ICS Daily Devotions
God Desires Holistic Prosperity for Us
Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 (NKJV) Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labour—this is the gift of God.
Many Christians view God only as a judge and never a loving Heavenly Father. While God is holy, just, and righteous, He is also a loving Father who gives good and perfect gifts to us. One of the biggest misconceptions about God is that He is a killjoy and doesn’t want us to enjoy life on earth, but Scripture reveals that God does want us to enjoy life on earth—He wants his children to do well and be blessed on earth. God brought the Israelites into a land flowing with milk and honey—there was no lack for them; He didn’t mind them building nice houses and eating good food. He rejoices over the prosperity of his servants. In the New Testament, Jesus told us that the Father knows what we need and will provide everything for us.
Psalm 35:27 (Amplified) Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favour my vindication and want what is right for me; Let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
Men are created to work. Our work should come in third in our priorities after God and our family, and God wants us to enjoy the fruit of our labour. In fact, He is the one who gives us riches and wealth. Nevertheless, God wants us to rely on Him, trust and have faith in Him. He desires us to have holistic prosperity where we are blessed in spirit, soul, and body, and not just materially—to be physically healthy, walking with Him daily and have good interpersonal relationships in the family. We should praise, worship, and give thanks to God when God causes us to prosper financially. Just like our earthly father who rejoices over our success and accomplishments, our Heavenly Father is also delightful and glad that we are prospering by serving Him in the marketplace. Promotion comes neither from the east nor the west, but from the Lord!
Therefore, one shouldn’t feel guilty about being rich and successful as a Christian, but we should enjoy the blessings of God. You can dress well, drive a good car, live in a nice house, and go on holiday without feeling guilty because it is the blessing of God.
Sermon Series: Don’t Talk About Money, Pastor! (Part 2)
