessly slip into the role of goody-two-shoes and judge as I advise others on how they should handle their difficulties, making myself appear above the fray instead of sharing the reality of my own struggles.

I'm no better than anyone else apart from the sanctifying blood of Jesus, but I can paint a picture of uprightness and virtue that no one else can live up to.  Withholding my own struggles and putting on a good front before others can earn me the reputation of a "perfect Christian." Acting as if I am good enough on my own is what Jesus labeled as "blind."  

After healing him of his blindness, a man worshiped Jesus as he professed his faith in the Messiah.  But the Jewish leaders sneered at His identity.  So Jesus said, "I entered this world to render judgment--to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."  (John 9:39 NLT)  If I think I'm good, I'm only fooling myself.  God doesn't grade on a curve; I can't compare myself to others.  Instead, God's standard is perfection, and I fall far short of that expectation.

I may expect that if I follow Jesus I can declare myself righteous, but it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that God will present me as righteous by faith.

Salvation

If I were to tailor-make my own savior, I would probably choose someone who would keep me from any pain, hurt, difficulty or hardship.  My specially-created rescuer would cater to my desire to live a life of comfort and happiness.  

That fantasy of mine, however, cannot be translated to my real Savior.  Jesus doesn't shield me from the fire, but actually uses the hard times to refine me and shape me more into His likeness.  Pain and anguish are a part of my walk with Christ.  He was not shielded from it, so why should I expect to be?

Twentieth Century Calvin Theological Seminary President Cornelius Plantinga Jr. put it into perspective.  He said, "We do not want suffering; we want success.  We identify not with those who are low and hurt but with those who are high and healthy.  We don't like lepers or losers very well; we prefer climbers and comers.  For Christians, the temptation to be conformed to this world is desperately sweet and strong.  Yet, says the apostle Paul, we are children of God if we suffer with Christ."

Suffering is a part of the deal when I agreed to follow Jesus.  He is, however, a Savior.  Although He doesn't rescue me from trouble, He does save me from eternal death and separation from God.  When He died on the cross, He took my sins along with all the other sins of all mankind and bore them upon Himself.  He died the death that was meant for me, and in so doing, gave me the gift of everlasting life.  That is the salvation Jesus offers.

I may expect that if I follow Jesus I will be saved from any suffering, but instead He offers life eternal and perfection through suffering.

Attitude

My husband and I were recently offered a weekend in a nice hotel in a nearby resort town.  We gratefully accepted the generous gift and enjoyed our little getaway.  As I chatted with the waitress one morning, she shared with me how mean many customers acted.  They were demanding and careless, treating her more like an object than a woman made in God's image.

I thought how strange it is that those who have so much tend to get snooty and full of themselves, tending to think that everyone is there to cater to their needs.  As abhorrent I find this attitude, it is not so different from mine in many respects.  How often do I want to be elevated and recognized for my efforts or position?  I may expect a certain level of respect from people, and when I don't receive it, I'm ready to fight for it!

Jesus, however, never held this outlook.  Instead, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. . .he humbled himself and became obedient to death. . ." (Philippians 2:6-8)

If anyone deserved to be treated well, it was Jesus.  He created all things and is above all things, yet He lowered himself to a mere created being.  He took disrespect, disgrace and rudeness as part of the package.  He was fully aware of Who He was yet was able to accept less than appropriate treatment from those He came to save.

If Jesus, who truly deserved honor and respect, can lower himself to the position of servant, can't I, who is a sinner at heart, humble myself enough to love the unlovable?

I may expect that if I follow Jesus I'll be treated with admiration and esteem, but instead He offers humility and meekness.

Jesus came to offer righteousness through faith not through effort, salvation from death but not suffering, and an attitude of humility.  My flesh may not desire these things, but in trusting Him with my life I will find that my assumptions will be crucified as I begin to expect the unexpected from Jesus.

As I begin this day I pray that I can drop my expectations and look for evidence of Jesus all around me.

How do I expect certain treatment from people, contrary to the example Jesus set?

When do I resent the suffering I am currently withstanding, forgetting that it will work to perfect me?