ICS Daily Devotions
The dangers of pursuing material prosperity
3 John 2a (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things…(emphasis added)
Material and financial prosperity will be the first thing that comes to many people’s minds when the word “prosper” is being uttered. However, we worship a God who loves us and has established an everlasting covenant with us through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have a good Heavenly Father who loves us more than our earthly father therefore we should be well provided and will have no lack in life. This should be our conviction that we will have no lack based on what we need in this life.
Everyone wants to have many nice and beautiful things in this life. The scripture in Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) says that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” It does not say He will supply all your wants in life. It does not promise that all of you will be multi-millionaires although many of you already are. The Bible advocates godliness with contentment is great gain. We will be influenced by the spirit of the world if we are not careful.
There was an article in the South China Morning Post dated 30th January 2021 that covered the definition of success for women who are in their thirties in China. Their definition of success would be to have a well-paying job, own properties, carry an Hermès Birkin bag, drive a premium car, go to the gymnasium for exercise and have a western culture mindset. The media also portrays that one should marry well however marriage may not be a priority in their minds. Money is king and god. That is the definition of prosperity to the world.
The media is a very powerful source in getting us to conform to the world. Many of us may not carry such values in life but it is good to guard against them or else we will be very dissatisfied with our lives.
• What is the point of carrying an Hermès Birkin bag when the person has a bad attitude and character?
• What is the point of having all the financial independence, but the person is emotionally disturbed because of strained and fake relationships?
• What is the point of having financial independence, marrying up only to be miserable in the marriage?
• What is the point of having all the world’s material wealth but not have God and hope in this world?
• What is the point of gaining the whole world but losing one’s soul?
It is vanity of vanities, chasing after the wind! It is when we pursue and love wealth, then we are pierced with many sorrows.
Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV) The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.
When it is the Lord who blesses us, He will not add sorrow with it. He will bless the work of our hands. He will bless our jobs and give us the promotion due to us when we are diligent and faithful in all that He has called us to do. We worship a God who created the heavens and the earth. He will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. He will provide for our needs when we journey with Him throughout our lives.
Sermon Series – Is Your Soul Prospering
